Makkah is a holy city in Saudi Arabia. It holds great spiritual significance for millions of Muslims worldwide, beckoning them to embark on the sacred journey of Umrah. Although this pilgrimage is not mandatory, it can profoundly be a transformative experience. Makkah offers a wealth of activities and attractions for pilgrims to explore. Have you set your mind to do Umrah this year? You can opt for all inclusive Umrah packages to end up with a memorable trip. Don’t forget to visit Makkah during your Umrah to enhance your pilgrimage. In this article, you will walk through crucial facts that make Makkah the heart of your Umrah tour.
The Significance Of Makkah In Islam
Before you dive into the importance of Makkah in Islam, it’s crucial to know what this place is and where it is located. This will help you better understand the history of Makkah and how it became the holy land for all Muslims. This place is a symbol of brotherly love, unity, and devotion, showing a rich tapestry of faith. You might not know but Makkah and Islam tend to go hand in hand. Makkah has the sacred Kaaba, which is considered the primary place for worship in Islam. The native population of this city averages up to 1.5 million. Meanwhile, more than 2 million Muslims gather at this site annually to perform religious and spiritual obligations.
No denying that Makkah retains its reference to the Islamic city, but its name has gone beyond to mean more than that. This Islamic haven is present along the panoramic Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia. Makkah lies around 70 kilometres from Jeddah and is near to another Islamic city named Madinah.
What Is Umrah?
Umrah, in Islam, is an act of worship of Allah Almighty. It is the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet PBUH and can be done at any time of the year. Also known as a ‘minor pilgrimage,’ Umrah brings a number of rewards for pilgrims. Just a throughout of visiting the house of Allah makes you feel blessed, right? Sin is a human nature, be it minor or major. This pilgrimage allows you to seek forgiveness of all kinds of sins from the Creator. So, if you want to renew your soul and deepen your connection with Allah Almighty, doing Umrah is one of the smart decisions.
Visiting Sacred Sites In Makkah During Umrah
The following are some of the religious places in Makkah you must go to during your Umrah;
The Masjid Al-Haram Mosque
Masjid al-Haram is the Grand Mosque in Makkah. It is one of the holiest places in Islam that you must visit during pilgrimage. Adding more, this mosque has the capacity to hold millions of pilgrims. When you enter this religious place, you will feel like you have just come into a spiritual world. Pilgrims pray as well as recite the holy Quran at this place. The astounding architecture of this mosque plays a significant role in enhancing the enlightening experience.
The Kaaba
Next comes the Kaaba. Present in the heart of Masjid al-Haram, it is central to Muslim prayer practices, with millions globally turning towards it 5 times a day daily. Stories of pilgrims reflect a deep spiritual and emotional experience here. Many of them describe a sense of unity and overwhelming reverence while standing before the Kaaba. Generally speaking, Kaaba is much more than only a building. That’s why you must head to this divine place during Umrah.
Mount Arafat
There are many ways to enhance your pilgrimage experience and investing in Group Umrah Packages is one of them. When you carry out this activity, don’t forget to go to Mount Arafat. This place is outside Makkah. This is where Hazrat Muhammad PBUH gave his Farewell Sermon. Many Muslims choose to go to this religious place in Makkah as a symbol of devotion. Moreover, you should go to Mount Arafat from noon until it is sunset to prayer and reflection.
Zamzam Well
The Zamzam well is full of sacred water. According to Islam, this well was revealed by Allah Almighty to provide water to Hagar and her son Ismail. It is the belief of Muslims that this water has healing power and they must consume it. When you go to this place, you can take bottles of Zamzam water home so that they can be shared with your friends and family.
Hira Cave, Jabal Al-Noor
It takes a short drive from Masjid al-Haram to reach Hira Cave. It was the place where Hazrat Muhammad PBUH received the first revelations from Allah Almighty. This cave provides pilgrims with a tranquil ambience for reflection. Moreover, you must know that climbing up this cave demands a bit of effort. So, when you jet off to this place during Umrah, be sure to be fit and have good stamina. You will love the beautiful view of the city of Makkah from the cave.
Jabal al-Noor is also named the ‘Mountain of Light.’ It is a historical place in Makkah and is recognized for the renowned Hira Cave. This is where the holy Prophet PBUH’s initial retreat for prayer and meditation happened. Adding more to this, the climb up Jabal Al-Noor is a divine journey itself. The cave is very simple and small, allowing you to connect with history without any interruption. This is why you should visit this site in Makkah during your pilgrimage.
In A Crux
The sacred city of Makkah is more than just a destination during Umrah. It is a city bundled with scenic natural beauty, spirituality, and history. While the religious aspects of your journey of faith will for sure be at the forefront, you must take time to explore the sites listed above. It will not only enrich your Umrah experience but also help you build a deeper connection with the Islamic heritage. Whether you’re planning to do Umrah during Ramadan or any holidays, visiting the holy city of Makkah offers great opportunities for cultural immersions to soak in. It is also best to opt for all inclusive Umrah packages for a hassle-free pilgrimage journey.
