The city of Makkah is the most sacred city of Islam and has got a great spiritual and historical significance among the Muslims worldwide. In addition to visiting Umrah and Hajj, pilgrims usually pay visits to key Islamic sites designated Makkah Ziyarat sites. These locations are all directly related to the life of Prophet Muhammad ({Salla Llahu Alayhi WaSallam), the early Islamic history, and Hajj rituals.
This is an excellent guidebook on the most essential Makkah Ziyarat sites, their meaning, and practical tips on traveling to Makkah as a pilgrim.
Significance of Makkah Ziyarat place
The Makkah Ziyarat enables pilgrims to learn more about the history of Islam and also the sacrifices that were done in the early days of Islam. It is not mandatory but very important to visit these places in order to attain spiritual knowledge and understand the history.
Majority of Makkah ziyarat places list are taught in a half day or a full day tour which is often organized with local transport or taxi.
Full Makkah ziyarat places list
Masjid al-Haram
The Makkah center in terms of religion is the most holy mosque Masjid al-Haram. It harbors the Kaaba, the Holy, and the Maqam Ibrahim, Zamzam well and the hills of Safa and Marwah. Here lies the beginning and the end of every Umrah and Hajj ritual.
Jabal al-Noor
The Jabal al-Noor is considered to be one of the largest mountains of Makkah. It is the home of Ghar Hira where the first revelation of the Holy Quran was received by Prophet Muhammad ({Salla Llahu Alayhi WaSallam). Pilgrims also go up the mountain to have a look back at this historic moment.
Ghar Hira
Ghar Hira is a spiritual place, which is found on the top of Jabal al-Noor. Climbing is physically challenging although a number of pilgrims visit the region to remember and pray.
Jabal Thawr
Jabal Thawr is the home of Ghar Thawr, the cave that Prophet Muhammad ({Salla Llahu Alayhi WaSallam}) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) had to spend the Hijrah to Madinah. This location is a representation of patience, faith in Allah and sacrifice.
Mina
One of the most important Hajj places is Mina where pilgrims spend the days of Hajj. It is famous because of the ritual of Rami al-Jamarat. Pilgrims were also visiting Mina during Makkah Ziyarat outside the Hajj season.
Jamarat
The Jamarat is the place of Mina that depicts the points where pilgrims are throwing stones as a symbol of denial of Satan. The contemporary building enables millions of pilgrims to move safely.
Muzdalifah
After leaving Arafat pilgrims take their stay in Mazdalifah where they gather pebbles to perform the ritual of Jamarat. It is an open place, serene place that is very significant in the history of Hajj.
Arafat (Jabal al-Rahmah)
Arafat is also among the greatest Islamic places. Mount of Mercy (Jabal al-Rahmah) is the place where Prophet Muhammad ({Salla Llahu Alayhi WaSallam}) gave his last sermon. An indispensable pillar of Hajj is standing at Arafat.
Masjid Namirah
Masjid Namirah is located in Arafat and it is there that the Prophet ({Salla Llahu Alayhi WaSallam}) led prayers in the Hajj. This is a common pilgrimage site and is visited by pilgrims.
Masjid Aisha (Masjid al-Taneem)
The closest Miqat of pilgrims in Makkah is Masjid Aisha. Individuals who want to make another Umrah leave Ihram by using this mosque.
Masjid al-Jinn
The name Masjid al-Jinn is associated with the incident in which a band of jinn were converted into Muslims after hearing the Quran being recited by Prophet Muhammad ({Salla Llahu Alayhi WaSallam}).
Jannat al-Mualla Cemetery
There are the graves of numerous friends and kinfolk of the Prophet ( {Salla Llahu Alayhi WaSallam}), among them Hazrat Khadijah (RA). It is a reflective and respectable place.
Best Time for Makkah Ziyarat list
Preferrable time to visit Makkah Ziyarat is during the early morning or late afternoon before the heat and people can get the better of you. Some of the places can be limited in the season of Hajj.
Tips for Makkah Ziyarat
Dress up in comfortable fitting clothes and shoes.
Bring water and what is needed in medicine.
Adhere to local regulations and avoid the sacred places.
If old or ill, do not climb mountains.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Does Makkah Ziyarat require any mandatory nature?
Not, Makkah Ziyarat is not a compulsory activity, but it is greatly recommended to learn the Islamic history.
What is the duration of Makkah Ziyarat?
The full duration of a ziyarat tour is normally 4-6 hours, depending on the traffic and the sights.
Is it possible to perform Makkah Ziyarat without guide?
Yes, but there is a guide who makes one know the historical significance of every place.
Is only Masjid Aisha a women only place?
No, it is not just the men to attend Masjid Aisha. It is widely applied as Miqat of Umrah.
Can one ascend Jabal al-Noor and Jabal Thawr?
Yes, but ziyarat does not need climbing, which is a physically challenging activity.
Conclusion
Makkah Ziyarat place list also provides the pilgrims with a valuable chance to be in touch with the history of the Islamic rituals outside rituals. Still, visiting such places allows a person to become more aware of spirituality and learn more about the origins of Islam. When well planned, Makkah Ziyarat will be an unforgettable experience to all pilgrims.
