Masjid al-Zulhulaifah, also recognized as the Miqat Mosque, holds a special role as the demarcation point where individuals traveling from Medina to Mecca initiate the sacred state of Ihram, signifying the commencement of their pilgrimage. Established by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), this mosque is located approximately 11 kilometers southwest of the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.
During the Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajjat al-Wada), Prophet Muhammad (SAW) spent a night at Zulhulaifah, engaging in prayers beneath a semure tree, a practice he had observed during two prior Umrah journeys. Often referred to as the “Tree Mosque,” this location became a significant site for those departing from Medina to Mecca, as they followed the Prophet’s example by entering into the state of Ihram here.
The original site where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) prayed remained preserved and marked for an extended period. Masjid al-Zulhulaifah underwent various rebuilds and renovations throughout history, with a major reconstruction occurring during King Fahd’s reign. The area surrounding the mosque was developed to cater to the needs of pilgrims initiating the state of Ihram for Umrah or Hajj.
Masjid al-Zulhulaifah stands as a crucial juncture for individuals embarking on the pilgrimage journey from Medina to Mecca. It pays homage to the Prophet Muhammad’s practice of initiating the state of Ihram, a pivotal step in the sacred pilgrimage rituals.