9 Most Beautiful Places in MakkahPosted by Muminah Tannous on November 1st, 2024  Makkah (Mecca) is the holiest city in the world for Muslims and it has huge significance in Islam due to Ka’abah situated in Masjid Al-Haram, Saudi Arabia. Makkah is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and one of the safest cities to travel. Every year millions of Muslims travel to Makkah to perform Hajj and Umrah. Only Muslims are allowed to enter this Holy City. If you are going there to perform Umrah then you’ll have plenty of time to explore the holy city because Umrah can be performed in a few hours. These are some of the places you should not miss the chance to visit:
In this article, we’ll discuss these famous well-known places and what’s special about them so let’s begin with the talk of the biggest mosque in the world and the holiest place. 1. Masjid Al-Haram (Grand Mosque in the World)The biggest mosque in the world is Masjid Al-Haram which was built around the Ka’abah (also known as Qibla). The Ka’abah was first built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) with his son Ismail (AS). Masjid Al-Haram is a place where pilgrimages like Hajj and Umrah take place and millions of Muslims go there to perform Umrah and Hajj, the most significant spiritual journeys. All of these Muslims come here together to demonstrate unity, humility, and devotion. 2. Holy Ka’abah (Cube-Shaped Structure in Masjid Al-Haram)Holy Ka’abah is situated inside Masjid Al-Haram it is a cube-shaped structure that is the focal point of all Muslims also known as Qibla. Muslims from all over the world pray in its direction. It also houses the Black Stone which is also known as ‘Hajer-e-Aswad’. It is covered with Kiswa a beautiful cloth made of pure silk on which Ayahs are embedded with Gold and Silver threads. An ayah from the Quran about facing Qibla, “Verily, We have seen the turning of your (Muhammad’s) face towards the heaven. Surely, We shall turn you to a Qiblah (prayer direction) that shall please you, so turn your face in the direction of Masjid al-Haram. And wheresoever you people are, turn your faces (in prayer) in that direction.” [Quran 2:144] 3. Clock Tower Museum (Get a Bird view of the Holy City)Visitors can take a tour of the Clock Tower Museum and get a panoramic view of the city of Makkah through its observation deck. Clock Tower Museum is located inside the Abraj Al-Bait Tower which is one of the largest towers in Saudi Arabia. This Museum spreads over 4 floors filled with information about the universe, Islam, and its history. The museum’s ticket price starts from 150 SAR per person and it is open from 1 PM to 6 PM. 4. The Ka’abah Kiswa Factory (Manufactures the Cloth of Holy Ka’abah)This factory is best to visit for its spiritual significance as it manufactures the cloth of Holy Ka’abah which is called Kiswa. It is made up of pure white silk which is dyed in black and then embroidered by Quranic Verse with gold and silver threads. The term Kiswa has multiple meanings with the most common “robe” or “garment”. It is annually made and as per the tradition of changing Ka’ba’s Kiswa yearly. 5. Jannat al-Ma’ulla (Garden of the Maulla)Jannat al-Ma’ulla is a graveyard in Makkah where the Holy Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) ancestors are buried, his mother (Amina), grandfather (Abdul Muttalib), and his first wife (Khadija R.A). Unfortunately, 1925 saw the destruction of many landmarks, including this cemetery. 6. Maktaba Makkah Al-Mukarramah (Library in Makkah)It is the nearby library to the Holy Mosque and it is believed by many people that our beloved Prophet (P.B.U.H) was born at this place. You should definitely visit this place after completing the Umrah Rituals. It is one of the most important libraries in Islam. 7. Cave Hira (Famous Cave in Jabal An-Nour)Cave Hira is located 4km away from Holy Ka’abah, it is an iconic site situated inside Jabal An-Nour. Visitors can climb up to the cave and can think about the life of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) and how he meditated in this cave. It is a wonderful experience visiting there once in a lifetime. It is very difficult to climb to the cave but though there is a stairway and takes almost 1.5 to 2 hours to climb to the top. 8. Mount Arafat (A place where Prophet (P.B.U.H) stood and delivered his last Sermon)Mount Arafat is popularly known as “Jabal Al-Arafat” and it is a place where our beloved Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) delivered his last sermon to his companions and all Muslims accompanying him during Hajj. There is nothing much to see here you can take a look at this site for a few minutes and then you can continue exploring other famous places near the Holy Ka’abah or in Makkah. 9. Jabal Thawr (Historical Cave in which the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) spent 3 days with his companion)The cave of Thawr is a famous historical cave in which the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) hid 3 days with his companion Hazrat Abu-Bakr (RA) from the Makkah’s Quraysh Tribe. To protect the two men, Allah (SWT) commanded a spider to make a web at the cave's entrance, preventing their enemies from seeing within and finding them. It is one of many tourist attractions in the city of Makkah. ConclusionIn conclusion, Makkah is truly a remarkable city filled with beauty and spiritual significance. From the grand mosque Masjid Al-Haram and the Holy Ka’abah to historical sites like Cave Hira and Mount Arafat, there is so much to explore and experience. Each place tells a story and holds deep meaning for Muslims around the world. Whether you are visiting for Hajj, Umrah, or simply to learn about its rich history, Makkah offers a unique journey that connects you to your faith and the shared traditions of millions. We hope this guide inspires you to discover the wonders of this holy city and create unforgettable memories during your visit. Safe travels! Like it? Share it! More by this author |