Makkah Saudi

Makkah
City of Saudi Arabia

Makkah is the holiest city in Islam and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad is located in Makkah province, one of the 13 provinces of Saudi Arabia. It is the third-most populated city in Saudi Arabia after Riyadh and Jeddah. Kaaba is one of Islam's holiest sites and the direction of prayer for all Muslims.

How to Reach Makkah

Makkah (officially Makkah al-Mukarramah) is primarily served by King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.


From Dammam, only transport package leaves for Umrah pilgrims from Dammam to Makkah then Madina and Dammam. Cost about 130 Riyals.

Hotels in Makkah

There are many hotels in Makkah.

Tourist Places in Makkah

I have described 31 Best Places to Visit in Makkah.

Day-1:

Kaaba

Muslim Worship

Kaaba is a building at the center of Islam's most important mosque, the Masjid al-Haram. The Mosque was started by Ibrahim (also called Abraham) and his son Ismail with the construction of the Kaaba at the command of Allah around 2400 BCE.

As per Quran
1. "Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for mankind". (Surah Al Imran, Ayat: 96)

2. "Behold! We gave the site, to Ibrahim, of the (Sacred) House, (saying): "Associate not anything (in worship) with Me; and sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or stand up, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer)." (Surah Al-Hajj, Ayat: 26)

3. And remember Ibrahim and Ismail raised the foundations of the House (With this prayer): "Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-knowing." (Surah Al-Baqarah, ayat: 127)

After Ibrahim had built the Kaaba, an angel Jibrail brought to him Hajar al-Aswad (the Black Stone). According to tradition, the stone had fallen from Heaven on the nearby hill Abu Qubays.
Prophet Muhammad was born in 570 AD, more than 25 generations after Ismail. During Muhammad's lifetime (570–632 CE), the Kaaba was considered a holy site by the local Arabs. After the structure of the Kaaba was damaged by a flood around 600 AD, Muhammad took part in rebuilding the Kaaba. Muhammad placed the black stone in its final position with his own hands. Muslims initially considered their direction to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem as their place of prayer. The direction of the Qibla was changed from Masjid al-Aqsa to Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. In 628 AD, Muhammad led a group of Muslims to Makkah with the intention of performing Umrah, but was prevented by the Quraysh. He concluded a peace treaty with them (Treaty of Hudaybiyyah) which allowed Muslims to freely make pilgrimages to the Kaaba from 629 AD. After Banu Bakr violated the treaty of Hudaybiyyah they started placing statues inside the Kaaba. Muhammad conquered Makkah in 630 AD. His first task was to remove statues and images from the Kaaba.
The structure was severely damaged in a fire on Sunday 31 October 683 AD and was later rebuilt it including building Hatim (It is a low wall that was part of the original Kaaba. It is a semi-circular wall opposite, but not connected to, the north-west wall of the Kaaba, and is thus not entered during the tawaf). In 692 the Kaaba was bombarded with stones. In 693 AD, it was rebuilt and included the mosque's outer walls being raised and decoration added to the ceiling.
During the Hajj in 930, the Shi'a attacked Makkah, desecrated the Well of Zamzam with the corpses of pilgrims and stole the Black Stone, taking it to the Eastern Arabian oasis known as al-Ahsa, where it remained until 952 CE.
In 1626, the walls of the Kaaba collapsed and the mosque was damaged. In 1627, during the Ottoman rule, the Kaaba was rebuilt with granite stones and Meezab is a rain spout made of gold was added. The mosque was also renovated.
The Silver Door was built by Ibrahim Badr in 1942. In 1979 his son Ahmad bin Ibrahim Badr replaced the silver door with a 300 kg gold door.

Masjid al-Haram

Mosque

It is the 1st mosque and the largest mosque in the world. Where Kaaba is located center of the Mosque, which was built around 2400 BCE.
According to Quran, The mosque was started by Ibrahim and his son Ismail with the construction of the Kaaba at the command of Allah.

