Makkah Ziyarat
Makkah (مكه)
Makkah, also known as Mecca, holds unmatched significance in the hearts of Muslims around the world. As the holiest city in Islam, it is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the location of the Kaaba, the sacred structure within Masjid al-Haram toward which over a billion Muslims face in prayer each day.
Performing Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, is one of the five pillars of Islam and a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for all physically and financially able Muslims.
Historically, Makkah was governed by the Sharifs, descendants of the Prophet ﷺ, who ruled as independent leaders or under larger Islamic empires. In 1925, the city was integrated into modern Saudi Arabia under the leadership of King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud.
In recent decades, Makkah has undergone extensive transformation and modernization, becoming a global hub for Islamic pilgrimage.
The city now features world-class infrastructure, including the towering Abraj Al Bait Complex, also known as the Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel—the third tallest building in the world and home to the largest floor area of any building on earth.
Despite these modern developments, Makkah retains its deep spiritual essence and is home to numerous historic Islamic sites, including Jabal al-Nour, Jannat al-Mu’alla, and the House of Khadijah (RA).
Each year, more than 15 million Muslims visit the city, including several million during the days of Hajj, making it one of the most spiritually and culturally diverse places on earth.
However, it remains a sacred sanctuary exclusive to Muslims, with non-Muslims prohibited from entering its holy boundaries. Noble Voyages ensures all travel arrangements comply with these sacred guidelines, offering complete respect and adherence to the sanctity of Makkah’s religious zones.
Makkah Ziyarat
Mina (منى)
Mina is located in the East of Makkah and is a 5km valley. During Hajj, the pilgrims stay in this valley on 8th of Dhul Hajj and then on 10th to 13th of Dhul Hajj.
Mina is well known for how busy it gets during the annual Hajj pilgrimage and also known as the “tent city”. More than 100,000 air-conditioned tents provide temporary accommodation to visiting pilgrims during the blessed Hajj days. The Jamarat Bridge is situated in the valley of Mina, this is the location of the Stoning of the shaitan ritual, performed between sunrise and sunset on the last day of the Hajj. Mina is the place where pilgrims throw stones, in memory of the occasion that the Prophet Ibrâhîm stoned the shaitan when he tried to come between him and the command Allah had set him.
Arafa’ or Arafat is a valley outside Makkah and is around 20km. On the 9th of Dhul haj, it is mandatory for all the pilgrims to reach and stay in the valley of Arafa’ and spend the day in making dua’s, doing dhikr and asking Allah (SWT) for forgiveness for all their sins; not doing so can invalidate their hajj.
Jabal ur Rahamah or the Mount of Mercy is a mountain in the valley of Arafat and is about 70m high. The Prophet Mohammed SAW stayed on this mountain and made waqoof. Masjid e Nimra is a beautiful mosque. Two thirds of this mosque lie in the valley of Arafat while one third in the valley of Nimra and the valley of Urana’. The Sermon of Hajj today is delivered in Masjid e Nimra.
Our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) delivered the Sermon of Hajj while sitting on his camel (Quswa) in the valley of Urana’.It is mandatory for the pilgrims to offer Qsr and combined prayers of Dhur and Asr after the Sermon of Hajj in or around Masjid e Nimra, and then reach the valley of Arafat and make waqoof there, spending their time in making dua’s, dhikr and asking for forgiveness.
Arafat is a blessed place during Hajj and is the best place to make dua; on the 9th of Dhul hija it is known to be the best time to make dua and the best dua to make according to one hadith: It is better to make dua in the valley of Arafat while facing Qibla and raising your hands. If a person is late in reaching the valley of Arafat, but manages to spend some time in waqoof during the night between 9th and 10th of Dhul hija before Fajr, his Hajj is validated. It is a sunnah not to fast on the 9th of Dhul hijj if you are a Hajj pilgrim. However, if you are not a pilgrim, then fasting on 9th of Dhul hija is Mustahab and it expiates all the sins of the previous year and for the next year, according to one hadith.
References:
[1] Sahih Muslim, Kitab ul Hajj, Hadith: 1218
[2] Tirmidhi, Kitab udda’waat, Hadith : 3585
Muzdalifah (مزدلفة)
Muzdalifah is located in the province of Makkah. It is mostly a flat land and lies between Mina and Arafat. During hajj, pilgrims travel from Mina to Arafat on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. They spend the whole day at Arafat and after sunset they leave for Muzdalifah , all the while reciting talbiyah. When pilgrims reach Muzdalifah they perform the Maghrib prayer, they can stay where ever they are. At Muzdalifah, the pilgrims sleep in open air and wake up early for fajr prayer just after Subh’ Sadiq.
