Makkah is one of the most important cities in Islamic theology and a dream for millions of Muslims throughout the world. Mecca is not only the place for Umrah, but it is also the city of powerful, inspiring moments, and exciting historical sightseeing. The ziarat in Makkah provides religious tourists with an opportunity to pray and associate with Islam and its early cultures.
In Umrah, some beautiful places have been discovered to be available in addition to the bare practices of Umrah. From the splendid masjid Al Haram to the old mountains that bear the testimony of change in Islamic history, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has numerous places to see that enhance the spirituality of the journey of Hajj and Umrah.
This article will both inform you about the best ziyarat places and the religious significance of this city that you will receive light if you are privileged to make a trip to this holy city.
Of religious importance for the Muslims and for ziyarat in Makkah, is Masjid Al-Haram, also known as the Great Mosque of Mecca. This Muslim holy place enshrines the Kaaba; it contains the only ; adding that the majority of the hajj and umrah sites are found here.
However, the mosque represents the soul of Islam and millions of Muslims come to the mosque every year.
Inside Masjid Al-Haram the most important part is Kaaba – a cube-shaped building covered with a black cloth called Kiswah. This structure is the holiest of holies in Islam and also the direction in which Muslims turn in prayer five times each day. It was constructed at Bakkah by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail as per the instruction from Allah.
While in the Holy Land, performing the Hajj or Umrah, it is a requirement that pilgrims make Tawaf, which involves the circumambulation of the Kaaba seven times in a given direction, in this case counterclockwise.
They contain the Kaaba, one of the most extraordinary heavenly sacred precincts in the Islamic world, with the Black Stone or Hajar al-Aswad, which is arranged on the Kaaba’s eastern side. The Islamic symbolic meaning is even stronger because it is considered to originate from Paradise.
Once white it gets black due to the sins of people who have come into contact with it. There is the desire by the Pilgrims to touch or kiss the Black Stone, during the Tawaf just as Prophet Muhammad did. If they are unable to get close enough due to people around them they may gesture towards it as they walk.
The other part of the Hajj and Umrah performance is Sa’i, a ritual where worshippers either run or walk from Safa to Marwa. Both of these two low terrains, now surrounded by the precincts of Masjid Al-Haram, are associated with the events of Hajar, a mother who was frantically looking for water for her son, Ismail. People following her path as pilgrims walk seven kilometers, and thus, they complete seven laps around two hills devoted to praying in honor of her faith.
Over the years, alterations to the structure of Masjid Al-Haram have occurred in several occasions due to increased congregation traffic. However it is today one of the wonders of Islamic architecture and provides accommodation for millions of worshippers. It actually comprises of a number of amenities needed by the visitors to the mosque such as praying sections, washing places or the so called Masaa’e for washing before praying and the well of Zamzam.
For first time persons sizing up the spiritual journey, the Al-Masjid Al-Mubarak of the Holy Kaaba retains the feel of the best place to visit during Umrah amongst the places of interest in Makkah. Its size, history, and the cultural, religious ceremonies happening inside have turned it into the focus of Islamic tourism and a place Muslims from all over the world have to visit.
Makkah is a city which has great importance to the Islamic world and is situated near high Mountains. These holy mountains have served many moments in Islamic history and are also on the list of important places to visit during Umrah in Makkah. Here are some of the well respected mountains that are part of the ziyarat in Makkah?
Jabal Al-Nour also known as “Mount of Light,” is a mountain located at Makkah’s outskirts, near the city of Makkah. Elevating to almost 642 meters, this mountain can be recognized due to the conical shape somewhat resembling the hump of a camel. On the top the cave of Hira a very small natural section which is at present measuring 3.7m in length and only 1.6m in width.
The actual cave of Hira is an Islamic historical site because according to Islamic tradition, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the first revelation in the Quran in this cave. : It was here the ‘Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) descended and delivered the first verses of Al Alaq to the Prophet. Thus the event was occurred that as a result of which offered the beginning of the mission of the Prophet and the age of Islam.
Many visitors get to the Place of Zabur to Jabal Al-Nour with a preference to the Cave of Hira in Makkah. The climb is a steep one, however the experience and view of the holiest city Jerusalem is an experience of a life time up on the roof top. However, it should be noted that, the cave situated in Mecca is not mandatory for tourist to visit if they are doing the hajj and ummrah.
Also known as Jabal Ar-Rahmah (Mountain of Mercy), Mount Arafat is a granite hill located about 20 kilometers southeast of Makkah. Standing at a height of about 70 meters, this mountain plays a crucial role in the Hajj pilgrimage.
On the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims gather on the plains of Arafat surrounding the mountain for the most important ritual of Hajj – the Standing at Arafat. This is where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his farewell sermon to the Muslims who had accompanied him for his last pilgrimage.
Mount Arafat is believed to be the place where Adam and Eve were reunited on Earth after their descent from Heaven. The mountain’s significance is underscored by the Prophet’s saying, “Hajj is Arafat,” emphasizing the importance of this location in the pilgrimage.
Jabal Thawr is a mountain about 4 kilometers south of Makkah. It stands at around 759 meters tall. This mountain is famous for the Cave of Thawr, a key site in Islamic history.
The Prophet Muhammad and his companion Abu Bakr hid in the Cave of Thawr during their migration. They stayed there for three days. Allah protected them by making a spider web across the cave’s entrance, making it seem like no one had been there.
The Quran talks about this miracle, showing Allah’s care for the Prophet and Abu Bakr. While visiting Jabal Thawr is not required for Hajj or Umrah, many pilgrims go there. They want to connect with this important Islamic story.
These mountains in Makkah have their own stories and meanings. They give pilgrims a deeper spiritual experience and a closer connection to Islamic heritage when they visit.
