Must-Visit Places During Your Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimage

Hajj and Umrah are the most anticipated acts of worship for all Muslims. Hajj is the obligatory pilgrimage, while Umrah is the voluntary pilgrimage. The common thing between these two pilgrimages is that you must travel to Allah Almighty's symbolic house in the holy city of Makkah to perform their rituals. 

Another holy city in Saudi Arabia is Madinah. Muslims from around the world visit both these cities during the pilgrimage. The two holy cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have numerous historical and religious sites that Muslims love to see. 

Therefore, you should take advantage of the must-visit places during your Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage if you finally get the chance to perform any pilgrimages. You get to learn a lot about Islamic history and experience different spirituality in these places. 

Must-Visit Places During Your Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimage 

If you have got your hands on your December Umrah packages from the UK, you must start planning your stay in the region. Here are some of the highly visited places in Saudi Arabia that you must see during the pilgrimage. 

1. Masjid Al-Haram

Masjid Al-Haram, or the Grand Mosque, is where the Holy Kaabah is located. Therefore, it is a significant place that is vital to Hajj and Umrah rituals. It is essential to perform Tawaf around the Holy Kaabah in both pilgrimages. 

Muslims then pray in the Masjid Al-Haram while facing the Kaabah, which stands tall before this mosque. Therefore, it offers an enhanced spiritual experience for Muslims.

2. Al-Masjid-an-Nabwi

Al-Masjid-an-Nabwi, also known as the Prophet's mosque, is the last resting place of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). This makes this mosque the second most crucial for Muslims worldwide after Masjid Al-Haram. 

Moreover, one prayer offered in this mosque is equivalent to 1000 prayers in any other mosque. It is a stunning mosque with great religious significance, making it a must-visit place during your Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage. 

3. Mina

Mina is an integral part of the Hajj. Pilgrims spend almost three or four days of their Hajj in the air-conditioned tents of Mina. Located approximately 8 kilometres from Makkah in the east, Mina is a valley with around 100,000 tents built to accommodate the pilgrims. 

Mina is where pilgrims stone the devil. Even though it is not obligatory to visit Mina during Umrah, pilgrims still visit it to see the sacred site. 

4. Mount Arafat

Standing at Mount Arafat on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah is another significant part of the Hajj pilgrimage. Muslims come to Mount Arafat from Mina and stand on the sacred mountain while praying to Allah Almighty. 

It is one of the most sacred rituals of the Hajj. Moreover, this is where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) delivered his last sermon. 

5. Muzdalifah

Muzdalifah is located between the holy sites of Mina and Mount Arafat. Pilgrims stay at the mountain till sunset when they travel from Mina to Mount Arafat. There is also a mosque at the top of this mountain where most pilgrims offer daily prayers. 

6. Jabal al-Noor

Jabal al-Noor, also known as the "Mountain of Light", is a significant religious place in the holy city of Makkah with close association with Islamic history. It is also called Gar-e-Hira or Cave Hira. 

According to the historical legends of Islam, this is the cave where the revelation of the first verses of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) took place. The Holy Prophet (SAW) used to meditate in this cave. And thus, one day, the Angel Jibrail came to him with the message of Allah Almighty. 

7. Quba Mosque

Quba mosque is a significant mosque located in the holy city of Madinah. It is one of the must-visit places during your Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage because it is considered the oldest mosque in the world, founded by the Holy Prophet (SAW) himself once he migrated from Makkah to Madinah. 

Moreover, this is the mosque where the first Friday prayer was held, led by Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Therefore, this mosque has great religious and historical significance. 

8. Cave of Thawr

If you have availed of the Hajj packages from USA or are going for an Umrah, you must visit Thawr. It has great historical and religious significance. 

The Holy Prophet (SAW) and his close companion Hazrat Abu Bakar (RA) spent three nights here when he migrated from Makkah to Madinah. Allah Almighty also helped them from the Quraysh through a miracle while staying in this cave.

Conclusion

If you have become lucky enough to perform Umrah or Hajj this year, you must plan your stay efficiently to ensure you get to all the essential places. There are many more places in addition to the must-visit areas you can visit during your Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage. 

These places are a source of excellent historical and religious knowledge and also bring you a lot of peace because of the spirituality that surrounds these places.