Masjid Miqat (Dhul Hulaifah) - Madinah

Miqat mosque or Masjid Meeqat is located on the western side of Al-Aqeeq Valley. It is around 10 kilometers away from Masjid an-Nabawi. 

Importance in Islam

Miqat mosque holds a special place because the Prophet (P.B.U.H) defined it as the miqat for the people of Medina. As pilgrims arrive for umrah or hajj, they stop by the mosque in order to enter into ihram and make the intention of performing umrah before they leave for Mecca. People inside Mecca, who have to perform umrah, travel to the mosque especially so they can enter into ihram.

History

The Miqat Mosque Complex was designed by the architect Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil. It was built between 80 and 90 A.H. when Umar bin Abdul Aziz was governor of Medina. After the initial construction, the mosque has been renovated several times. The latest renovation happened during the time of King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz, who expanded the area in order to equip the mosque with the necessary facilities.

Structure

Built in the shape of a square, the mosque covers an area of 6000 m². There are two sets of galleries in the mosque that are separated by a yard. These galleries are shaped like arches ending with long domes. The minaret of the mosque is square at the bottom and round at the top, distinguishing it from other mosques in the area. A green central garden with lots of greenery and trees is located beside the mosque. There is a separate area for pilgrims where they can do ablution and change into ihrams. The mosque is located on the highway so that it is convenient for the pilgrims to reach it.