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Explore Makkah: Top 13 Must-Visit Places

Makkah is the holiest city of the Islamic religion because it shares a great association with the origin of Islam. Despite this, it is the birthplace of our Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) as well as houses various sacred sites that pilgrims visit throughout the year traveling their Umrah packages from London and from across the globe.

If you are visiting Makkah soon for the holy rituals or touring the region in general, here are to 13 must-visit places for you.

1.  Masjid Al Haram:

Masjid Al Haram is the holiest and largest mosque of Islam present in the entire world. All of the pilgrims arriving for Umrah and Hajj, necessarily visit this mosque as part of their pilgrimage rites. It can accommodate up to four million worshipers at a time with several expansion projects underway.

Masjid-al-Haram houses many sacred things. Such as;

  • Holy Kaabah.
  • Safah and Marwah Hills.
  • Hijr Ismail.
  • Zamzam well.
  • Maqam-e-Ibrahim.
  • Hajar-al-Aswad.

Take a stroll to appreciate the preserved arched porches dating back to the Ottoman era. Explore the 120 gates, with the Gate of Ismael, Gate of Bilal, Bab Abdullah, Safa Gate, and King Fahad Gate being the main entrances.

Masjid Al Haram offers a peaceful environment for you to offer your prayers, ask for forgiveness from Allah Almighty and do Dhikr for reflection purposes.

2.  City of Mina:

Pass through the ‘City of Tents’ (Mina) which is located about 8km from Makkah. Pilgrims of Hajj stay there for a few days as part of their pilgrimage.

3.  The Clock Tower Museum:

Explore the Abraj Al-Bait complex and visit the Clock Tower Museum which offers a 360-degree view of Makkah city. The museum remains open from 01:00 PM to 06:00 PM, showcasing information on the universe, Islam, and history. Its ticketing starts from £30 per person.

4.  Jabal Al-Nour:

Jabal-al-Nour (the Mountain of Light) is where the cave of Hira is present. You can climb the stairs to the top to explore this historic cave but arrive early to avoid crowds.

5.  The Kaabah Kiswa Factory:

The black and gold clothing used to cover the Holy Kaabah is known as Kiswah. Its factory is located at a distance of nearly 17 km west of central Makkah, which travellers can visit and explore. The Kiswah is made from pure threads of silk and gold with their unique designing, dyeing, weaving, and embroidering procedures. Though the factory remains open on specific days for the general public, it’s advised to check for permission beforehand.

6.  Jannat-al-Mu’alla:

Jannat-al-Mu’alla is the holy cemetery in Makkah that lies near Masjid-al-Haram. It is where many of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad’s (SAWW) relatives and close companions are buried.

7.  Mount Arafat:

Mount Arafat is a significant site for Hajj pilgrims because it is where they gather on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah during Hajj rituals. In addition, it is the place where the Holy Prophet (SAWW) delivered the famous ‘farewell sermon’ and where the people will be gathered on the day of Judgment.

8.  Maktaba Makkah-al-Mukarramah:

Maktaba Makkah Al-Mukkarramah is the place which is believed to be the birthplace of our Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW). Present near Masjid Al-Haram, this place is also referred to as ‘Bayt al-Mawlid’.

9.  Holy Kaaba:

The Holy Kaaba is also known as the ‘House of Allah’. It is the Qibla for Muslims and a place around which Tawaf is observed during Hajj and Umrah with kids.

Hajar-al-Aswad, also known as the Black Stone is also present in its Yemeni corner. It is a stone that came from Paradise by the will of Allah Almighty.

10. Cave Hira:

Located at a distance of approximately 4 km from the Holy Kaabah, Cave Hira inside Jabal An-Nour is where the Holy Prophet (SAWW) received the first-ever revelation of the Holy Quran as per the will of Allah Almighty. Jibril (AS) came down and revealed the first few verses of Surah Al-Alaq.

11. Masjid-e-Ayesha:

Masjid-e-Ayesha is a famous Meeqat place present at a distance of 7.5 km south of Makkah where pilgrims of Hajj and Umrah assume their Ihram. It is also referred to as Masjid At-Tan’eem.

12. Jamarat Bridge:

A colossal bridge for Hajj pilgrims, Jamarat Bridge plays a vital role in the ritual of Rami-al-Jamarat (Stoning of the Devil) at the Jamarah pillars.

13.  Jabal Thawr:

Located at a distance of 12 km from Makkah, Jabal Thawr houses the ‘Cave of Thawr’ where the Holy Prophet (SAWW) and Abu Bakr (RA) sought refuge for three days while migrating to Madinah

These places are must-visits for your all-inclusive halal holidays UK to Makkah.

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