Maqam-e-ibrahim

Footprint

The Footprint of Ibrahim. According to one tradition, it occurred when Ibrahim stood on the stone during the construction of the Kaaba. When the walls became too high, Ibrahim stood on the maqam, which miraculously rose up to allow him to continue building, and miraculously descended to allow Ismail to give the stones.
How to go: It is located east side of Kaaba.

Zamzam Well

Drinking Water

Islamic tradition says that around 2400 BCE, Ibrahim went by the order of Allah leaving his infant son Ismail and his second wife Hajar (Ismail's mother) in the desert, 20 meters east of the site where the Kaaba was later built. Hajar was desperately searching for water for her infant son. Seven times she ran between Safa and Marwah mountains in the scorching heat in search of water. Thirsty, the child Ismail kicked the ground with his feet, where suddenly water gushed out.
Now the well itself is in a basement room where it can be seen behind a glass panel (visitors are not allowed to enter). Electric pumps draw water, which is available throughout Masjid al-Haram through water fountains and dispensers near the Tawaf area.

Safa and Marwa

Hills

Two small hills, both are located east of Kaaba. Safa hill is located south and Marwa hill is located north.
Islamic tradition says that around 2400 BCE, Ibrahim went by the order of Allah leaving his infant son Ismail and his second wife Hajar (Ismail's mother) in the desert, 20 meters east of the site where the Kaaba was later built. Hajar was desperately searching for water for her infant son. Seven times she ran between Safa and Marwah mountains in the scorching heat in search of water. Thirsty, the child Ismail kicked the ground with his feet, where suddenly water gushed out is called Zamzam well.
Now Muslims walk between the two mountains (called Sa'ee) 7 times during Hajj and Umrah. The space between the two mountains in which the pilgrims walk is called al-Mas'aa.

Birthplace of the Prophet

Library

This library, in She’eb Banu Hashim in Makkah is built over the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad.
Prophet Muhammad was born in April, 571 CE.
When Prophet Muhammad migrated to Medina in September, 622, the house was confiscated by Aqil bin Abi Talib. He was a cousin of the Prophet and was not a Muslim then.
After the Prophet's death in 632 CE, the house was initially held by the family of Aqil bIn Abi Talib. It was then bought by Muhammad bin Yusuf al-Thaqafi, brother of the tyrannical Hajjaj bin Yusuf. This is why this property is recorded by many early books as the property of Muhammad bin Yusuf.
Khayzuran, mother of the Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid, bought the property. She converted the house into a mosque where people would pray and visit where Prophet Muhammad was born.
By 1950 the mosque was non-existent. Later in 1953 a small library was built on the foundation of the house. It houses a large collection of manuscripts and many rare local local, Arab and Islamic newspapers and periodicals.
How to go: It is located about 200 meters east of Al Haram Mosque.

Abraj Al-Bait Towers

Complex

It is a government-owned complex of seven skyscraper hotels was built in 2012. The central hotel tower, the Makkah Clock Royal Tower, is the 4th-tallest building and 6th-tallest freestanding structure in the world with a height of 601 meters. Total floor is 120. The Clock Tower Museum is located on the top four floors of the tower. It is the world's second most expensive building.
Other scysrapers are Hajar (279 m), Zamzam (279 m), Maqam Ibrahim (232 m), Qibla (232 m), Safa (220 m) and Marwah (220 m).
How to go: It is located few meters south of the largest mosque in the world "Masjid al-Haram".

House of Abu Bakr

Mosque

When the decision to assassinate the Prophet had been made by the Quraysh, Jibrail was sent down to the Prophet to leave Makkah. The Prophet went to the house of Abu Bakr after receiving the order to migrate in 622 CE. He revealed that he had been ordered to migrate to Madinah. "Who will accompany you on the trip?" Abu Bakr asked. The Prophet said, "You will be with me". Hearing this, tears of joy flowed from Abu Bakr's eyes and he said, "O Messenger of Allah! I have already bought two camels for this purpose and made them strong and fat and I am offering you one.” The Prophet said, "I will buy it". After informing Abu Bakr of the plan, the Prophet returned to his home. That night, the Prophet went to Abu Bakr's house past the assassins who surrounded his house. The two of them hurriedly left Makkah before the Fajr prayer began. Abdullah, son of Abu Bakr, also traveled with them first to Jabal Thawr (mountain).
How to go: It is located southwest of Masjid Al Haram in the Makkah Towers Hotel block, where a Masjid Abu Bakr has been built on the 4th floor.

