Muslims don’t need any introduction to Mecca and Medina. These two holy cities in Saudi Arabia are called the heart of Islamic pilgrimage for a reason. The spirituality and religious significance associated with them make them the dearest cities to believers all around the world. A trip to these cities and their pilgrimage sites promises the most faith-reviving journey that will alter your life. Therefore, if you plan to visit them soon, you must go through a guide to Mecca and Medina to ensure you make the most of your time in these sacred cities.
These are the two cities where the Prophet (SAW) lived and received the revelations of the Holy Quran. Nothing compares to their religious history and spirituality. Every street and landmark takes you back to the time of the Prophet (SAW), which is an enlightening experience.
Have you become one of the thousands of lucky UK citizens invited by the Almighty for pilgrimage? It is time to learn everything about Mecca and Medina and their remarkable sites before embarking on your spiritual retreat.
Must-Visit Islamic Sites in Mecca During Umrah
The Grand Mosque
When discussing Islamic pilgrimage sites, it is impossible not to mention the Grand Mosque at the top of the list. This incredible mosque is the most significant religious landmark in the world for Muslims as it is the location of the Holy Kaabah. This astonishing mosque is located in the heart of Mecca and is one of the most frequently visited landmarks in the world. It hosts the most significant crowds every year as millions of Muslims from around the globe gather here to perform Hajj and Umrah.
The spiritual atmosphere and architectural splendour of this landmark leave everyone in awe. It is the perfect place for Muslims to feel closest to the Almighty and strengthen their relationship with Him. Visiting this mosque and praying here is the ultimate dream of every Muslim, and only those who are invited by the Almighty Himself get a chance to experience this soul-lifting journey and the glorious Grand Mosque. Anyone with an Umrah package waiting to perform the pilgrimage will soon get an opportunity to experience this soul-lifting retreat. Umrah allows you to experience and explore the grandeur of this incredible landmark.
Cave Hira
Are you familiar with the historical story of the first revelation? As Muslims, we all have read this incredible story in books and heard it from our elders. Cave Hira is where the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) meditated when he was visited by Angel Jibrael, who came with the first revelation. This cave is where the message of Islam started, and Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was appointed as the last messenger of Allah Almighty. A trip to this cave in Jabal al-Nour is a spiritual experience that enables you to learn much about Islamic history.
Mount Arafat
Hajj is incomplete without visiting Mount Arafat. It is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites near Mecca and is known for its role in numerous significant historical events in Islamic history. Moreover, staying at this mountain during pilgrimage is also a rewarding experience for the pilgrims. Even though you will not be required to visit Mount Arafat during Umrah, you can still see it to experience the spiritual atmosphere at this site.
Mina
Mina is another one of the Hajj pilgrimage sites near Mecca. Even though visiting it is not a part of the Umrah ritual, you can still visit it to see the Hajj pilgrimage sites and their true spiritual essence. It is also known as the tent city, as you will need countless tents built for the Hajj pilgrims who have to stay the night here as a part of their Hajj rituals.
Must-Visit Islamic Sites in Medina During Umrah
Masjid an-Nabwi
The second holiest landmark of Islam, the Masjid an-Nabwi, also doesn’t need any introduction for the Muslims. This mosque is known as the most tranquil place for the Muslims. Who would want to miss out on the chance to feel the closest to Prophet Muhammad (SAW)? And there is no better place than this mosque to experience this feeling. Even though visiting this mosque is not a part of the Hajj or Umrah rituals, it is truly the heart of the Islamic pilgrimage.
Quba Mosque
Have you ever considered where the first mosque in Islam is and what it looks like? We all see glorious mosques worldwide, but there is no comparison of the Quba Mosque, the earliest mosque in Islam. A trip to Medina is incomplete without visiting this mosque. You will be stunned to know that praying two rakaat prayers at this mosque yields rewards equivalent to Umrah. So, make sure not to miss this one while exploring the sacred city of Medina.
Jannat-ul-Baqi
Jannat-ul-Baqi, also known as the Garden of Heaven, is one of the oldest cemeteries in Medina. It was the first cemetery built in Medina, according to the instructions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Many of his family members and close companions are buried here. Muslims visit this cemetery to pay their respects to the pious Muslims.
Final Words
Once you have applied for an Umrah visa, you might start thinking about how to make the most of your time in the sacred cities. No doubt, planning your time in Mecca and Medina is quite overwhelming because you want to visit all the Islamic sites in addition to spending most of your time in Ibadah. Now that you have gone through a guide to Mecca and Medina, you can start assembling your itinerary. You can visit the Islamic sites mentioned above and many more in the two holy cities for a memorable spiritual retreat.
