Top 10 Sacred Places to Visit in Makkah During Umrah

Umrah is the most faith-reviving journey that every Muslim dreams of undertaking at least once in their life. It is the journey of complete transformation and spiritual renewal. A trip to the sacred city of Makkah gives you a fresh perspective on life and a clean slate to start your life anew. Muslims combine their pilgrimage with exploring the top holy places to visit in Makkah during Umrah to make the most of their time in the holy city.

No doubt the blessed Masjid al-Haram is the primary focus of Umrah pilgrims, but there is so much more to see in Makkah during your pilgrimage. The city offers you the chance to connect with some of the most prominent events in history and to trace the footsteps of the Prophet (SAW) and his companions. Hundreds of thousands of British Muslims and those from around the globe book Umrah packages and undertake the pilgrimage. If you are going to be among them soon, it is time that you decide which other sacred places you will visit during your pilgrimage.

10 Must-Visit Holy Sites in Makkah During Umrah

Here is a list of some of the top holy sites in Makkah that you must visit during your Umrah.

1. Masjid al-Haram

This is the ultimate pilgrimage site in Islam that you will be visiting during your Umrah. The Grand Mosque, or Masjid al-Haram, is home to the Holy Kaaba, the most sacred landmark in Islam. It is not only the house of the Almighty but also the Qibla of the Muslims. Every Muslim must turn toward this cubic structure five times a day for daily prayers. Millions gather here to perform Hajj and Umrah, making it essential to understand the Umrah dos and don'ts before arriving. The mosque has a serene atmosphere and promises a spiritual revival like no other place in the world.

2. Safa and Marwa

Although this is another one of the pilgrimage sites that you will be visiting during Umrah for one of the pilgrimage rituals, it deserves a place on this list. Safa and Marwa are the two sacred hills that are known for their place in Islamic history. Pilgrims walk between the two hills to commemorate the hardship and firm faith of Hajar. The story symbolises faith, courage, and trust in the Almighty in all matters of life.

3. Jabal al-Noor

A trip to Jabal al-Noor is like a lesson in Islamic history. Do you know about the story of the first revelation? Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was meditating in a cave when he received the first verses of the Holy Quran and was declared a messenger of Allah Almighty. This cave is located on Jabal al-Noor. Although the climb to this mountain is steep, it is truly worth it and will refresh your faith.

4. Birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

Makkah is the glorious city where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was born. This place is located near the pilgrimage sites. Although this is no longer a pilgrimage site or a house, it is known as the place of birth of the beloved Prophet (SAW). This gives it historical significance and a spiritual atmosphere you will surely want to experience. It is now a library with treasures of books on the life and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

5. Jannat al-Mua’lla

Jannat al’Mua’lla is a historic cemetery in Makkah. This is the place where many of the Prophet’s (SAW) family members and companions are buried. Pilgrims visit this cemetery during their Umrah trip as it serves as a reminder of the reality of this life. It also gives you a chance to glimpse the sacrifices of the earliest Muslims and pay your respects to them.

6. Cave Thawr

Cave Thawr is a cave of glorious miracles. It is located on the outskirts of Makkah and has a prominent place in Islamic history. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his close companion hid in this cave while migrating from Makkah to Madinah. They were miraculously helped by the Almighty and were saved from the tactics of Quraysh to kill them.

7. Jabal Arafat

This is a Hajj pilgrimage site. It is also located just outside Makkah and is among the holiest sites in Islam. Jabal Arafat is not only the site of the last sermon of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) but is also a significant site for the obligatory pilgrimage. Pilgrims supplicate and ask for forgiveness of the Almighty during their stay in the plains of Arafat during Hajj. This is also known as the climax of Hajj.

8. Masjid Aisha

This mosque is named after the wife of the Prophet (SAW), Hazrat Aisha (RA), as she observed her Ihram here. Now this mosque serves as one of the Miqat sites. Many pilgrims enter the state of Ihram here. It is a spacious mosque and is only a few kilometres away from Masjid al-Haram. You can visit it for your Ihram or just for daily prayers.

9. Makkah Museum

Are you curious about the history of Makkah, which is deeply linked to Islamic history? If so, the Makkah Museum is an unmissable site for you. You will take a journey from ancient to modern Makkah during your visit to this museum. It is always surreal to witness some of the oldest manuscripts and architectural models of the Kaaba.

10. Masjid al-Jinn

Have you heard about the historic event when a group of Jinn stopped to listen to the Holy Prophet (SAW) recite the Quran? This is the place where it happened. It is one of the oldest mosques in Makkah and truly has a surreal atmosphere. A visit to this mosque will tell you a lot about the universality of the Holy Prophet (SAW) 's message.

Final Words

Do you plan to visit Makkah soon? Only fortunate Muslims get a chance to visit Makkah and perform the faith-reviving Umrah pilgrimage. If you are going to be among them, it is time that you apply for an Umrah visa from the UK. And as you wait for the approval of your visa, you can take this time to decide all the top sacred places to visit in Makkah during Umrah that deserve a place in your itinerary.