Miqat Qarn al-Manazil Al-Sayl al-Kabir
A sacred spiritual gateway east of Makkah, where pilgrims enter the state of Ihram before Hajj or Umrah. Known for its serene mosque and welcoming fel...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Fulfill religious obligation
Miqat Qarn al-Manazil Al-Sayl al-Kabir
Best Time
Fulfill religious obligation
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred spiritual gateway east of Makkah, where pilgrims enter the state of Ihram before Hajj or Umrah. Known for its serene mosque and welcoming feline residents.
"A blessed and peaceful Miqat with excellent facilities for pilgrims. Well maintained and easy to access with plenty of cats to enjoy and photograph."
🎯 Enter Ihram Before Crossing
Crucial to wear Ihram before this point if it's your designated Miqat. Don't pass without it!
🧼 Clean Facilities Available
Well-maintained mosque and changing rooms for ghusl and Ihram preparation. :shower:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Sacred Mosque
Main prayer area
A serene mosque where pilgrims enter the state of Ihram, pray, and make their intentions for Hajj or Umrah.
Ihram Changing Facilities
Designated areas
Clean and spacious facilities for men and women to perform ghusl and change into Ihram garments.
Pilgrim Amenities
Surrounding shops and services
Shops selling Ihram essentials and travel necessities, along with ample parking for vehicles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Significance of Ihram
Plan Your Route Carefully
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Insider Tips
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🎯 Enter Ihram Before Crossing
Crucial to wear Ihram before this point if it's your designated Miqat. Don't pass without it!
🧼 Clean Facilities Available
Well-maintained mosque and changing rooms for ghusl and Ihram preparation. :shower:
Umrah miqat
🛍️ Ihram Garments for Sale
Shops nearby offer Ihram clothing and other travel essentials. :shopping_bags:
🚗 Ample Parking Space
Sufficient parking for private cars and buses. :oncoming_bus:
Where is my miqat if im already in Jeddah but not a local resident
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from all over the internet
🎯 Enter Ihram Before Crossing
Crucial to wear Ihram before this point if it's your designated Miqat. Don't pass without it!
🧼 Clean Facilities Available
Well-maintained mosque and changing rooms for ghusl and Ihram preparation. :shower:
🛍️ Ihram Garments for Sale
Shops nearby offer Ihram clothing and other travel essentials. :shopping_bags:
🚗 Ample Parking Space
Sufficient parking for private cars and buses. :oncoming_bus:
🐈 Friendly Feline Companions
Many cats roam the area; enjoy their company and take photos! :cat:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Miqat Qarn al-Manazil to be a blessed and peaceful spiritual gateway, praising its clean facilities and serene mosque. The presence of friendly cats adds a unique charm. Some note that while essential amenities are available, extensive dining options are limited, and pilgrims must be mindful of entering Ihram before crossing this significant boundary.
"A blessed and peaceful Miqat with excellent facilities for pilgrims. Well maintained and easy to access with plenty of cats to enjoy and photograph."
Riz
"The miqat is a boundary at which Muslim pilgrims intending to perform the Hajj or Umrah must enter the state of ihram, a state of consecration in which certain permitted activities are made prohibited. Those who cross the boundary without having entered into the state of ihram must perform an animal sacrifice (Damm) as expiation.
As-Sayl Al-Kabīr (Arabic: ٱلسَّيْل ٱلْكَبِيْر) is a village in Makkah Region, western Saudi Arabia, which is located some distance from the city of Taif. Abdullah ibn Abbas narrated that his cousin, the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, had fixed Qarn al-Manāzil (قَرْن ٱلْمَنَازِل) as the miqat for the people of Najd. It has also been used as a miqat by people coming from places like Oman, the U.A.E., Pakistan, Malaysia and Australia."
shahanawaz ahmad
"Qarn al-Manazil is located 80 kilometres (50 miles) east of Makkah. This is the Miqat for the people of Najd and those travelling from countries such as the U.A.E, Oman, Pakistan, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore etc. It is situated near the city of Ta’if."
