“I once wrote to abu al-Hassan al-Rida’ ‘Alayhi al-Salam, saying, ‘Certain people of your followers from Basrah assume the state of Ihram at Batn al-‘Aqiq. There is no water at that place or station. It makes things very difficult for them, their companions rush them as well as camel men. Fifteen miles after that place is a station, which has water where they disembark. If you consider it proper, instruct them to assume the state of Ihram at this place, which makes things easier for them. He (the Imam) wrote, ‘The Messenger of Allah, O Allah, grant compensation to Muhammad and his family worthy of their services to Your cause, designated Mawaqit (places for assuming the state of Ihram) for their people as well as those who pass through them. However, there is permission for people who have difficulty and illness. It is not permissible to pass Miqat (place for assuming the state of Ihram) without acceptable reason (excuse).”’