Al-Shabeka Graveyard

Graveyard

One of the evil practices of pre-Islam is that, the middle to lower class society was burried alive of their firstborn child if it was a girl, believing them to be a sign of dishonor. They are said to be buried in al-Shabeka cemetery. Sumaiya is also said to be buried here. She was the first person who was martyred in the cause of Islam.
How to go: It is located south-west of Masjid al-Haram.

Day-2:

Abu Qubays mountain

Mountain

According to at-Tabari, Prophet Adam died at the foot of Jabal Abu Qubais and was subsequently buried there.
According to tradition, Hajar al-Aswad (the Black Stone) of Kaaba had fallen from Heaven on the nearby hill Abu Qubays. Some said, an angel Jibrail brought the Black Stone to Ibrahim.
According to tradition, this is the place where the Prophet Muhammad performed the miracle of splitting the moon in two and then rejoining the pieces as claimed by the disbelievers of Makkah. You can still see the split sign of the moon.
A royal palace currently exists on top of the mountain.
How to go: It is located northwest side of the largest mosque in the world "Masjid al-Haram".

Bir Towa Well

Well

Tuwa well is a historical well. Before the conquest of Makkah, the Prophet Muhammad spent the night in the valley, bathed using the water from this well, and then prayed. Then he entered Makkah.
It was narrated that Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) did not enter Makkah without spending the night at Dhi Tuwa until dawn, when he performed ablution, then entered Makkah in the morning and mentioned that the Prophet did. [Muslim]
A mosque was built near the place where the Prophet prayed. But now it has been demolished. Tuwa wells still remain.
How to go: It is located northwest of Masjid Al Haram near Suleiman's historic Palace.

Qasr Bin Sulaiman historical

Historical Building

The palace was established more than 80 years ago during the reign of King Abdul Aziz Reign from 23 September 1932 to 9 November 1953. The palace belongs to the Al-Yoghari family. Ibn Sulayman, the first finance minister (1932 – September 1955), bought it from this family and made it a residence for himself, his family and his servants.
It was the headquarters of the Great Sharia Court of Makkah and before that the headquarters of the library of the Great Mosque of Makkah.
How to go: It is located northwest corner of Abu Qubays mountain.

Suleiman's historic Palace

Palace

How to go: It is located about 450 meters from Qasr Bin Sulaiman historical towards northeast.

Mecca Museum

Museum

It is a two floor building which is surrounded by gardens. The museum exhibits the history of Makkah and houses many archaeological collections from the different periods of Islamic history in the region.
Visiting Time: 9 AM to 4 PM every day.
How to go: It is located about about 2.5 km from Suleiman's historic Palace towards northwest at Makkah Al Madinah Munawawrah Road.

Al Hukair Time

Amusement Park

Al Hokair Funland is a themed Indoor amusement park.
Visiting Time: 4 AM to 12 AM every day.
How to go: It is located about 70 meters north from Makkah Museum.