There is a hill in Muzdalifah known as “Mashar-ul-Haram”. It also has a mosque built on it. It is masnoon to make dua near Mashar-ul-Haram while facing the Qibla. Nowadays, the starting and ending boundary lines for Muzdalifah have been highlighted clearly so that the pilgrims know the area in which they are required to spend the night and to make duas.
According to one hadith narrated by Arwa (RA), anyone who is able to offer fajr salah in Muzdalifah, has accomplished his Waqoof-e-Muzdalifah. Shortly after fajr prayer, the pilgrims leave for Mina. For the very old, sick or young children, it is permissable to leave Muzdalifah after the moon sets down, before the time of Fajr prayer starts. Pilgrims also collect pebbles for stoning the Jamarat at Muzdalifah. However, the pebbles for Our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) were collected by Ibn Abbas (RA) from Mina.
There is a valley between Mina and Muzdalifah, called Wadi Muhasser. It was here that the army of Abraha and his elephants met the Wrath of Allah (SWT), the incident which is mentioned in Surah Al Fil in the Quran.
Jamarat (الجمرات)
The Jamarat, or stoning of the Shaitan, is a key Hajj ritual symbolizing Prophet Ibraheem’s (AS) faith and defiance of Shaitan. Originally tall pillars, the Jamarat were replaced by walls in 2004 for safety.
The three Jamarat are:
- Jamarah-al-Oola (Small Jamarah)
- Jamarah-al-Wusta (Middle Jamarah)
- Jamarah-al-Uqbah (Largest Jamarah)
Historical Context
Ibraheem (AS) received a divine command to sacrifice his son, Isma’eel (AS). On their way, Shaitan appeared three times to dissuade him but was driven away with stones. Allah, pleased with Ibraheem’s obedience, replaced Isma’eel (AS) with a ram.
Ritual
- 10th Zil Hajj: Seven pebbles are thrown at Jamarah-al-Uqbah with Allahu Akbar.
- 11th–13th Zil Hajj: All three Jamarat are pelted sequentially, with seven pebbles each. Dua is made after the first two Jamarat.
This ritual honors Ibraheem’s (AS) steadfastness and reminds pilgrims of obedience to Allah.
Reference: Surah As-Saffaat (37:102)
Ghar Thawr (غار ثور)
During the Hijrah (migration), the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Abu Bakr (RA) sought refuge in Ghar Thawr, a cave on Mount Thawr. Abu Bakr (RA) entered first to ensure the cave was safe, plugging holes with cloth. While the Prophet (SAW) rested on his lap, Abu Bakr (RA) was stung but remained still to avoid disturbing him. The Prophet (SAW) applied his spittle to the wound, relieving the pain.
For three nights, they stayed hidden. Abu Bakr’s (RA) son, Abdullah, gathered information in Makkah by day and relayed it to them by night. Their slave, Amir bin Fuhayra (RA), brought fresh milk and covered their tracks with goats.
Allah protected them by sending a spider to weave a web across the cave’s entrance and two doves to nest there. When the Quraysh search party reached the cave, they assumed no one could be inside and left. During this tense moment, the Prophet (SAW) comforted Abu Bakr (RA) with the words:
“Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:40)
After three days, they departed for Madinah. Abu Bakr’s (RA) daughter, Asma, brought food tied with her waistband, earning her the title “She of the two waistbands” from the Prophet (SAW).
This event reflects Allah’s protection and the unwavering faith of the Prophet (SAW) and his companions.
Ghar Hira (غار حراء)
Also known as Jabal Noor (Mountain of Light), Ghar Hira is located about two miles from the Kaaba. It was in this sacred cave that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) received the first revelation of the Quran during the month of Ramadan in 610 CE.
The Prophet (SAW) had begun experiencing true dreams and was drawn to solitude. He often retreated to Ghar Hira, meditating for days and nights with provisions. One night, during Tahajjud, while in the cave, the angel Jibraeel (Gabriel) appeared to him, commanding him to “Recite!” Despite replying, “I cannot read,” the angel embraced him three times and revealed:
“Read in the name of your Lord, the Creator. He Who created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Bounteous. Who taught by the Pen, taught man what he knew not.” (Surah Al-Alaq 96:1-5)
This marked the beginning of the Prophet’s (SAW) Prophethood and the revelation of the Quran. Overwhelmed, he fled the cave but heard a voice proclaiming, “O Muhammad, thou art the Messenger of God, and I am Jibraeel.” Wherever he looked, the angel was on the horizon.
Terrified, the Prophet (SAW) returned home to Khadija (RA), who comforted him. The Quran later affirmed:
“The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
And:
“We have indeed revealed this message during the Night of Power.” (Surah Al-Qadr 97:1)
This transformative event forever changed history, introducing divine guidance for humanity.
