The cities of Makkah and Madinah are considered the most sacred places on Earth. They are the must-visit places for every believer in their lifetime. And the most common way one can see them with their own eyes other than going on Hajj, is by performing an Umrah.
Courtesy: Marviikad
And during the trip after you’ve performed all its rituals, the desire to walk around and see the other holy places in Islam is unavoidable. In this blog, we have listed some of the must-visit places of the two most sacred cities in Islam so that you can easily include them in your travel itinerary after performing Umrah.
Must-Visit Places in Makkah
Masjid-Al Haram
Of course, this is the place you start-off your Umrah. The House of Allah surrounded by Masjid –Al Haram, even the thoughts of this holy site brings tears and devotion to the believer’s eyes. The Sa’ee ritual you have to perform between Safa and Marwa and imagining the footsteps you follow of Hajra RA, this is all a dream that every muslim wants to come true.
Jabbal-e-Noor
Every Muslim wants to be at the place where Allah ﷻ revealed the first words of Quran to His Apostle ﷺ. The cave of Hira of this mountain is the confirmed place where the Jibrael AS and the Prophet Muhammad encountered. Who doesn’t want to prostrate and put his forehead in sujood to Allah where once Allah’s Apostle ﷺ prayed.
Mount Arafah
This is the place without which the rituals of Hajj are incomplete. Every year, hundreds of thousands of the pilgrims come here to perform Hajj rituals.
Cave Suhr
The place that witnessed a true deed of companionship –Cave Suhr has the privilege of providing stay for one night while Allah’s Apostle ﷺ and Abu Bakr (R.A) were off to Medina. Visiting this place brings memories of that fateful night in Islam.
Jannat ul Maula
Jannat ul Maula is the holy graveyard where many of the companions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Mecca are resting in peace. The grave of Khadija (May Allah be pleased with her) is also located here. The graveyard of the pious people who took a great part in the glory of Islam should be on your travel itinerary.
Places in Madinah
Masjid-e-Nabwi
The Holy Masjid -e-Nabawi is the most divine place after the House of Allah –Masjid An Nabawi, where the last Prophet of Allah ﷺ is resting in peace. This mosque was first built by the Apostle ﷺ himself. Visiting it increases our love and devotion to the Prophet of Allah (P.B.U.H).
Jannat ul Baqi (The Garden of Heavens)
The Jannat ul Baqi graveyard is the main cemetery of old Madinah where almost ten thousand companions of Allah’s Apostle ﷺ, His family members, and pious Muslims are resting in peace. The martyrs of Uhud are also buried at this divine place.
Masjid Al Quba
The soulfully elevated building of Al Quba mosque lies on the outskirts of Madinah. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stayed here after His arrival to Madinah. Allah ﷻ has mentioned this mosque in Surah Taubah:
“Certainly a mosque established on piety from the very first day does more deserve that you should stand in it” 9:108
The Well of Uthman (Bir e Usman)
This is a well that actually belongs to the Prophet’s companion Usman (R.A). He bought this well from its previous owner, a Jew who sold its water at high prices. Prophet ﷺ said whoever bought this well from the Jew and gave free water to Muslims would go straight to Jannah.
Masjid-E-Abubakar
The house of companion Abu-Bakar (May Allah be pleased with him) is present in Madinah. It has now been turned into a mosque. He was the first person who came under the fold of Islam giving him a special reputation and place in Islam.
Masjid-E-Ali
The home of the Prophet’s companion Ali(R.A), also has been turned into a mosque now. People having a great love for him can visit this mosque.
Masjid-E-Bilal
The first Mu’athin of Islam and the most beloved companion of Prophet Muhammad – Bilal (R.A) hold a great place in every believer’s heart. The Holy Quran revealed an ayah with his name for his call. His home has also been turned into a mosque.
Masjid-E-Bukhari
The home of the great Muslim Scholar Imam Bukhari is turned into a mosque to honor his efforts of doing vast research and compiling the true Hadiths of Prophet ﷺ.
These places have a special place in Islam and visiting them provides an opportunity to become more close to Almighty Allah and earn his approval and also know their amazing history.