Masjid Ayesha

Mosque

It is known as Masjid Al-Taneem. It is located just outside of a Miqat. The mosque is well-equipped with bathing facilities and washrooms for everyone and is often surrounded by vendors selling Ihram clothing and essential items. A pilgrim can begin the journey of Umrah from Masjid Ayesha by entering into the state of Ihram. Pilgrims can wear Ihram clothes here and enter through Miqat.
This mosque is also known as Masjid Ayesha because Muhammad's wife Ayesha could not complete her final Umrah Tawaf during Hajj due to her menstrual impurity. Prophet Muhammad ordered his brother Abdur-Rahman to take him to Masjid al-Tan’eem. When Ayesha recovered from there and put on Ihram clothes from this place once again and returned to Kaaba Sharif and performed Umrah. Although Masjid al-Taneem is located outside the Miqat, the pilgrim cannot go there without completing his Hajj or Umrah. That is why Ayesha's brother Abdur-Rahman could not complete Hajj but Ayesha did. That means, it was a special permission from Prophet Muhammad for Aisha or any woman impure due to her menstruation.
The mosque has two entrance doors, one for females and another one for males.
How to go: It is located about 6 km via Route 15 away from the Holy Kaaba towards northwest. About 2.5 km from Al Hukair Time and Makkah Museum towards northwest.

Day-3:

Majid Ra’yah

Mosque

Masjid Ra’yah means Mosque of the Flag. It was located on the spot where the Prophet had his flag planted when he conquered Makkah.
How to go: It is located southeast of Masjid Shajarah and south of Grand Makkah Hotel.

Masjid Shajarah

Mosque

Masjid Shajarah means ‘Mosque of the tree’.
Umar (RA) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad was once in Hajun when some disbelievers rejected the invitation to Islam. The Prophet prayed, "O Allah! Show me a sign after which I will have no concern for people's rejection." He is then told to call a nearby tree to him. When the Prophet did so, the tree came to him and saluted him. He then ordered it to be returned and this was duly carried out. After that the Prophet said, "Now I have no concern about people's rejection."
How to go: It is located opposite Masjid al-Jinn in the Ma’la district of Makkah.

Mosque of the Jinn

Mosque

The mosque is built at the place where a group of jinn are said to have gathered one night to hear the recitation of a portion of the Quran by Muhammad. Muhammad later met there with these jinn's leaders and accepted their embrace of Islam and their oath of allegiance to him. The incident is mentioned in chapter al-Jinn of the Quran.
The mosque is built on the spot where a group of jinn gathered one night to hear Prophet Muhammad reciting a portion of the Qur'an. Muhammad later met these Jinn leaders there and made them accept Islam and swear allegiance to him. The incident is mentioned in Surah Al-Jin of the Quran.
The mosque is considered one of the oldest in Makkah and is one of the most important mosques in the city.
How to go: It is located about 600 meters from the east side of Abu Qubays mountain towards northeast.

Jannat Al Muallaa Cemetery

Cemetery

It is the place where the Prophet Muhammad's wife, grandfather, and other ancestors are buried.

The following personalities are buried in this graveyard
Ummul Mu’mineen Khadija, the first wife of the Prophet
Qasim, the eldest son of the Prophet from his wife Khadija. he died in infancy.
Abdullah, the second son of the Prophet from his wife Khadija.
Abu Talib – the uncle of the Prophet
Abdul Muttalib – the grandfather of the Prophet
In 1925, the then Saudi King Ibn Saud demolished many historical monuments in the area, including this cemetery. Because of this, no original graves or tombstones survive.
How to go: It is located east of Mosque of the Jinn.

Al Saqqaf Palace

Palace

The palace was built in 1907-1908. It was inhabited by King Abdul Aziz. The main entrance gate is located in the middle of the northern façade.
How to go: It is located about 1.2 km from Jannat Al Muallaa Cemetery towards northwest in the Al-Ma’bada neighborhood.

Jabal Al Noor

Mountain

Jabal Al Noor means the 'Mountain of the Light' of height 640 meters. The mountain houses the cave of 'Hira', where Prophet Muhammad had spent time in this cave.
It was here that Prophet Muhammad received the first five ayats of Surah Al-Alaq from the angel Jibrail. The exact date of this event was Monday, the 21st of Ramadan just before sunrise, August 10, 610 CE. According to Quran, “The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed.” [2:185]
According to Muslim tradition, Angel Jibrail appeared before him in the year AD 610 and said, "Read", upon which he replied, "I am unable to read". Angel caught hold of him and embraced him heavily. This happened two more times after which the angel commanded Muhammad to recite the following verses.

