Makkah, the holiest city for Muslims, boasts many intriguing landmarks that make pilgrimages to this spiritual hub worthwhile – offering experiences beyond umrah alone.
Retracing the steps of Prophet Mohammad or visiting the site of Badr’s battle are just two historical sites you should see when visiting Makkah. Here are a few spots worth seeing and shouldn’t miss in Makkah.
Masjid al Bay’ah
Jamarat Jamarat, with its rich history dating back to Prophet’s family members and pilgrims flocking here for prayers, draws many visitors who believe that there can be special prayers offered here.
Near Mina, this mosque commemorates the site where Ansar of Madinah pledged allegiance to Prophet Muhammad in 621 CE – led by twelve leaders from Aws and Khazraj tribes – after pronouncing his prophethood thirteen years earlier. This event is commemorated annually on this date.
A rustic facade conceals an open courtyard where Muslims come together to pray. Retaining its original architectural markings, it stands as one of Makkah’s oldest structures as a reminder of loyalty and unity within Islam.
Jabal Al-Noor
Jabal Al-Noor is one of the most significant historical landmarks for Muslims around the world. Commonly referred to as both Mountain of Light and Hill of Illumination, it houses Hira Cave where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received his initial revelation.
Muslim pilgrims revere this rocky peak as it marks the initial divine revelation which initiated Islam’s history. Reaching its summit can be challenging, yet visitors often experience spiritual renewal on reaching its summit.
Jabal Al-Noor’s cliffs and caves contain thousands of ancient Quran Pak manuscripts that were buried there to protect them from vandalism or desecration, providing visitors with an opportunity to increase their respect and love of this Holy Book. Visiting this site will undoubtedly strengthen one’s love and appreciation of Islam and its scripture.
Hira Cave
The Cave of Hira holds immense theological and spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. Here, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) meditated, prayed, and contemplated before Angel Gabriel came and gave him his first Quranic revelations.
This cave, located at an elevation of 634 meters on Jabal Al-Noor Mountain and only accommodating a handful of pilgrims at once, remains popular as pilgrimage destination and offers magnificent views over Makkah from its peak.
While visiting the Cave of Hira may not be considered part of Hajj rituals, many pilgrims visit it out of curiosity or admiration for its history and beauty. Approach this sacred site with respect and reverence.
Al-Shabeka Graveyard
Graveyard of Prophet Muhammad is an important historical site, where his family members are interred. A visit here provides an amazing spiritual experience while providing insight into Islam’s rich heritage.
Masjid Aisha is one of the most well-known Ziyarat spots in Makkah, serving as an auspicious site where Hazrat Aisha – wife of Prophet Muhammad – prepared herself to enter into Ihram for Umrah pilgrimages. Additionally, pilgrims visiting from other areas may spend some time here before returning back home to Makkah.
Bilal bin Rabah Lyh lslm was one of the closest and most devoted companions of Prophet Muhammad, living here until it was converted into a mosque by Saudi authorities. Visitors come here today to remember and pay their respects to this faithful Sahabi.
Al-Aqsa Mosque
The Al-Aqsa Mosque can be found on Temple Mount as part of al-Haram al-Sharif complex, where Jews believe their Biblical temples once stood and Jewish law prohibits entering or praying there. Jews refer to its Western Wall as Wailing Wall while Muslims refer to it as Buraq Wall in honor of Prophet Muhammad’s night journey Isra and Mi’raj from Makkah to Bayt al-Maqdis on Buraq Wall heavenly animal during night journey Isra and Mi’raj from Makkah to Bayt al-Maqdis during which time Prophet Muhammad rode Buraq Wall as Buraq Wall in memory of Prophet Muhammad riding upon this divine animal during night journey Isra and Mi’raj from Makkah to Bayt al-Maqdis on Buraq Wall during one night journey when heavenly animal buraq entered this compound during night journey Isra and Mi’raj from Makkah to Bayt al-Maqdis during night journey known as Buraq Wall or Wailing Wall according to Jews while Muslims refer to its Western wall known by name from its name itself after buraq wall named Buraq Wall during night journey from Makkah to Bayt al-Maqdis on its ride on his night journey from Makkah Bayt al-Maqdis.
Al-Aqsa holds special significance for Muslims as the final stop on Prophet Mohammad’s Isra and Mi’raj journey, as well as because the Qur’an states that God accepts prayers from anywhere Muslims gather irrespective of its physical location.