Makkah is home to numerous historical sites and cemeteries that hold great significance for Muslims. These places offer pilgrims a chance to connect with Islamic history and deepen their spiritual experience during their ziyarat in Makkah.
Jannat Al-Mu’alla, also known as Al-Hajun, is one of the oldest and most important cemeteries in Makkah. It’s located to the north of Masjid al-Haram. This sacred burial ground is where many key figures in Islamic history rest.
It’s a must-see for those exploring Makkah during Umrah. The cemetery is where many of Prophet Muhammad’s relatives were buried before he moved to Madinah in 622 CE. Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the Prophet’s first wife and the first to embrace Islam, is buried here.
Her strong support in Islam’s early days is greatly valued by Muslims everywhere. Abdul Muttalib, the Prophet’s grandfather, and Abu Talib, his uncle, who helped protect and support the Prophet, are also buried here. For many, Jannat Al-Mu’alla is more than a cemetery. It’s a place for deep spiritual reflection, connecting visitors to Islam’s history and heritage.
Masjid Al-Taneem, also known as Masjid Aisha, is a key site for ziyarat in Makkah. It’s about 7 kilometers northwest of Makkah and 7.5 kilometers north of the Grand Mosque. This mosque is important for Muslims doing Umrah.
Built in 854 CE, it’s famous because Aisha, Prophet Muhammad’s wife, prepared for Ihram here in 632 CE. Because of its close location to the Grand Mosque, it’s also called the ‘Miqat Mosque’ or the ‘Umrah Mosque’.
The mosque has grown and changed over time. Now, it covers 6,000 square meters. Its whole area is 84,000 square meters. This lets it hold up to 15,000 people at once.
It’s a favorite spot for pilgrims all year, especially during Hajj and Umrah. This makes it a bustling place for worship and prayer.
One of the most revered places to visit in Makkah during Umrah is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad. It’s located near the Suq Lail market. This site holds immense historical and spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide.
Prophet Muhammad was born here on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-awwal in 570 CE. Today, it’s a library called “Maktaba Makkah al-Mukarramah.” It houses Islamic literature and serves as a place for research and study.
In 1950, the Mayor of Makkah, Sheik Abbas Bin Yusuf Al-Qatthan, turned it into a library. Despite changes, Muslims worldwide still value this location. They come to offer gratitude and reflect on the Prophet’s life and teachings.
These historical sites and cemeteries in Makkah offer pilgrims a unique chance to connect with Islamic heritage. They are essential stops during ziyarat in Makkah. They provide a deeper understanding of the city’s rich history and the early days of Islam. This enhances the spiritual journey of those visiting the holy city.
While Makkah is renowned for its historical and religious significance, the city also boasts impressive modern landmarks that have become integral parts of the ziyarat in Makkah. These contemporary structures blend seamlessly with the city’s rich heritage, offering visitors a unique experience during their Umrah journey.
The Abraj Al-Bait Towers, also known as the Clock Towers, showcase Makkah’s architectural skill. This complex of seven skyscrapers stands out in the city’s skyline. The Makkah Clock Royal Tower, the central tower, is 601 meters tall, ranking it as the third-tallest building globally.
The complex’s most eye-catching feature is the world’s largest clock face, at 43 meters in diameter. It glows with two million LED lights, guiding pilgrims from afar. The complex also has a five-story shopping mall with about 4,000 stores. It offers a modern shopping experience for all visitors.
Occupying the top four floors of the Abraj Al-Bait clock tower, the Makkah Clock Royal Tower Museum has become one of the must-visit places in Makkah during Umrah. Opened in May 2019, this museum offers a unique educational experience for visitors.
The museum is spread across four floors, each dedicated to a specific theme. The first floor showcases the architectural and foundational design of the Makkah tower, while the second floor exhibits ancient time measurement methods. The third floor explains how celestial bodies were used to organize life and activities in the past. The fourth floor is dedicated to space and planets, offering visitors a glimpse into the vastness of the universe.
One of the highlights of the museum is its observation deck, which provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of Makkah and the Grand Mosque. Many visitors find the experience of offering prayers here, with the Kaaba in view, to be deeply moving.
For those looking to combine their spiritual journey with some modern conveniences, Makkah Mall offers an excellent option. Located in the Aziziyah neighborhood, this shopping center is just a 15-minute walk from the Grand Mosque, making it easily accessible for pilgrims.
The mall features over 140 brands spread across multiple floors, catering to various shopping needs. It also houses entertainment areas, including the Billy Beez amusement park for children, providing a welcome diversion for families. The food court offers a wide range of international cuisines, allowing visitors to refuel during their shopping excursion.
These modern landmarks add a contemporary dimension to the ziarat in Makkah, complementing the city’s historical and religious sites. They offer pilgrims the opportunity to experience the blend of tradition and modernity that characterizes present-day Makkah, enhancing their overall pilgrimage experience.
Makkah’s ziyarat spots offer a profound journey through Islamic history and spirituality. From the Masjid Al-Haram with its sacred Kaaba to the ancient mountains that have witnessed pivotal moments in the faith, each site has a unique story to tell. These places have an influence on pilgrims’ hearts, deepening their connection to Islamic heritage and providing a chance to reflect on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
The blend of historical sites and modern landmarks in Makkah showcases the city’s evolution while maintaining its spiritual essence. Whether climbing Jabal Al-Nour to visit the Cave of Hira or exploring the Makkah Clock Royal Tower Museum, pilgrims find opportunities to enrich their Umrah experience. This journey through Makkah’s sacred places not only fulfills religious obligations but also leaves a lasting impact on one’s faith and understanding of Islam.
PilgrimCab offers a seamless travel experience for pilgrims, ensuring stress-free Ziyara services in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. From airport pickups to hotel drop-offs and vice versa.
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