Mohammad Umar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Miqat Qarn al-Manazil is located about 80 kilometers east of Makkah. You can hire a taxi or arrange for private transport. Many pilgrims traveling from Riyadh, Dammam, or the UAE will pass through this Miqat on their way to Makkah.
The Miqat is situated near the city of Taif, approximately 35 kilometers north of Taif. It's a convenient stop for those traveling from Taif towards Makkah.
While direct public transport might be limited, many bus services operate between major cities like Taif and Makkah, and you can often arrange stops or transfers. It's best to check local bus schedules or consider ride-sharing options.
You can find the location using GPS coordinates. Searching for 'Miqat Qarn al-Manazil' or 'As-Sayl Al-Kabir' on mapping applications will guide you accurately.
Yes, private vehicles are common. There is ample parking available at the Miqat site for pilgrims arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to enter the Miqat area or the mosque. It is a religious site open to all pilgrims intending to perform Hajj or Umrah.
The Miqat is accessible 24/7, as pilgrims can arrive at any time to enter the state of Ihram. The mosque facilities are always available.
Entry to the mosque is free of charge. It is a place of worship and spiritual significance for pilgrims.
Crossing the Miqat boundary without entering the state of Ihram, if it is your designated point, requires an animal sacrifice (Damm) as expiation.
If you miss your designated Miqat, you must go to the nearest Miqat to perform Ihram. If you have already passed all Miqats, you must offer a sacrifice (Damm).
🎫 🕌 Onsite Experience
The site includes a mosque for prayer and entering Ihram, clean restrooms, and changing facilities for men and women. There are also shops selling Ihram garments and essentials.
The mosque has separate prayer areas designated for men and women to ensure comfort and adherence to religious practices.
Shops located around the Miqat area sell Ihram garments, towels, and other necessary items for pilgrims.
While there isn't dedicated accommodation, the mosque provides a peaceful environment for rest and reflection. Pilgrims often rest briefly before continuing their journey.
Photography is generally permitted for personal memories, but it's advisable to be respectful of other pilgrims and avoid intrusive photography, especially during prayer times. The cats are a popular subject! :camerawithflash:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are shops selling essentials, dedicated restaurants are limited. It's advisable to bring your own snacks or plan to eat before or after your visit.
Yes, small shops usually sell bottled water and light refreshments. It's always a good idea to carry your own water bottle.
The nearest significant dining options would be in the city of Taif or Makkah. The Miqat itself is primarily a spiritual stop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to bring snacks and drinks for children, as dedicated food services are minimal. Ensure children understand the importance of the Miqat as a sacred place and the concept of Ihram, even in simple terms. The spacious mosque area can provide a calm environment for them to rest briefly before continuing the journey.
✈️ Travelers Arriving by Air
It's crucial to clarify your specific Miqat with your travel agent or airline. If you are unsure or have already passed your intended Miqat without entering Ihram, consult with a religious scholar or your tour operator for guidance on the necessary expiation (Damm).
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Miqat
From a legal perspective, entering the state of Ihram before crossing the Miqat is obligatory (wajib). If a pilgrim crosses this boundary without Ihram, they are required to offer a sacrifice, known as Damm, as expiation for the missed obligation.
+1Many visitors describe the atmosphere at Miqat Qarn al-Manazil as peaceful and blessed. It's a place where the journey of submission truly begins, offering a moment of reflection and spiritual preparation. The presence of numerous cats, often seen enjoying the sun and interacting with visitors, adds a unique and charming element to the experience, providing opportunities for lighthearted moments amidst the spiritual solemnity.
Practicalities for Pilgrims
Parking is ample, accommodating both private vehicles and buses, which is beneficial for groups and families. Travelers are advised to be mindful of their designated Miqat. If you are flying, your Miqat might be on the plane, and you would need to enter Ihram at that point. For land travel, ensuring you stop at your designated Miqat, like Qarn al-Manazil, is crucial to avoid the need for expiation.
While the focus is on spiritual preparation, the presence of many cats has become a notable feature, often seen lounging around the area. They are generally friendly and can be a source of amusement and a popular subject for photographs, adding a touch of local charm to the pilgrimage experience.
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