Islam’s holiest city, Makkah, draws millions of pilgrims each year from around the globe. This captivating destination boasts rich culture and traditions that draw millions to this captivating location.
Many of Muhammad’s family and close companions are interred here, as is the site of Islam’s inaugural battle, Badr.
Cave of Thaur
Ghar Thawr Cave was the refuge where Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and Abu Bakr took shelter for three days when being hunted by Quraysh tribe, when trying to secretly leave Makkah to migrate to Madinah. Idolaters became so furious at them for denouncing idol worship that they offered a bounty of 100 camels for anyone who could capture either dead or alive Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr.
Abdullah bin Abu Bakr would visit them every night in the Cave of Thaur, bringing food for them and covering his tracks to avoid drawing any unwanted attention to himself.
The Cave of Thaur holds great religious significance to Muslims and is visited each year by many pilgrims on their Hajj pilgrimage – which takes place annually during Dhul Hijjah month. Located atop Mount Thawr seven kilometres outside Makkah, it attracts significant religious pilgrimage every year.
Makkah Al Mukarrama Library
Makkah is one of the four holy cities of Islam and hosts an annual pilgrimage known as Hajj. The entire city is dedicated to Islam and non-Muslims are not permitted to enter its holy streets. Muslim pilgrimages to Makkah form part of their five pillars of faith and it is said that performing Hajj will cleanse one from their past sins if performed correctly.
Ka’bah is also where Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was born at Bayt al-Mawlid or House of Birth, and its adjacent mosque, Al-Masjid al-Haram or Holy Mosque – one of Islam’s three holiest sites worldwide and serving as its global Qiblah for all Muslims worldwide.
This book details various aspects of Makkah Mosque, its history and Zamzam Well as well as discussing some significant historical events that had an impactful role in its establishment and sacredness. It provides details on both of them – the Black Stone and Zamzam Well are mentioned and also covered are major historical events which impacted on their sacredness and existence in Makkah.
Jannat al Mualla
Jannatul Mualla Cemetery is one of Islam’s most revered burial grounds, and many ancestors of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) may be interred here including Abdul Muttalib and Hazrat Aminah – two figures who played an important role during Muhammad’s life and later his legacy. Though sacred even prior to Muhammad being born, under Saudi King Ibn Saud many Islamic sites were destroyed including this cemetery which no longer features domes or tombs today.
The cemetery is enclosed by a long white wall that serves as an indicator of its area. As well as Prophet Muhammad’s ancestors, his wives and sons’ graves can also be found here. Some notable early Muslims buried here include Abu Talib – father of Ali the fourth caliph; Hazrat Khadija his first wife; and Qasim his infant son.
Jabal Nur
Jabal Al Noor is an iconic Islamic religious site known as the Hill of Illumination that holds great meaning to Muslims around the world. Here lies where Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation in Hira Cave and where he spent much time alone in self-reflection and contemplation.
Jabal Al Noor is easily visible from afar, and its historical significance makes it a popular pilgrimage site. Pilgrims come here to pray and reflect upon their lives while also seeking guidance from God.
However, some visitors have voiced complaints over the site’s lack of infrastructure – specifically a walkway leading directly to Ghar Hira – including tourist guides to explain its significance to visitors and a cable car system to make their trip easier.
