When arriving in the holy city of Makkah with Umrah packages all inclusive, there are a lot of sacred sites in the region that you must visit. Umrah itself consists of performing different rituals at different places, however, within the premises of the Grand Mosque of Makkah.
So, here are some of the places that are a must-visit during your umrah in Makkah.
The Holy Kaabah (Al-Masjid al-Haram).
Present in the heart of Masjid al-Haram (also known as the Grand Mosque of Makkah), the Holy Kaabah is a sacred cubic structure that only symbolizes the central point of worship for Muslims i.e. it’s a Qibla.
The Holy Kaabah remains covered in a cloth made from pure silk and gold threads adorned with Quranic verses. This cubic structure holds exceptional significance for Muslims because of its great association with the origin of Islam. As a matter of fact, pilgrims arriving for Hajj and Umrah observe one of the necessary rituals of the pilgrimage i.e. Tawaf around it.
Therefore, portrays such an exemplary sight of Muslim brotherhood and unity that can be hardly seen anywhere in the world. In addition, the Holy Kaaba is the focal point toward which Muslims turn for their daily obligatory prayers as well, whether or not they are present in Masjid-al-Haram.
Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).
Put in the eastern corner of the Holy Kaaba, the Black Stone (Hajar-al-Aswad) is a sacred stone that came down from paradise as per the will of Allah Almighty. Though the stone is not present in a single piece, many small pieces are kept in a silver case along the Holy Kaabah.
During the Tawaf rituals, pilgrims do Istilam of Hajar-al-Aswad as they begin/end each round of Tawaf.
Safa and Marwah.
The hills of Safa and Marwah are where Hajar ran across to find water for her infant son Ismail (AS) when they were let alone in the desert by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) upon Allah’s command. These two hills are present within the premises of Masjid al-Haram and remain an integral rite of the Umrah pilgrimage i.e. Sayee.
Pilgrims perform Sayee by walking seven times between these hills, such that the first round starts from Safah to Marwah and then proceeded in a matter that the seventh round ends at Marwah.
Maqam-e-Ibrahim.
Near the Holy Kaabah lies Maqam-e-Ibrahim (also known as ‘Station of Ibrahim’). It is a small structure in golden case and contains the footprints of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) engraved on a piece of stone as he was building the Holy Kaabah.
It is one of the rituals of Tawaf to offer two Rakat prayers near to this station after the completion of tawaf rounds and is known as Salat-al-Tawaf. This site holds great historical significance for your Umrah journey.
Well of Zamzam.
Located inside of Masjid al-Haram, the Zamzam well is a sacred site of Islam. The surprising fact about this well is that it’s water;
- Never depletes even though it has been in use for hundreds of years.
- Is the purest water present on earth.
- Flows continuously with the sources unknown to this date.
Pilgrims of Hajj and Umrah excessively use Zamzam water for drinking purposes, making Wudhu, etc.
The history of Zamzam water also goes back to the time when Ismail (AS) was crying in thirst and a well sprout from the ground miraculously where infant Ismail (AS) was rubbing his heels.
Mount Arafat (Jabal al-Rahmah).
While Mount Arafat is not directly related to the Umrah pilgrimage, it is association with the Hajj pilgrimage is prominent. It is where the Hajj pilgrims gather annually as well as it is the place where Holy Prophet Hazarat Muhammad (SAWW) delivered his Farewell Sermon. In addition, it is the plain of Arafat where all the people will gather on Judgement Day. So, pilgrims of Umrah visit this site for Ziyarath purposes, make supplications and ask for forgiveness from Allah Almighty.
Masjid-e-Taneem.
Located outside of Makkah city, Masjid-e-Taneem is a prominent Meeqat station for pilgrims performing Umrah. Here, pilgrims assume their state of Ihram before entering the boundary of Makkah.
Other places to visit for Ziyarath in Makkah.
- Masjid-e-Jinn.
- Cave of Hira.
- Jabal Noor (Mountain of Light).
- Jabal Thawr.
- Masjid-e-Bilal.
- Mina.
- Muzdalifah.
So, these are some of the places to visit in Makkah with your September Umrah Packages.