Makkah Sightseeing
Zam Zam Factory
The Zam Zam water factory in Makkah symbolizes tradition, faith, and reverence cherished by Muslims worldwide. Positioned close to the Holy Mosque, this establishment holds profound significance as the origin of Zam Zam water, a sacred element esteemed for its spiritual and historical significance. With meticulous care, the factory extracts, refines, and packages this blessed water, upholding rigorous quality standards to preserve its purity and authenticity. Visitors can observe the intricate processes involved, from the extraction deep within the earth to the final packaging destined for global distribution. Beyond its role as a production facility, the Zam Zam factory stands as a testament to the enduring spiritual bond millions of pilgrims share with this sacred water, reflecting their unwavering devotion and reliance on Allah’s blessings.
Jable Sor
Jabal-e-Soor, nestled amidst the mountains surrounding the valley of Makkah, carries profound historical weight. Within its rocky terrain lies a cave where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companion Abu Bakr (RA) sought sanctuary for three days from the Quraish tribe. It’s said that Allah (SWT) shielded them, as a spider spun its web at the cave’s entrance, veiling them from their pursuers. Over time, Soor Cave has become a potent symbol of faith and optimism, exemplifying divine shelter during times of adversity.
Al-Rajhi Mosque
The Aisha Al-Rajhi Mosque in Makkah Al Mukarramah is a prominent landmark, recognized as one of the region’s largest and most distinguished mosques. Owned by the Suleiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Rajhi Endowment Company, it was inaugurated on Shaaban 22, 1434 AH, graced by Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, the Emir of Makkah Al-Mukarramah.
Originally an endowment honoring Sheikh Suleiman Al-Rajhi’s mother, the mosque was called Aisha Al-Rajhi University. Located in Makkah’s Naseem neighborhood, it remains integral to the city.
Marvel at its grandeur and elegant design, which exude a serene ambiance. From the centerpiece chandelier to the captivating carpets and intricate paneling, each element creates a captivating space.
Ummul Qura University
Located in the heart of Makkah, Umm al-Qura University presents a harmonious blend of tradition and modern academia. Established as the College of Sharia in 1941, it has evolved into a dynamic Islamic public university, seamlessly integrating knowledge and cultural heritage. Renamed in 1981, Umm al-Qura University stands as a pinnacle in the sacred city of Makkah, embodying the fusion of education and legacy. Immerse yourself in its rich academic atmosphere and explore the enduring charm of this esteemed institution.
Jabl-e-Rehmat
Known as Jabal ar-Rahmah, Mount Arafat in southeast Makkah, Saudi Arabia, holds profound significance for Muslims. Pilgrims depart from Mina to engage in reflective prayer and vigil, reciting the Holy Quran. It was on this sacred mount that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon. The standing at Arafat constitutes the sole Hajj ritual performed outside the Holy Kaaba, with believers holding the conviction that prayers offered here are answered by Allah SWT. For pilgrims reaching Arafat, there exists a profound sense of fulfillment in their Hajj journey.
Hazrat Aisha (RA) recounted Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) saying: “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the day of Arafat. He draws near and boasts to the angels, ‘What do these people seek?’” [Muslim]
Masjid Al Nimra
Situated in the Arafat valley, Masjid Namirah holds historical significance as the resting place of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) before delivering his final sermon. This mosque plays a vital role during the Hajj pilgrimage, serving as the venue for addressing pilgrims and delivering khutbas during the Dhuhr and Asr prayers on the Day of Arafah. Just 300 meters from Mount Arafat, Masjid al-Namirah is exclusively open during Hajj and remains closed throughout the year.
Nehr Zubaida
For around 1,200 years, Ain Zubaydah (also spelled Ayn Zubaida) has been the lifeline quenching the thirst of Makkah and its sacred sites. A significant renovation occurred just 90 years ago, in 1928 AD, under the reign of King Abdul Aziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. This restoration marked the final major endeavor for the climate-sensitive and earthquake-prone project initiated by the revered Queen Zubaydah. While parts of the original Ain Zubaydah channel, with its intricate network of underground and above-ground waterways and reservoirs, endure, others have succumbed to the ravages of time, British intervention, or modern development, reduced to rubble. Spanning 35 kilometers, the Nehr-e Zubaida stands as a silent testament to its twelve centuries of service to the sanctified masses.
Muzdalifah
Muzdalifah, an expansive region southeast of Mina, serves as the juncture where the path from Mina intersects with the route to Arafat. As the sun sets on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, the second day of Hajj, pilgrims journey from Arafat to spend the night in Muzdalifah, spanning from the Valley of Muhassar to the Ma`zamayn mountains, encompassing an area of 12.25 square kilometers and extending four kilometers in length. It is here that the farewell Hajj commences.
In the Quran, Allah (SWT) mentions in Surah Baqarah: “When you depart from Arafat, remember Allah at the Mash’arul Haram” (the Sacred Monument, identified as Muzdalifah according to Abdullah bin Umar (RA)).
