5 Places to Visit in Makkah During Umrah

Makkah is the holiest site for Muslims. Throughout the year, millions of pilgrims keep on arriving in Makkah travelling through their all-inclusive Umrah packages for the holy rituals. Makkah holds exceptional historical, religious and spiritual significance for Muslims because Islam originated from here.

· It is the birthplace of our Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW).

· The Holy Prophet (SAWW) spent nearly 50 years of his life in Makkah before migrating to Madinah.

· Masjid-al-Haram is the most prominent site here. It is the largest and holiest mosque in the world which houses the Holy Kaabah, Zamzam well, Hajar-al-Aswad, Safah and Marwah Hills, Maqam-e-Ibrahim and Hateem (Hijr Ismail).

· Muslims offer their daily prayers facing in its direction i.e. Holy Kaabah, regardless of where they are present in the world.

· All of the rituals of Umrah are performed within the premises of Masjid-al-Haram as well as some of the rites of Hajj pilgrimage are observed here.

· During the times of the Holy Prophet (SAWW), whole of the Makkah city was the size of today’s Masjid-al-Haram. That’s why you will see the Jannat ul Mualla cemetery right outside of Masjid-al-Haram because it used to be on the outskirts of the city at that time.

· Makkah has no airport and no flight is allowed to fly over Holy Kaabah.

If you are travelling soon to Makkah, here are 5 places that you must visit in Makkah.

· Also known as ‘Masjid e Aisha’ or ‘Al Taneem Mosque’.

· It is where Hazrat Aisha (RA) entered the Ihram for Umrah.

· It is a prominent Meeqat site in Makkah for Umrah pilgrims.

· Equipped with all the modern facilities of bathrooms, wudu areas, and changing rooms to facilitate pilgrims of Umrah to assume their Ihram.

· Pilgrims commence the rituals of Hajj and Umrah from this mosque, entering Ihram before crossing Miqat.

· It is the historic site where the Battle of Badr (Ghazwa-e-Badr) was fought, marking a significant victory for Muslims.

· This battle was fought on the 17th of Ramadan during the year 2nd Hijri.

· 313 Muslims were standing in front of an army of 1300 pagans but won even though the small number because Allah sent help from the heavens.

· The victory proved to be a turning point, boosting Muslim confidence and stability in the region.

· Oldest and most famous cemetery in Makkah.

· Present north of Masjid al-Haram.

· It is the resting place of many of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAWW) family members, relatives and close companions.

· It was first built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) but then expanded over time. However, today, it is restricted by a white wall.

· Though Jannat-ul-Mualla is open year-round; visitors can pay respects from a distance and not cross the white wall.

· Located on Jabal Thawr (Mountain of Thawr), the cave of Thawr holds exceptional religious significance.

· It is where the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) and his companion Abu Bakr al-Saddiq (RA) took refuge from Quraish for three days and nights while migrating to Madinah.

· Allah ordered a spider to weave a web at the cave entrance and a pigeon to lay eggs in front of it i.e. to indicate no sign of presence or entry to the Quraish's search parties.

· It is the largest Mall in Makkah which houses over 200 stores offering a range of products.

· Present near Masjid al-Haram.

· Makkah Mall consists of a two-story building that offers clothing for men, women, and children, electronics, restaurants, and more.

· Requires at least two hours to explore.

· In-house play areas for children and a modern cinema.

· Mount Arafat: A key site during Hajj, where pilgrims stand in prayer and reflection on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. It is also the place where the Holy Prophet (SAWW) delivered the famous farewell sermon and the site where people would gather on Judgement Day.

· Muzdalifah: A plain where pilgrims gather stones for the symbolic Rami-al-Jamarat ritual during Hajj.

· Jabal al-Noor: The Mountain of Light, housing the Cave of Hira where the first ever revelation of the Holy Quran was made to Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) in Ramadan.

· Mina: A tent city where pilgrims stay during Hajj.

These are the prominent sites to visit in Makkah during Umrah with your halal holidays all inclusive with flights.