Makkah is a holy city located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is the sacred city where Muslims perform Hajj and Umrah. One of the city’s most famous landmarks is the Grand Mosque, the largest and sacred Mosque in the world. The Grand Mosque is also known as the Masjid al-Haram, and inside it, the Holy Kaaba (House of Allah SWT) is situated. During the Umrah trip, you will be honoured to visit this sacred house and perform Tawaf around it.
The main rituals of Umrah are performed inside the Grand Mosque, except the last one (Qasr). You can easily perform Umrah in four to six hours. After that, pilgrims have plenty of time to explore the city and its historical places. This enough time is possible due to their timely Umrah booking of a package, which allows them to explore the city comfortably.
Here, specifically, this post will mention the top places that you can visit in Makkah during your Umrah trip. You may know some places already, like Mount Arafat, Jabal Thawr, Cave Hira, Jabal al-Noor, and the Kiswa factory. Let’s see more places that you can explore!
Jabal al-Noor and Cave of Hira
Jabal al-Noor is the most significant and historical place in Makkah. Most of the time, this mountain is also known as “The Mountain of Light”. The mount got its name because Islam started spreading light around the world from there. The Mountain of Light is almost 4 kilometres away from the Masjid al-Haram in the North-East direction. It’s a high, rocky, and steep mountain, so that climbing may be time-consuming, usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
The Cave of Hira is a remarkable symbol of Jabal al-Noor and Islam. The first revelation of Islam by Allah SWT was revealed in the Cave of Hira to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This significant cave is located at the peak of the mountain (a little below), and direction faces towards the Holy Kaaba. The Cave of Hira is small from the inside, approximately 4 yards in length and 1.75 yards in width.
You should visit these valuable places of Islamic culture to pay honour and respect. Pilgrims often offer Nafl prayers at the Cave of Hira and remember the revelation words which are mentioned in the Holy Quran.
“Read O Prophet in the name of your Lord Who created.” – Surah al-Alaq: 1
Jabal Thawr – Sacred Place in Makkah
Mount Thawr, where the Cave of Thawr is located, is among the important symbols of Islam. According to multiple estimations, this cave is around 4 to 8 kilometres away from the Grand Mosque. Actually, Jabal Thawr is a small rocky mountain related directly to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This incident occurred in 622 CE, before the start of the Hijri calendar, when the chiefs of Quraysh had conspired to assassinate Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Then, the Prophet (PBUH), by the commands of Allah SWT, started migration with His companion Abu Bakr (R.A). They both took shelter in the Cave of Thawr for three days and three nights.
This interesting incident is also mentioned in the Holy Quran. These are some words spoken by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to Abu Bakr (R.A) when the Quraysh search party reached the entrance of the cave by following the footprints of the Prophet (PBUH).
“Do not grieve! Indeed, Allah is with us.” – Surah Tawbah: 40
During the Umrah trip, you must visit this cave to learn the historical significance of Islam. This place shows the sign of Allah’s SWT help and protection. Mostly, people go there to acquire patience, courage, and trust in Allah SWT during difficult times. Additionally, it may not be easy to climb the mountain for older pilgrims.
Masjid al-Jinn – Famous for the Incident of Jinns
Masjid al-Jinn is another historical site of Makkah. Mosque of the Jinn is located on the north side of Masjid al-Haram near Jannat al-Mu’alla cemetery in Al-Hajjoun region. This holy mosque is also known as al-Haras, which means protection. Again, Masjid al-Jinn is related to a specific event by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
According to Islamic traditions, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to stay here in Makkah and recite the Holy Quran. A group of Jinns was passing from this place and listened to the recitation. They were so impressed by this beautiful recitation and accepted Islam immediately while pledging allegiance at the hands of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This incident is also referred to in the Holy Quran’s chapter al-Jinn (72). That event was the major reason for the name of this mosque, “Al-Jinn”.
Pilgrims offer Nafl (voluntary) prayers in this Mosque and obligatory prayers at the time. You can do Ziyarat of this Mosque in your Umrah itinerary, but make sure its reservation is in your package by a reliable Umrah travel agency.
Since this is the historical and sacred mosque, worship here is considered virtuous. Umrah pilgrims also pray here, seek forgiveness from Allah SWT, recite the Holy Quran, and do Dhikr.
Jannat al-Mu’alla – Historical Landmark of Islam
Jannat al-Mu’alla is a cemetery located approximately 1 to 1.5 km north of Masjid al-Haram. This cemetery is very historical in Islam and also known as al-Ma’lah or al-Hajun, the most exalted paradise. This is the central and significant cemetery of Makkah and was used by the Quraysh tribes before the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In this cemetery, many revered and notable figures of Islam are buried. Jannat al-Mu’alla holds the resting place of great personalities, such as Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid R.A (wife of Prophet Muhammad PBUH), Abdul Muttalib (grandfather), Abu Talib (uncle), Qasim and Abdullah (two sons of Prophet PBUH who died in childhood).
Jannat al-Mu’alla is a famous Ziyarat point for Umrah pilgrims. They visit the cemetery and remember that the world is temporary and every human will face death. They also offer Salam to the buried ones and pray for their forgiveness. Here, you will see small piles of rocks which mark the burial place. You must keep in mind that Ziyarat means only prayers, visiting, and getting instructions. Kissing graves and asking help from them is not permitted in Islam. Keep utmost respect, modesty, and silence.
Masjid al-Taneem (Masjid-e-Aisha)
One of the top places of Makkah is Masjid-e-Aisha, which is also popular by the Mosque al-Taneem because it’s located in the place Taneem. However, among Muslims and pilgrims, this mosque is famous for the name of Aisha Siddiqa (R.A), the wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). From this place, She wore the Ihram attire for Hajjatul Wida by the command of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This mosque is located Makkah-Madinah highway, about 7.5 kilometres from the Grand Mosque. Pilgrims who intend to do Umrah again can wear the Ihram at this Mosque, according to some scholars. Always consult with Islamic regulations or scholars about making a second Umrah intention at this Mosque. On your Umrah trip, you can visit Mosque al-Taneem and explore its religious aspects.
To conclude this article, Makkah has a lot of religious and historical places to visit. Once you are on your Hajj or Umrah trip, you can explore them. Keep in mind that only Muslims can visit those places and enter Makkah; non-Muslims aren’t allowed. Enjoy your religious journey towards Makkah!