Jannat Ul Mala (مقبرة المعلى)
At this place many members of the Prophet (SAW)’s family and many Sahabah (RA) are buried. The following people are said to be buried in this graveyard:
Ummul Mu’mineen Khadeejah (RA), the first wife of the Prophet (SAW)
Qasim, the eldest son of the Prophet (SAW) from his wife Khadija (RA); he died in infancy.
Abdullah, the second son of the Prophet (SAW) from his wife Khadija (RA); he was also known Madinah Tahir and Tayyab.
Abu Talib – the uncle of the Prophet (SAW)
Abdul Muttalib – the grandfather of the Prophet (SAW)
Masjid Al Jinn (مسجد الجن)
Masjid Jinn is built and located at the place where the Prophet (SAW) drew a line for Abdullah bin Mas’ood (RA) who had accompanied him after he had been commanded to recite the Qur’an to the Jinn:
Abdullah bin Mas’ood (RA) narrates, “While in Makkah, the Prophet (SAW) once said to the Sahabah (RA) “Whoever wishes to see what the Jinn are all about should come along.” Besides myself no-one else came. When we reached the place in the Ma’la district of Makkah the Prophet (SAW) used his foot to draw a circle on the ground. He then instructed me to sit inside the circle. After proceeding a little further, the Prophet (SAW) started reciting the Qur’an. It then happened that Jinn started to arrive in troops and they gathered there. So many came that I could not even see the Prophet (SAW) nor hear him. The Prophet (SAW) then continued talking with a group of them until Fajr, when he came back to me saying, “I have given them bones and dung as their provisions so you people should ensure that you never use bones and dung to clean yourselves after relieving yourselves.”
MINA (منى)
Masjid Al Jinn (مسجد الجن)
Jannat Ul Mala (مقبرة المعلى)
Ghar Hira (غار حراء)
Ghar Thawr (غار ثور)
Jamarat (الجمرات)
Muzdalifah (مزدلفة)
Mount Of Ramah (جبل الرحمة)
FAQs
Why is Makkah the holiest city in Islam?
Makkah (Mecca) is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and home to the Kaaba inside Masjid al-Haram, the direction of prayer (qibla) for Muslims worldwide. It is also the destination of Hajj and Umrah, making it the most sacred city in Islam.
Can non-Muslims enter Makkah?
No. Non-Muslims are strictly prohibited from entering the holy boundaries of Makkah, including Masjid al-Haram. This regulation preserves the sanctity of the city.
What are the main ziyarat places in Makkah?
Important ziyarat sites include:
- Mina (منى) – tent city for Hajj pilgrims
- Mount Arafat / Jabal al-Rahmah (جبل الرحمة) – site of the Prophet’s farewell sermon
- Muzdalifah (مزدلفة) – where pilgrims collect pebbles for Jamarat
- Jamarat (الجمرات) – stoning site of the shaitan
- Ghar Thawr (غار ثور) – cave of the Prophet’s Hijrah
- Ghar Hira (غار حراء) – site of first revelation
- Jannat al-Mu’alla (مقبرة المعلى) – cemetery of the Prophet’s relatives
- Masjid al-Jinn (مسجد الجن) – linked to the event where jinn accepted Islam
What is Mina in Makkah famous for?
Mina is known as the “tent city,” where over 100,000 air-conditioned tents host pilgrims during Hajj. It is also the site of Jamarat, where pilgrims perform the stoning ritual, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim (AS) rejecting shaitan.
What is the significance of Mount Arafat in Makkah?
Mount Arafat (Jabal al-Rahmah) is where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ delivered his Farewell Sermon during his last Hajj. Standing at Arafat on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah is the most important ritual of Hajj, without which the pilgrimage is incomplete.
Why is Ghar Thawr important in Islamic history?
Ghar Thawr is the cave where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) hid during the Hijrah (migration) to Madinah. Allah protected them with a spider’s web and doves, leading the Quraysh to believe the cave was empty.
What happened in Ghar Hira?
Ghar Hira, located on Jabal al-Nour, is where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received the first revelation of the Qur’an from Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), marking the beginning of his prophethood.
Who is buried in Jannat al-Mu’alla cemetery in Makkah?
Jannat al-Mu’alla is the resting place of many of the Prophet’s relatives, including his wife Khadijah (RA), grandfather Abdul Muttalib, and other family members and companions.
What is Masjid al-Jinn in Makkah?
Masjid al-Jinn is where a group of jinn listened to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ recite the Qur’an and embraced Islam. This event is mentioned in Surah al-Jinn in the Qur’an.
How does Noble Hajj Umrah arrange Makkah ziyarat tours?
Noble Hajj Umrah provides guided ziyarat tours of historic and spiritual sites in Makkah, including Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, Ghar Thawr, Ghar Hira, and Jannat al-Mu’alla. Our tours ensure pilgrims gain both historical knowledge and spiritual reflection while focusing on ibadah.
