What is the Arabic name for the pilgrimage route boundary where pilgrims must enter ihram?

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The pilgrimage route boundary where pilgrims must enter ihram is called a miqat.

Miqat refers to designated points or boundaries around Mecca established for pilgrims approaching to perform hajj or umrah. Before crossing the relevant boundary, pilgrims make their intention and enter the sacred state of ihram. The appropriate miqat depends on the direction from which a pilgrim approaches Mecca.

The term is sometimes confused with ihram itself. Ihram is the consecrated state, while a miqat is the boundary associated with entering that state. Pilgrims traveling by air may enter ihram before reaching the miqat, because an aircraft can cross the boundary quickly and there may be no practical opportunity to prepare afterward.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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