"Read! in the name of your Lord who created.
Man from a clinging substance.
Read: Your Lord is most Generous.
He who taught by the pen.
Taught man that which he knew not."

Muhammad returned home and discussed the matter with his wife Khadijah. Then when Muhammad went to this mountain, he saw Jibrail in the sky. Tabari and Ibn Ishaq write that Muhammad told Zubayr:
"When I was midway on the mountain, I heard a voice from heaven saying "O Muhammad! you are the apostle of Allah and I am Jibrail." I raised my head towards heaven to see who was speaking, and Stepping on the horizon, Jibrail in the form of a man saying, "O Muhammad! you are the apostle of Allah and I am Gabriel." I stood gazing at him moving neither forward nor backward, then I began to turn my face away from him, but towards whatever region of the sky I looked, I saw him as before."

The entire Quran was revealed over a period of approximately 22 years, 5 months and 14 days.
How to go: It is located about 3 km from Al Saqqaf Palace towards northeast. Cave of Hira is located in the Jabal Al-Nour Mountain at a height of 634 meters.

Day-4:

Museum of Human Heritage

Museum

How to go: It is located about 1.4 km from Mina Station 2 Train station towards southwest at CV3H+RH5, Al Mursalat, Makkah.

Aisha Al Rajhi Mosque

Mosque

The mosque was built in 2013.
How to go: It is located about 2.7 km from Museum of Human Heritage towards south. It is located east of Hussainiya Park and northwest of King Abdullah Garden.

Ghar Thowr

Cave

The cave is located in Jabal Thawr or Thowr Mountain.
Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr secretly left Makkah and migrated to Medina.
When they reached the cave of Jabal al-Thawr (Ghar al-Thawr), Abu Bakr entered first to remove anything that might injure the Prophet Muhammad. He found some holes and filled them with pieces of cloth. The Prophet entered and fell asleep on Abu Bakr's lap. Suddenly something stung Abu Bakr's leg, but he did not move for fear that it would wake the Prophet. The pain was so intense that tears started rolling down his cheeks and down the Prophet's face. The Prophet woke up and saw that Abu Bakr was in pain. He applied his spit on the injury and the pain disappeared.
Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr hid in the cave for three consecutive nights. During this period, Abu Bakr's son, Abdullah, would spend his nights nearby and return to Makkah early in the morning so that the Quraysh would not realize that he had slept elsewhere. Every day in Makkah he collected information about the activities of the Quraysh and every night he returned to Jabal al-Thawr to inform the Prophet and his father Abu Bakr.
Abu Bakr's slave, Amir bin Fuhaira, grazed Abu Bakr's goats near the cave so that both men could drink fresh milk. Early the next morning, Amir would take the goats back to Makkah to obscure the tracks taken by Abu Bakr's son.
When they were inside, Allah sent a spider to spin a web from a bush across the entrance to the cave. Allah also commanded two doves to fly down between the spider and the tree, make a nest and lay eggs. Meanwhile the Quraysh search party scoured the area south of Makkah where the Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr where hiding. They came upon the mouth of the cave. Seeing the cobwebs and pigeons' nests, Quraysh concluded that no one could enter the cave and leave.
Describing this scene the Quran mentions in Surah Taubah:
“If ye help not (your leader), (it is no matter): for Allah did indeed help him, when the Unbelievers drove him out: he had no more than one companion; they two were in the cave, and he said to his companion, “Have no fear, for Allah is with us”: then Allah sent down His peace upon him, and strengthened him with forces which ye saw not, and humbled to the depths the word of the Unbelievers. But the word of Allah is exalted to the heights: for Allah is Exalted in might, Wise.“
After three days, when they learned that the Quraysh search had stopped, they left the cave and headed for Madinah. Abu Bakr's daughter Asma brought them food for the journey.
Now the entrance to the cave is wider than in the past. Around 1858, a man became trapped in it, and the opening had to be enlarged to free him.
How to go: It is located about 8 km from Kaaba towards south and about 2.5 km from Aisha Al Rajhi Mosque towards west.

