Top 5 Historical Places for Ziyarat in Makkah During Umrah

Historical places for Ziyarat in Makkah are related to Islamic history and the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. These are the sacred places located around the Masjid al-Haram and in the whole Makkah. Although Ziyarats are not obligatory, most Umrah pilgrims go to these places to worship and remember Islamic events.

There are many places for Ziyarat in Makkah. The best ones are the Cave of Hira, the Cave of Thawr, the Al-Mu’alla Cemetery, and the Mosque of the Jinn. It should be remembered that the visits to these Islamic sites are not compulsory, and pilgrims just come to learn, worship and gain spiritual benefits. The best thing is to have as much time as possible praying in Masjid al-Haram.

The most sacred place and the Holy city in Islam is Makkah. It has the Qiblah (point of prayers) for Muslims all over the world. Makkah is famous for Ziyarats because of the places there that are directly connected with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and His companions. That’s why it’s not just a city but a living centre of Islamic history and worship. Let’s see the top five historical places for Ziyarats during the Umrah journey!

Cave of Hira – Where the First Revelation Descended

The Cave of Hira is the place where, in early times, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to worship for hours and days. In 610 CE, the first revelation descended in this cave when Jibreel (عليه السلام) commanded the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to say the word “Iqra (read)”. Actually, this was the beginning of the Prophet Hood from where the message of Islam spread to the world. That is why this place is a great memory for every Muslim.

Reaching the Cave of Hira is difficult as it’s located on the peak of Jabal al-Noor, and it takes dozens of minutes to climb steeply. Umrah pilgrims often offer Nafl prayers there during their visit. This is just two Rakats of voluntary worship, which is done to get closer to Allah SWT. Keep in mind that it’s not compulsory in Sharia to pray at any particular place. Most pilgrims go inside the cave to refresh their memories of worshipping the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

You can recite the Quran, especially the first verses of Surah al-Alaq. Pray for the well-being of yourself and the whole Muslim Ummah. Here you can also recite Tasbih on your own. The purpose of visiting here is only to remember the Islamic history and worship. Some Umrah pilgrims pray only from the bottom of the mountain because climbing is difficult for them.

Cave of Thawr – A Place of Divine Protection

In the Cave of Thawr, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and His companion Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) took shelter for three days. This is about when they both were migrating towards Madinah, and the polytheists of Makkah were following them. The Quran also mentions this incident in Surah At-Tawbah:

“While they both were in the cave and He reassured His companion, ‘Do not worry; Allah is certainly with us.’” – (9:40)

When the polytheists approached the cave, Allah SWT protected both the Prophet ﷺ and His companion from the darkness, as the birds build a nest and the spider spins a web. Hence, the chasers thought that the cave was empty and went back.

When Umrah pilgrims visit the Cave of Thawr, they don’t follow any obligatory worship. They do Ziyarat here to remember the migration of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and to gain spiritual benefits. Pilgrims sit there and recite the Quran as well as Duas and offer Nafl prayers, especially those who travel for Umrah in December (the last month of the year) when the weather is pleasant. Also, they learn the lessons of Tawakkul (trust in Allah SWT), patience, and sacrifice.

Jannat Al-Mu’alla Cemetery: The Honoured Ziyarat in Makkah

Jannat Al-Mu’alla Cemetery is a historical Ziyarat point in Makkah because the close relatives of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ are buried here. Among them are Ummul Mu’mineen Hazrat Khadijah (رضي الله عنه), Prophet’s ﷺ grandfather Abdul Muttalib, Prophet’s ﷺ close relatives, and some family members. Al-Mu’alla cemetery existed also before Islam, and even today it’s considered to be the largest and historical Ziyarat place of Makkah.

The purpose of visiting here is to remember the sacrifices of the family of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and to pray for them. Umrah pilgrims do not ask for anything in a ghair-shar‘i (unlawful) method; they pray to Allah SWT. You can recite the Quran, such as Surah Fatiha, Surah Ikhlas, or Surah Yaseen. Jannat al-Mu’alla brings death and the hereafter to pilgrims’ minds. Then they intend to improve their faith and actions.

The Blessed Mosque of the Jinn

Mosque of the Jinn is one of the significant landmarks of Makkah. Its name is also derived from the Jinns when they believed in the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. According to traditions, here Prophet Muhammad ﷺ recited the Quran to a group of Jinns, and they heard the Quran and accepted faith. This incident is mentioned in the Quran in Surah al-Jin:

“Say O Prophet, It has been revealed to me that a group of Jinn listened to the Quran and said to their fellow Jinn, Indeed, we have heard a wondrous recitation.” – 72:1

This Mosque is a sign that Islam is not only for humans but also for Jinns. The message of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is for all creation. When Umrah pilgrims visit the Mosque of the Jinn, they offer two Rakat Nafl prayers or their timely prayers in the Mosque. Often, this Ziyarat is connected with prayers.

You can recite Surah al-Jinn, those verses inside the Mosque that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ revealed to the Jinns. Reciting it brings spiritual peace. Remember the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ and the tenets of the Quran. Pray to Allah SWT and ask for forgiveness for yourself and the Muslim Ummah.

Masjid-e-Nimrah: A Significant Ziyarat in Makkah

Masjid-e-Nimrah is a historic and extremely significant Mosque to Umrah pilgrims that is located in the Arafat Plain of Makkah. It was the Mosque where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave a sermon on His final Hajj (Hijjat-ul-Wida). The sermon is regarded as the most crucial message of the Islamic tradition in which the Prophet ﷺ clarified the principles of humanity, justice and Islam. Each year, on 9^th Dhul Hijjah during Hajj, the Imam gives a sermon at Masjid-e-Nimrah and all pilgrims hear it in Arafat.

Umrah pilgrims often visit this Mosque as a Ziyarat place and perform two Rakat Nafl in the Mosque. They attain spiritual peace and recite the Quran by going inside the Masjid-e-Nimrah. Pilgrims keep in mind the importance of the last sermon of the Prophet ﷺ, and intend to do good deeds. Additionally, visiting Masjid-e-Nimrah is Mustahab during Umrah but not mandatory. This Ziyarat is basically included in the tours.

To glance up, Ziyarat in Makkah is not just about visiting, but a mystical experience that connects a Muslim with Islamic history, the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and the sacrifices of companions. Each historical place is a source of new spiritual thought and worship. Hence, these places are the best ways to refresh faith and attain closeness to Allah SWT.

Hence, these places are the best ways to refresh faith and attain closeness to Allah SWT.