Kuala lumpur: Malaysian pilgrims have been reminded to seriously observe the miqat rule when leaving Makkah for places such as Taif before the Day of Arafah, as re-entering the Holy Land without being in ihram (a sacred state) could mean they must pay an additional penalty. Miqat is a designated boundary or point where Muslims intending to perform haj or umrah (minor haj) must enter ihram before proceeding to Makkah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tabung Haji Haj Expert Dr Mohd Sirajuddin Siswadi Putera Mohamed Shith said the issue mainly affects haj pilgrims performing Tamattu' pilgrimage (a form of haj in which pilgrims perform umrah first, exit the state of ihram, and later re-enter ihram to perform the haj rituals). He stated that many pilgrims opt to visit Taif before the Masyair period (the peak of haj), but they must know the Islamic rules that apply when returning to Makkah.

Haj pilgrims performing Tamattu' who travel more than two marhalah (81 km), such as to Taif, must renew their ihram intention for either haj or umrah at the miqat before entering Makkah. Failure to do so requires them to pay dam isa'ah tertib and taqdir, which involves the sacrifice of a goat. This rule does not affect pilgrims performing Haj Ifrad and Haj Qiran, as they remain in ihram throughout the entire period.

The Resolution of the 36th National Muzakarah Haj Session 1441H/2019 clarifies that Tamattu' pilgrims who travel to Taif before the Day of Arafah must re-enter ihram at Qarnul Manazil when returning to Makkah, as they are still intending to perform haj. If they make the intention for haj at the miqat, no additional dam will be imposed. However, if they only make the intention for haj after arriving in Makkah, they are considered to have crossed the miqat without entering ihram, resulting in two penalties.

Dr Mohd Sirajuddin Siswadi Putera also reminded pilgrims to comply with the regulations set by Saudi authorities, which have tightened controls at entry points to Makkah to ensure only haj visa holders are allowed to remain in the Holy Land throughout the pilgrimage. Safety concerns and the public interest are among the reasons travel beyond the miqat area is discouraged before the completion of the Masyair operations.