Main Makkah Gate

Gate

Also known as Qur'an Gate is an arch gateway was built in 1979. It is the boundary of the haram area of the city of Makkah, where non-Muslims are prohibited to enter.
The main part is the design of an open Quran above the gate.
How to go: It is located on the Jeddah–Makkah Highway. About 18.5 km away from Kaaba towards southwest. About 3.5 km northeast of Haram boundary gate.

Al Haram Boundary

Gate

How to go: It is located about 3.5 km southwest of Main Makkah Gate.

Day-5:

Taman Mahbas Jin

Garden

How to go: It is located about 2.6 km from Al Haram mosque towards east and south of Taman Mahbas Jin bus stop.

Mezquita de Bay'ah

Mosque

It was built at the request of Caliph Abu Ja'far al-Mansur in 761/2.
The place where the Prophet Muhammad met with the supporters, and they took the pledge of 'Aqaba. His uncles Abu Jahl and Abu Lahab often followed him, preventing people from listening to his message. To avoid them he used to come out in the dark of night to communicate with the caravan which was stationed several miles away from the Kaaba.
One night the Prophet heard some people talking in Aqaba. He approached and saw that they were six people who had come from Madinah to perform Hajj to Kaaba Sharif. The Prophet preached Islam to them and recited some verses of the Quran. They listened with amazement and embraced Islam on the spot. They were neighbors of the Jews in Madinah and heard them mention the arrival of a great prophet in the near future and his supremacy over all others. The six promised to invite their people to Islam upon their return to Madinah and to meet the Prophet again during the next pilgrimage.
The following year, five of the six returned to Aqaba to meet the Prophet and they brought seven more converts with them. These twelve men pledged their allegiance to Islam at the hands of the Prophet in the year 621 CE and this became known as the 'First Pledge of Aqaba'. They pledged not to associate partners with Allah, not to steal, not to commit adultery, not to kill their children, not to defame others and not to disobey the Prophet when he commanded them to do good deeds.
How to go: 300 meters northwest from the jamrah al-'aqaba.

Jamarat

Place

It is the place where 3 pillars of shaitan is located. From east to west Jamarah al-Ula (the small pillar), then Jamarah al-Wusta (the middle pillar) and Jamarah al-Aqaba (the big pillar).
Throwing stone to the pillar is called Rami is ritual of Hajj. It is the symbolic of the actions of Ibrahim when he was faced with the trial of having to sacrifice his son, Ismail upon the commandment of Allah. On the way to carry out the commandment, Shaytan repeatedly tried to change Ibrahim’s mind. As Ibrahim reached Jamarat al-Aqaba, he was instructed by Angel Jibrail to throw seven stones at Shaytan. He obliged and Shaytan fled immediately. The three Jamarat indicate the three places where Shaytan tried to dissuade Ibrahim from obeying the command of Allah. However, the pillars do not contain or hold Shaytan, as many people are led to believe.
How to go: It is located in Mina. North east of Mina tent.

Mina

Neighbourhood

Commonly known as the "City of Tents", where Hajj pilgrims stay during Hajj. More than 100,000 air-conditioned tents have been built in the area. Mina has been called the largest tent city in the world, with a capacity of up to 3 million people.
In Islamic tradition, Ibrahim left his wife, Hajar and their son, Isma'il, in the valley of Makkah when Ismail was an infant. Upon one of his visits to his family in Makkah, he was ordered by Allah in a dream to sacrifice his son in the Mina valley. While carrying out his sacrifice, he was interrupted by a devil. As Ibrahim reached Jamarat al-Aqaba, he was instructed by Angel Jibrail to throw seven stones at Shaytan. He obliged and Shaytan fled immediately. The three Jamarat indicate the three places where Shaytan tried to dissuade Ibrahim from obeying the command of Allah. However, the pillars do not contain or hold Shaytan, as many people are led to believe.
How to go: It is located in the Masha'er district in the Makkah Province. There is a Mina Train Station-3 Jamarat.