Mosque Mashrul Haram
In this sacred space, the Prophet (PBUH) performed Maghrib and Isha prayers together during the farewell Hajj. He resided in the Mash’arul Haram area, facing the Qibla, where Masjid Mash’arul Haram now stands. His stay here was obligatory, combining Maghrib with Isha during Hajj at Isha time. Wuqoof (the stay in Muzdalifah) is a mandatory part of Hajj, beginning from sub’h saadiq (White dawn) until sunrise. Even a brief moment suffices to fulfill the Wuqoof obligation, yet it is preferable to remain until just before sunrise.
Mina
Located approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) east of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Mina is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains. This area holds profound significance in Islamic history, particularly during the month of Dhul Hijjah, when pilgrims from across the globe spend the nights of the 8th, 11th, and 12th (and sometimes the 13th) in Mina. The importance of Mina during Hajj revolves around the stoning ritual, as it is the site of the three stone pillars known as the Jamarat.
Mina View Point and Vadi E Misar
Wadi e Masar is where the army of Najjashi, led by Abraha, faced destruction by birds by Allah’s will. The Year of the Elephant (Amul-Fil) marks the pivotal event of Abraha’s failed attack on Makkah in 570 CE. Abraha, ruler of the Kingdom of Aksum, aimed to demolish the Kaaba, hoping to divert pilgrims to his cathedral in Yemen. Employing an elephant named Mahmud as a military asset, Abraha’s plans were remarkably thwarted by birds carrying stones, as recounted in Surah Al-Fil (Chapter 105) of the Quran. This divine intervention safeguarded the sanctity of the Kaaba, underscoring its significance in Islamic history. The incident, occurring five years before the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), stands as a testament to the divine protection of Makkah and holds a crucial place in the historical context of the Prophet’s (PBUH) era.
Masjid Al Khaif
According to numerous documented hadith and narrations, Masjid Al Khayf is renowned as the site where 70 prophets, including Prophet Musa (AS) and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), offered Salah, earning it the moniker “Mosque of the Prophets.” It is also notable as the location where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered one of his speeches during the final Hajj (Hajjat al-Wada).
Jamrat
Jamrat al-Aqaba, also known as Jamrat al-Kubra, translates to “the big pillar” in Arabic, and it’s one of the three pillars where Hajj pilgrims perform the ritual of Rami, casting pebbles during Yawm al-Nahr and Ayyam al-Tashreeq. This Stoning of the Devil ceremony is integral to the Hajj pilgrimage. Positioned as the final pillar from the direction of Mina, Jamrat al-Aqaba is exclusively accessible during the Hajj period.
Jable Noor
Jable Noor, also known as Jabal al-Hira (the Mountain of Hira) and Jabal al-Islam (the Mountain of Islam), occupies a central position in Islamic history. Located around two miles from the Ka’bah, Jabal al-Hira encompasses the Cave of Hira near its peak. This modest cave, measuring less than 4 meters in length and just over 1.5 meters in width, holds immense historical importance. It was within this cave that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the initial revelations of the Holy Quran during the month of Ramadan in 610 CE.
Jannat Ul Maula
Located near the Jannat al-Mu’alla graveyard, Masjid Al Jinn stands out as one of Makkah’s oldest and most significant mosques. It occupies the spot where Jinns, beings created from fire and invisible to human eyes, are believed to have gathered to hear Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recite the Holy Quran and embrace Islam. Renowned for its Islamic significance, Masjid Al Jinn is also known as the Mosque of Guards and the Mosque of Allegiance (Masjid al-Bayah).
Masjid E Jinn
Masjid Shajarah, meaning ‘Masjid of the tree,’ is situated opposite Masjid al-Jinn. It commemorates the spot where the Prophet (PBUH) summoned a tree, and it obediently came to him. It’s important not to confuse this mosque with another masjid in Dhul Hulayfah, which is sometimes also referred to by the same name.
Masjid E Shajar
Masjid Shajarah, meaning ‘Masjid of the tree,’ is situated opposite Masjid al-Jinn. It commemorates the spot where the Prophet (PBUH) summoned a tree, and it obediently came to him. It’s important not to confuse this mosque with another masjid in Dhul Hulayfah, which is sometimes also referred to by the same name.
Masjid E Fatah
The Al-Fatah Mosque, situated at the historic Battle of Ahzab site and facing west, holds a prominent position on a small cliff in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It is widely recognized as one of the city’s most visited places of worship. According to tradition, the mosque earns its name, “Al-Fath,” from the Prophet’s prayers during the Battle of the Trench, a pivotal event where Muslims emerged victorious, signifying a momentous triumph in history.
Makkah Museum
Spanning 3435 square meters, this museum showcases Makkah’s rich heritage while reflecting the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet. Formerly known as Al Zahir Palace, it hosts a diverse collection, including Saudi Arabia’s significant archaeological findings and exhibits on pre-Islamic history.