Religious Travel Guide: Exploring the Holy Sites of Makkah
Makkah is a holy city in Islam, located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Many people, almost all Muslims, visit Makkah each year to conduct the religious duties of Hajj and Umrah. That’s the main reason Makkah is so famous among Muslims around the world; it’s the city that never sleeps. Non-Muslims may not be allowed to enter the city premises.
If you are planning your religious travel to Makkah via an Umrah booking, this guide is for you. Exploring the holy sites of Makkah means visiting historical and Islamic sites directly associated with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and other Islamic shrines. Let’s see in depth how to visit these respected sites and make the most of your religious trip!
Religious travel doesn’t just mean roaming about or visiting the places; it’s about remembering the past and learning the lessons. Actually, this type of tourism strengthens your faith, familiarises you with the past, and gives you spiritual comfort.
Explore the Mountain of Light in Makkah
Mountain of Light, also known as Jabal al-Noor, is famous for a unique spiritual event. This mountain is only 4 kilometres away from the city centre on the north side. The shape of this mount is unusual, but it’s famous and prominent in the city. Climbing to the peak is difficult for most pilgrims and takes about 1 to 2 hours. Pilgrims walk on the mountain’s peak on foot during Hajj and Umrah.
Jabal al-Noor is famous for the Cave of Hira, a small cave that can accommodate four to five people. In this cave, the process of prophethood was started with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). On 610 CE, Allah SWT revealed the first revelation of the Holy Quran through His Angel Gabriel (A.S) on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
When you are exploring this holy site, pay respect and show modesty. Remember the event and the beginning of Islam, which started from here. Also, you can offer Nafl prayers and read the Holy Quran.
Experience the Sacred Cave of Thawr
Jabal Thawr or Cave of Thawr is located in the southern direction of Makkah and is only 4 to 5 kilometres from the Masjid al-Haram. The mountain is 760 metres high, making it difficult for visitors to climb up. Climbing can take 1.5 to 2 hours, but older ones may take more. The whole mount is rocky and has steep ways. On the peak of the mountain, a Cave of Thawr is located on the eastern side. The Cave of Thawr is very narrow from the inside and has two openings.
A famous event in Islam is linked to this cave: the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and His close friend, Abu Bakr (R.A.), took shelter there. They spend three nights in this cave to protect themselves from Quraysh-e-Makkah. Allah SWT helped them through a spider web and a wild pigeon nest. This makes an illusion in Quraysh’s minds, and they return from the cave while thinking they both wouldn’t be inside the cave.
You can explore this holy Ziyarat in Makkah during your pilgrimage. You should experience there how Allah SWT show His unseen help to people. The cave shows the complete trust and belief in Allah SWT. You can pray there and recite Quranic verses.
Discover the History of Jannat al-Mu’alla
Jannat al-Mu’alla is the oldest and most famous cemetery in Makkah. Al-Mu’alla is a very large cemetery where many notable Islamic figures are buried. This cemetery is approximately 1 km away from Masjid al-Haram’s north side. People who do Ziyarat here mostly walk. It’s a must-see spot for every pilgrim who discovers Makkah.
The key personalities buried in Jannat al-Mu’alla include Khadija bint Khuwaylid (R.A.), Qasim bin Muhammad, Abdullah bin Muhammad, Abu Talib, and Bibi Amina (R.A.). The main purpose of visiting this cemetery is to remember the afterlife. Muslims and visitors who go there ask forgiveness for those who are buried in the cemetery.
Pilgrims are advised not to show excessive respect or follow innovations when visiting Jannat al-Mu’alla. It’s not allowed to touch, kiss, or offer special prayers near graves. The only best practice is to pray to Allah SWT for the forgiveness of the dead ones.
Masjid al-Haram: The Largest Mosque Globally
Masjid al-Haram is the most revered Mosque in Makkah, where pilgrims perform the Hajj and Umrah rituals. The Holy Kaaba (a cube-shaped structure) is located in the centre of the Masjid al-Haram, the Qiblah for Muslims. The foundation of this cube structure was laid by Prophet Ibrahim (A.S), according to most traditions. Apart from the Holy Kaaba, the Grand Mosque also holds Maqam-e-Ibrahim, Zamzam Well, and the Black Stone.
The Masjid al-Haram is so large that around 2.5 million people can pray there at once. Masjid al-Haram is open 24/7, and pilgrims can perform Umrah rituals at any time of day once they have successfully travelled after booking a package with an Umrah travel agency. The Grand Mosque has many minarets, and the highest is around 89 metres. Only Muslims can enter the Grand Mosque.
Usually, people offer five prayers a day in the Mosque, recite the Holy Quran, drink Zamzam water, and take Suhoor and Iftaar during Ramadan. Islamic teachings hold that praying inside the Masjid al-Haram has the reward of one lac times. Whenever you visit there, you must pray there and take advantage of God’s blessings.
Journey to Mount Arafat: Must-See Spot
Mount Arafat is a popular destination, especially during the Hajj, and pilgrims spend the entire day there, reflecting on Allah SWT. This standing practice is done on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. Compared to other Ziyarat places, Mount Arafat is 20 km east of the Grand Mosque of Makkah. Sometimes, people also call this mountain “Jabal al-Rahmah” or “Mount of Mercy”.
Some traditions hold that Mount Arafat is the place where the Prophet Adam (A.S.) and His wife, Hawa (A.S.), reunited after a long time spent on earth.
Moreover, the plain of Arafat is a place where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered His last sermon during Hajj. Muslims often visit this mountain to learn about Islam and to pray there during Umrah. It’s a good practice to offer voluntary prayers and do Dhikr of Allah SWT at Mount Arafat.
Let’s conclude this article! Makkah has more holy sites than those mentioned, such as Masjid-e-Nimrah, Masjid-e-Aisha, Masjid-e-Jinn, Masjid al-Khayf, etc. You can visit these sacred sites as part of your religious travel itinerary to enhance your experience. The journey to Makkah is a privilege bestowed upon the fortunate. Visiting this city deepens your love and faith in Allah SWT.