Wadi Muhassar

Area

The place is a historical place which dates back to 570 AD, 52-55 days before the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
Abraha al-Ashram was the viceroy of Negus, the King of Abyssinia. He was a Christian who ruled over Yemen, built an impressive cathedral in Sana'a with marble and gold-plated wood and named it 'Al-Qulays'. He wanted to divert the Arab pilgrimage to San'a. As a Christian, he was jealous that the Kaaba should be the place where pilgrims gather, and he wanted this location for his church.
A man from the Banu Kinana tribe entered the church and defecated there. Abraha was enraged and decided to march towards the Kaaba with his army that included elephants to demolish the Kaaba.
When the army reached Wadi Muhassar, the largest elephant, named Mehmud, sat down and refused to advance any further. The more it was pulled towards the Kaaba, the more it moved backwards. Surprisingly, when it was turned in any other direction (away from the Kaaba), it ran in that direction. Allah sent little birds named Salsabil with pebbles in their beaks. As they flew over the army, the birds release their stones, which destroy the army, causing them to die. Some of them broke down on seeing this scene and then they went back to San'a. Abraha's fate was worse. As he returned to San'a, his flesh began to decay. By the time he reached San'a, his fingers had already fallen off and his body was nothing more than a skeleton. It was there that his heart finally collapsed and he died.
According to Quran, Allah says in Surah Feel, Ayat: 1-5,
“Have you not seen how your Rabb dealt with the people of the elephants? Did He not lay their plans to waste and send against them flights of the birds who pelted them with clay pebbles, making them look (destroyed) like eaten fodder?”
How to go: The valley is situated between Mina and Muzdalifah.

Muzdalifa

Area

It is an open, level area associated with the Hajj. It lies just southeast of Mina on the route between Mina and Arafat.
The Prophet went to Muzdalifa from Arafat to sleep until shortly before fajr, choosing not to engage in night worship as he normally did.
As Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) narrates:
“The Prophet offered the maghrib and isha prayers together at Muzdalifa with a separate iqama for each of them and did not offer any optional prayer in between them or after each of them.” (Bukhari)
There is a Muzdalifa Garden in the area.

Arafat

Area

Plains of Arafah Mountain also known as Jabal al-Rahmah. The level area surrounding the hill is called the Plains of Arafah. The day of Arafah is one of the most important days for Muslims. This place is the part of Hajj Ritual.
The Prophet also said:
“There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of ‘Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on ‘Arafah), and then He reveals before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking.” (Muslim)

A man asked Prophet Muhammad, “O Messenger of Allah, what do you think of fasting on the day of Arafat?” To which the beloved Prophet Muhammad replied: “It expiates for the sins of the previous year and of the coming year.”[Muslim]

It is the place where Prophet Muhammad delivered his Last Sermon.
The granite mountain is approximately 70 meters (230 feet) in height, with its highest point sitting at an elevation of 454 metres (1,490 feet). Some Muslims also believe that Mount Arafat is the place where Adam and Eve (Hawa) reunited on Earth after falling from Heaven.
How to go: It is about 11.5 km from Mina towards southeast.

Masjid-e-Nimrah

Mosque

Prophet Muhammad encamped here in 632 AD when he was on his farewell Hajj at Arafat. After noon he delivered his famous sermon sitting on his camel in the Urana Valley, after which he led the Salah. More than 100,000 companions were with him in this Hajj.
In the second century of Islam, the Nimrah Mosque was built on the site where the Prophet Muhammad delivered sermons and led prayers. Because Wadi Urana, where the sermon was delivered, is outside the boundaries of Arafat, that part of the mosque is naturally also outside the boundaries.
Later the mosque was extended, and it was divided into two parts; The front was the location of the main mosque outside Arafat and the back was within the boundary. After the renovation, signs were placed inside to inform people that after they had performed their Zuhr and Asr prayers during Hajj, they could go to the back or outside of the mosque to spend the rest of their time in Arafat. If a person goes to the front of the mosque, his position in Arafat will be invalidated and his Hajj will be incomplete.

