As we know, the cuisine, culture, and historical landmarks of Saudi Arabia are incredibly diverse. Many tourists visit this country to explore and enjoy its diversity in different fields of life. However, Saudi Arabia is an important and holy place for Muslims from all around the world. Because this country is home to two of Islam’s holiest mosques. In this article, read the whole description for further facts: “Famous Ziyarat places in Mecca.” This description will direct you to accurate information about the aforementioned title.
Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is the most significant and holiest city in Islam. This city is situated in a desert valley in western Saudi Arabia. This holy city is only open to Muslims.
Many pilgrims travel to Mecca each year to perform Hajj and Umrah. All Muslims have a particular place in their hearts for these two religious pilgrimages. Numerous narrations emphasize the significance and reward of these two sacred journeys.
Mecca – Popular Ziyarat destinations
There are numerous ancient Islamic Ziyarat places in Mecca. Muslims visit them while performing their spiritual journey. The list of these Ziyarat locations is as follows:
- Masjid al-Haram
- Mount Arafat
- Jabal al-Noor
- Mina
- Muzdalifah
- Jabal al-Thawr
- Masjid al-Taneem
- Jannat al-Mu’alla Cemetery
- Masjid al-Jinn
- Masjid al-Khaif
Note: Most Muslims visit these Ziyarats in the holy month of Ramadan by booking Ramadan Umrah Packages.
Masjid al-Haram
Masjid al-Haram also referred to as the Grand Mosque of Mecca, surrounds the Kaaba, Maqam Ibrahim, and two twin hills. Muslims offer their prayers to God while facing the Kaaba in the mosque’s centre, making it a famous spot. It is the main location for carrying out the rituals of Hajj and Umrah.
Mount Arafat
Mount Arafat is a granite hill in the Plain of Arafat, 22 kilometres southeast of Mecca. It is commonly known as the “Mountain of Mercy.” Because Abraham intended to sacrifice his son Ismael on the hill, at that moment Allah Almighty sent a ram in place of Ismael. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his last sermon at this location on the occasion of his farewell Hajj.
Jabal al-Noor
Jabal al-Noor, a mountain where the last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stayed in its cave. This cave is also known as the cave of Hira. It is among the most important and holiest places in Islam. This mountain is frequently known as the “Mountain of Light.”
Read Also: 6 Tips for Travellers to Saudi Arabia
Mina
Millions of Muslims congregate in Mina (a small town outside of Mecca) each year for Hajj. During the Hajj pilgrimage, the city comes to life, with a variety of rituals performed day and night. Muslims start and end their major pilgrimages at this place.
Muzdalifah
Muzdalifah is a small town situated between Mina and Mount Arafat. During the Hajj pilgrimage, Muslims spend an entire night under the open sky at this location. They collect 49 pebbles of similar sizes for the ritual of Rami al-Jamarat. It is one of the main events of a major pilgrimage to Mecca.
Jabal al-Thawr
Jabal al-Thawr is one of the mountains that encircle the valley where Mecca is located. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companion Abu Bakr (R.A.) spent three days in a cave here to hide from the tribe of Quraysh. This cave is also known as the Thawr cave.
Masjid al-Taneem
Masjid al-Taneem is a mosque in Mecca’s Taneem neighbourhood, near Al Hil and approximately 10 kilometres from the Kaaba. It is frequently known as Masjid Aishah (R.A.). Because the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) wife, Aishah bin Abu Bakr (R.A.), once put on her Ihram from this mosque.
Jannat al-Mu’alla Cemetery
Jannat al-Mu’alla is one of the most important cemeteries for Muslims. Many of the ancestors and relatives of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are buried in this sacred cemetery. It is approximately one kilometre north of Masjid al-Haram, and it takes 15 minutes to walk there.
Masjid al-Jinn
According to Islamic belief, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was reciting the Holy Quran at the place, where Masjid al-Jinn is situated. A group of Jinn passing by heard the recitation and stopped to listen more.
Masjid al-Khaif
Masjid al-Khaif is located at the bottom of a mountain in the south of Mina. In addition to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), numerous other Prophets have offered prayers at the location where this mosque was built.
Things to do in Mecca
The list of things to do in Mecca, Saudi Arabia is as follows:
- Hajj and Umrah
- Shopping from old markets
- Eating at Mecca’s most authentic restaurants
- Experiencing an authentic Middle Eastern lunch buffet
Hajj and Umrah
All Muslims consider the Hajj as the 5th pillar of Islam and a required religious duty. While Umrah is a voluntary journey to Mecca. Pilgrims can perform this minor pilgrimage throughout the year by booking Umrah or Hajj Packages.
Shopping from old markets
Mecca is home to various old and new marketplaces, each of which specializes in a specific kind of good. There are numerous products available for sale, such as clothing, accessories, gold jewellery, and technology.
Eating at Mecca’s most authentic restaurants
Mecca is a popular tourist destination for millions of pilgrims because of its religiously influenced culture and cuisine. Mecca is home to numerous kinds of restaurants. These restaurants provide everything, from regular meals to extraordinary occasions.
Experiencing an authentic Middle Eastern lunch buffet
Many restaurants in the area of Masjid al-Haram offer an authentic lunch buffet with falafel, baba ghanoush, and grilled meats.
Conclusion
Mecca is very famous for its ancient religious places for Muslims from all over the world. All Muslims have great importance in this city because it is the location of the world’s largest mosque, Masjid al-Haram.
Every year, millions of Muslims visit Mecca to see its ancient Ziyarat destinations. These sacred places include Masjid al-Haram, Mount Arafat, Mina, Masjid al-Jinn, and Jabal al-Noor.
