Madinah's miqat and a large mosque where pilgrims enter ihram on the road to Makkah. Open for pilgrims throughout the day.
Dhu al-Hulayfah, also known as Abyar Ali, is the miqat of Madinah, the point where pilgrims coming from the city enter the state of ihram for Umrah or Hajj. It lies roughly 10 to 14 km south-west of the Prophet's Mosque, on the road to Makkah near Wadi al-Aqiq, on the road to Makkah. The large modern mosque there has ablution areas and facilities for changing into ihram. The site is functional rather than scenic and is visited by pilgrims, not tourists. Muslims travelling to Makkah usually stop for ghusl, the two rak'ahs and the intention for Umrah. Visitors who are not Muslim cannot travel on to Makkah, so there is no reason for them to visit the miqat. It is free and open around the clock, and is reached by taxi, hired car or organised transfer.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open throughout the day; confirm night hours on site |
| Typical visit | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Best time | Early morning |
| Getting there | Taxi, ride-hail or Umrah coach, roughly 10 to 14 km south-west of the centre |
| Address | Dhu al-Hulayfah Mosque (Abyar Ali), Madinah-Makkah road, Madinah |
Location
Dhu al-Hulayfah Mosque (Abyar Ali), Madinah-Makkah road, Madinah
24.4137, 39.5424 View on map
Highlights
- The ihram point for pilgrims leaving Madinah
- Large mosque with ablution and changing facilities
- Located south-west of the city on the Makkah road
- Open throughout the day; confirm night hours on site
Tips for visiting
- Arrive having made wudu and carrying ihram if travelling to Makkah.
- Ride-hailing from the central area costs roughly SAR 40-60 one way (about $11-16, estimate).
- Avoid the site at peak pilgrim times.
- Facilities for women are separate.
- Muslims only; non-Muslims cannot continue to Makkah.
When to visit
Early morning or late evening.
Accessibility
Large step-free modern mosque with accessible toilets.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dhu al-Hulayfah?
It is the miqat for pilgrims travelling from Madinah to Makkah.
Is it open at night?
Yes, it is open all hours.
Is there a fee?
No.
Is it a tourist site?
It is mainly for pilgrims entering ihram.