Al-Haram Mosque

The Al-Haram Mosque stands as the largest and most revered mosque globally for Muslims. It was built in the era of the second Caliph, Omar Ibn e Khattab.

Since its inception, it has undergone significant changes and renovations. Four notable landmarks situated within the mosque add to its spiritual and historical significance:

• The Kabba,
• Safa & Marwah,
• Maqam e Ibrahim, and
• The holy Zamzam well.

During their holy pilgrimage to Mecca, Muslims engage in Tawaf, a ritual of circumambulating the sacred Kaaba. This site also has significance as the second qibla, the direction towards which Muslims offer their daily prayers five times a day. Another essential practice is the Sa'i, in which Muslims briskly walk or run between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This act commemorates Hagar's journey in search of water for her son, Ishmael.

In addition, the Zamzam Well, located near the Kaaba, is a source of water that is considered purified and safe for consumption, per modern research. And for Muslims, the water holds a deeper spiritual significance. It is regarded as holy and blessed.

Also, Maqam e Ibrahim is such a place near the Kabba where Muslims offer 2 Rakats of prayer after completing Tawaf during Hajj and Umrah.

In this mosque, reside two sacred stones from Jannah. One of these stones is embedded within the wall of the Kabba, while the other is firmly positioned at Maqam e Ibrahim.

Birthplace of the Prophet

The Birthplace of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is near the vicinity of Masjid Al Haram. The Saudi Government has turned this place into a library. It has been taken over quite a few times by renowned Islamic figures and rules. And, it used to be a mosque before getting converted into a library. This is among the must-visit Ziyarat places in Makkah. Before you plan to go perform Hajj you should keep the Masjid Al Haram in your list.

Auction House Makkah

Located in the Hilton Tower, the Auction House is one of the most visited places by Hajj tourists in Makkah. The place provides surprises to tourists in the form of ancient gems, historic currencies, preserved old jewelry, and other interesting artifacts. You can buy these interesting materials from the Auction House but you have to bid for it.

Masjid Al Nimra

Masjid Al Nimra is located on the plains of Arafat. It is known as the place where the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) delivered his last sermon. On the Day of Arafat (9th of Dhul Hijjah), pilgrims travel from Mina to Arafat. After arriving in Arafat, pilgrims gather at Masjid Nimra where the Imam delivers a sermon.

Jannat-ul-Maula

An old and historic graveyard, Jannat-ul-Maula consists of the buried bodies of some important personalities who were associated with the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Among the buried are the family members, companions, and relatives of the beloved Prophet (PBUH), some of whom are:

• Aminah (RA) — Mother
• Khadija (RA) — First Wife
• Qasim (RA)- Son
• Abdul Mutalib — Grandfather
• Abu Talib — Uncle

Zubaida Canal

Among the well-known monuments of Makkah, the Zubaida Canal construction started in 809 A.D. It is related to the queen Zubaida. As history tells us, when she came to perform her Hajj pilgrimage, there was a huge shortage of water. She immediately issued the orders for funds to construct a huge canal system.

Her vision was to construct a canal that would supply water that would be enough for 1000 years. And there will be no shortage of water for the next 1000 years. The canal actually helped reduce the water shortage in the area.

Mount Abu Qubays

Mount Abu Qubays is also close to Al-Haram Mosque. This mountain is known as the place on which the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) displayed the miracle of splitting the moon. It saved the Hajar al Aswad during the flood which destroyed everything in the era of Prophet Nuh (AS).

According to Al-Tabari, the first Prophet Adam (A.S.) died at the foot of Mount Aby Qubays. It is believed he was rested there. Also known that Governor Hajjaj Bin Yousaf fired a catapult from the top of the mountain onto the Kabba in 691 CE. Abdullah bin Zubair was killed during this battle.

Mina

This is a valley that is located at a 3 km distance from Makkah. It signifies an extremely important part of the Hajj. During the Hajj, pilgrims pass their first, third, and fourth days in this valley. Tents are built by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in this valley, but these have full accommodation of modern comforts.

There is Jammarat place in this valley. Jammarat is a three-stone pillar where pilgrims perform the Rami ritual during Hajj, but not during Umrah. Rituals based on sacrifice are performed there. Mina is also known as the “city of tents“. Tourists must visit this place because it is the only image of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) scarify and patience of Prophet Ismail (AS).