Makkah is a dream destination for Muslims. Every year, millions of people from different countries visit this place to perform Hajj or Umrah. It is essential to learn about the historical sites and derive necessary lessons from them. At these sites, it is important to avoid any acts rooted in innovation or superstition out of excessive devotion. Many people kiss, prostrate, and collect soil or stones from these places, which are acts of innovation and forbidden. Other than gaining proper lessons, there is no other purpose for visiting these sacred sites. Prayers are accepted at these holy places. Below, we will learn about these sites.
The following are the 10 best places in Mecca.
Kaaba
Kaaba, Ka’bah, or Kaaba Sharif is an Arabic term. It is known as al-Kaʿbatu l-Mušarrafah (الكعبة المشرًّفة), al-Baytu l-ʿAtīq (البيت العتيق “Ancient House”), or al-Baytu l-Ḥarām (البيت الحرام “Sacred House”), a large cubic structure. It is located in the center of Masjid al-Haram in the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The mosque was essentially built around the Kaaba.
According to the followers of Islam, the Kaaba is considered the holiest site. It is the Qibla for Muslims, meaning the direction they face while performing Salah (prayer). From any place on Earth, Muslims pray facing the Kaaba. During Hajj and Umrah, Muslims perform Tawaf, or circumambulation, around the Kaaba. Especially during the last ten days of Ramadan and during Hajj, the gathering is at its peak.
For more details about the Kaaba, visit the article below.
https://travelinmakkah.com/kaaba/
Masjid al-Haram
Masjid al-Haram surrounds the Kaaba. It derives from the Arabic word “Haram,” meaning “sacred” or “pure.”
Masjid al-Haram is of utmost importance to Muslims around the world. It is located in the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. Every day, 1.6 billion Muslims perform prayers facing the sacred Kaaba Sharif within this mosque.
For more details about Masjid al-Haram, visit the article below.
https://travelinmakkah.com/masjid-al-haram/
The Birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in a house located in the upper part of Suqul Layl (Night Market) in Makkah. The year of his birth is known as عام الفيل, or the ‘Year of the Elephant,’ marked by the destruction of Abraha’s army. On a Monday morning in the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born.
For more details about the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthplace, visit the article below.
Jabal al-Nur
Jabal al-Nur means the “Mountain of Light.” It is a mountain that contains a cave named “Hira.” Therefore, it is also called the “Cave of Hira.” Although the mountain’s name is Hira, it is more widely known as Jabal al-Nur or Jabal Hira globally.
For more details about Jabal al-Nur, visit the article below.
https://travelinmakkah.com/cave-of-hira/
Masjid Aisha
Its name is Masjid Taneem. It is located 5 kilometers from the sacred Kaaba Sharif. It is also known as Masjid-e-Aisha.
For more details about Masjid Aisha, visit the article below.
https://travelinmakkah.com/mashjid-e-ayesha/
Arafah
The words Arafah and Arafat are both commonly used in Arabic. Arafah, or Arafat, refers to a vast plain that is two miles long and two miles wide. It is surrounded by mountains on three sides, forming a bow shape, and is located on the south side of the new Makkah-Hada-Taif ring road.
For more details about Arafah, visit the article below.
Thawr Cave
This cave is located on Mount Thawr, 6 miles south of Masjid al-Haram. It is larger than Mount Hira and farther from Masjid al-Haram. It is named after Thawr bin Manat. Climbing the mountain takes about one and a half hours. The Thawr mountain consists of three connected peaks, and the cave is located on the third peak after crossing the first two.
For more details about Thawr Cave, visit the article below.
Mina
Mina is a special and significant place for Hajj and Makkah. It is Sunnah for pilgrims to offer five prayers in Mina from the Zuhr of the 8th Dhul-Hijjah to the Fajr of the 9th Dhul-Hijjah. Spending the night in Mina from the evening of the 8th to the Fajr of the 9th is also considered Sunnah by all schools of thought.
For more details about Mina, visit the article below.
Al-Mualla Cemetery
The virtues and significance of the cemetery in Makkah have been extensively discussed in the “Haram Area” section. The cemetery of Makkah holds great virtues and significance. This cemetery houses the graves of 45 male and female Companions of the Prophet, along with many other prominent figures. The largest cemetery in Makkah is Al-Mualla Cemetery, near Hujun.
For more details about Al-Mualla Cemetery, visit the article below.
Masjid al-Khayf
Masjid al-Khayf is located on the southern side of Mina and falls to the right when heading toward Arafah. This mosque was built at the place where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stayed during the Farewell Hajj.
For more details about Masjid al-Khayf, visit the article below.
