14 Sep 2024
In Islam, the cities of Makkah and Madinah possess profound importance. Muslims from various corners of the globe undertake journeys to these sacred destinations for Hajj and Umrah, two distinct forms of Islamic holy pilgrimage.
After performing the Hajj or Umrah formalities, Muslims visit sites connected with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family, descendants, and other renowned figures in Islam. This visit to the holy places to speak to Allah with honor and virtue is known as Ziyarat.
In this article, we will walk you through 12 top places in Makkah and Madina to perform Ziyarat and fulfill your holy pilgrimage to those places. Let’s start.
The Al-Haram Mosque stands as the largest and most revered mosque globally for Muslims. It was built in the era of the second Caliph, Omar Ibn e Khattab.
Since its inception, it has undergone significant changes and renovations. Four notable landmarks situated within the mosque add to its spiritual and historical significance:
During their holy pilgrimage to Mecca, Muslims engage in Tawaf, a ritual of circumambulating the sacred Kaaba. This site also has significance as the second qibla, the direction towards which Muslims offer their daily prayers five times a day. Another essential practice is the Sa'i, in which Muslims briskly walk or run between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This act commemorates Hagar's journey in search of water for her son, Ishmael.
In addition, the Zamzam Well, located near the Kaaba, is a source of water that is considered purified and safe for consumption, per modern research. And for Muslims, the water holds a deeper spiritual significance. It is regarded as holy and blessed.
Also, Maqam e Ibrahim is such a place near the Kabba where Muslims offer 2 Rakats of prayer after completing Tawaf during Hajj and Umrah.
In this mosque, reside two sacred stones from Jannah. One of these stones is embedded within the wall of the Kabba, while the other is firmly positioned at Maqam e Ibrahim.
The Birthplace of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is near the vicinity of Masjid Al Haram. The Saudi Government has turned this place into a library. It has been taken over quite a few times by renowned Islamic figures and rules. And, it used to be a mosque before getting converted into a library. This is among the must-visit Ziyarat places in Makkah. Before you plan to go perform Hajj you should keep the Masjid Al Haram in your list.
Located in the Hilton Tower, the Auction House is one of the most visited places by Hajj tourists in Makkah. The place provides surprises to tourists in the form of ancient gems, historic currencies, preserved old jewelry, and other interesting artifacts.
You can buy these interesting materials from the Auction House but you have to bid for it.
Masjid Al Nimra is located on the plains of Arafat. It is known as the place where the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) delivered his last sermon. On the Day of Arafat (9th of Dhul Hijjah), pilgrims travel from Mina to Arafat. After arriving in Arafat, pilgrims gather at Masjid Nimra where the Imam delivers a sermon.
An old and historic graveyard, Jannat-ul-Maula consists of the buried bodies of some important personalities who were associated with the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Among the buried are the family members, companions, and relatives of the beloved Prophet (PBUH), some of whom are:
Among the well-known monuments of Makkah, the Zubaida Canal construction started in 809 A.D. It is related to the queen Zubaida. As history tells us, when she came to perform her Hajj pilgrimage, there was a huge shortage of water. She immediately issued the orders for funds to construct a huge canal system.
Her vision was to construct a canal that would supply water that would be enough for 1000 years. And there will be no shortage of water for the next 1000 years. The canal actually helped reduce the water shortage in the area.
Mount Abu Qubays is also close to Al-Haram Mosque. This mountain is known as the place on which the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) displayed the miracle of splitting the moon. It saved the Hajar al Aswad during the flood which destroyed everything in the era of Prophet Nuh (AS).
According to Al-Tabari, the first Prophet Adam (A.S.) died at the foot of Mount Aby Qubays. It is believed he was rested there.
Also known that Governor Hajjaj Bin Yousaf fired a catapult from the top of the mountain onto the Kabba in 691 CE. Abdullah bin Zubair was killed during this battle.
This is a valley that is located at a 3 km distance from Makkah. It signifies an extremely important part of the Hajj. During the Hajj, pilgrims pass their first, third, and fourth days in this valley. Tents are built by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in this valley, but these have full accommodation of modern comforts.
There is Jammarat place in this valley. Jammarat is a three-stone pillar where pilgrims perform the Rami ritual during Hajj, but not during Umrah. Rituals based on sacrifice are performed there.
Mina is also known as the “city of tents“. Tourists must visit this place because it is the only image of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) scarify and patience of Prophet Ismail (AS).
Badr, a town located about 130 km from Madinah, is known as the place where the first battle between the pagans of Makkah and Muslims took place. This remorseful incident occurred on 17 Ramadan 2nd Hijri.
As per records, around 313 Muslims defeated an army of 1300 pagans in this battle. Surprisingly, the Muslim warriors were not well-trained for war, nor had the equipment. On top of that, the Prophet’s army had only two horses and 70 camels.
This first war is also mentioned in the Holy Quran, so tourists must visit this historic place during their journey to Madinah.
Makkah Mall offers different varieties of almost all local and international brands items. The place bustles with most of your daily needs items. It is located at King Abdullah Road in Makkah.
If you want to take a tour of the whole place, you would need around two hours. If you are enthusiastic about shopping or spending money, this is a great place to find everything you need.
The Factory is famous for making a special curtain which we see around the Kabba. As per Islamic scholars, it was either Hazrat Ismail (SAW) or the grandfather (Abdul Mutalib) of the Prophet (PBUH) who first placed the curtain on the Kabba building. It is called the Kiswah. Over the centuries, the fabrics and colors of the cloth have changed and evolved.
You can visit the factory within a 10-minute drive from the Al-Haram Mosque. It is adjacent to the Kiswah Factory Museum, known as the Exhibition of the Two Haram Buildings. Tourists are allowed to visit this factory for around an hour, free of cost.
Considered one of the most faithful sahabas of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), Bilal Bin Rabah endured mountains of hardships and suffering for the sake of Islam. He was badly tortured for accepting Islam from his master. But his devotion to Allah (SWT) and Islam endured everything.
The mosque is named after him and honors Bilal's legacy and serves as a reminder of his devotion and faith. Bilal is also believed to be the first muezzin in Islam.
So, now that you have learned about 12 places for Ziyarat in your Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages, you might want to know how to ensure a successful Ziyarat.
Firstly, no matter which spot or place you visit, you must have a pure heart, and you should visit for worship only. Your intent should be to honor the history and the Islamic figures behind the places and seek forgiveness, nothing else.
Secondly, as the Ziyarat is part of your Hajj travel, make sure you remain pure, clean, and devoted when you visit the places. Don’t treat them like casual visits.
Finally, for in-depth guidance and support, you may reach out to Obokash.com and check out their Hajj packages and Umrah packages. This will help you select the right one for your.
Ziyarat in Makkah and Madina are part of their packages and it is provided for at 7 AM for a maximum duration of 2-3 hours.
If you are planning to perform next year's Hajj, you should Pre register for the Hajj now. The holy Hajj and Umrah are two key journeys of Muslims that not only require some good traveling to Makkah and Madina but also transform the perspective of a Muslim.
Sightseeing Holy places via Ziyarat is an important part and parcel of the journey.
We hope that the places we mentioned above help you have a great time appreciating the beauty of Islam during your Hajj and Umrah travel. If you need more assistance, don’t forget to reach out to Obokash.
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