Day-6:

Juranah Mosque

Mosque

Masjid al-Ji’rranah is one of the Miqat places where pilgrims enter into the state of Ihram for the performance of Umrah or Hajj.
In 630, Prophet Muhammad camped in this location for a few days after the Battle of Hunayn, entered into the state of Ihram and then proceeded to Makkah for Umrah. After completing the Umrah, he left for Madinah the same night.
How to go: It is located about 24 km north-east of Masjid al-Haram.

Masjid Hudaibiyah

Mosque

It is used as a Miqat for pilgrims intending to enter into Ihram.
In 6 AH, a peace treaty was signed between Prophet Muhammad and Quraysh, known as the 'Treaty of Hudaybiya'.
After living in Madinah for six years, Prophet Muhammad left Madinah for Makkah on Monday 1st Dhul-Qaidah 6 AH to perform Umrah. He had 1400-1500 Muslims with him.
A scout reported that the Quraysh were determined to prevent the Muslims from entering Makkah. Taking a secondary route to avoid the Quraysh, Prophet Muhammad traveled to a place which is about 40 km west of the Kaaba and camped here.
Prophet Muhammad sent Usman to the Quraysh to convince them that they had only come to perform Umrah and to invite them to Islam. Usman stayed in Makkah longer than the Muslims expected and rumors spread that he had been killed. The Holy Prophet called for obedience. He sat under an acacia tree and the Muslims vowed to fight him to the last man. Placing one hand on the other, the Prophet said, "This is a pledge from Usman."
Allah revealed a verse referring to this pledge in Surah al-Fath:
"Allah was pleased with the believers when they swore allegiance unto you beneath the tree.” Later 'Treaty of Hudaybiya' formed.
Ruins of the old stone mosque still exist. The new mosque is known as Masjid Shumaysi and has modern facilities to enable pilgrims to enter the state of Ihram to perform Umrah.

Step by Step guide of Performing Umrah

Ihram is a specific area that pilgrims outside of this area enter and stay in while performing Hajj or Umrah.
The area is determined by Miqats.

Miqats are prescribed stations, for entering the area of Ihram for all those living outside the area proceeding for Hajj or Umrah.
There are 4 stations determined by Prophet Muhammad himself. The following Hadith narrated:
“Allah’s Messenger, Prophet Muhammad had fixed Dhul Hulayfah as the Miqat for the people of Madinah. Al-Juhfah for the people of Sham. Qarn al-Manazil for the people of Najd. Yalamlam for the people of Yemen. So, these (above mentioned) are the Miqat for all those living in those places, and besides them for those who come through those places with the intention of performing Hajj and Umrah and whoever lives within these places should assume Ihram from his dwelling place, and similarly the people of Makkah can assume Ihram from Makkah.” [Narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari]

1 station was fixed by Umar (RA). Narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari
“When these two towns (Basra and Kufa) were captured, the people went to Umar and said, “O Chief of the faithful believers! The Prophet Muhammad fixed Qarn as the Miqat for the people of Najd, it is beyond our way, and it is difficult for us to pass through it.” He said, “Take as your Miqat a place situated opposite to Qarn on your usual way. So, he fixed 'Dhat Irq' (as their Miqat).”

So Five stations of Miqat for every pilgrim coming for Umrah or Hajj from the outside direction should be in the dressing of Ihram before crossing Miqaat. The Miqats are
1. Dhul Hulayfah (410 km north of Makkah)
2. Al-Juhfah (Also known as Rabigh is 182 km northwest of Makkah)
3. Yalamlam (100 km south of Makka)
4. Qarn al-Manazil (80 km east of Makkah)
5. Dhat Irq (90 km northeast of Makkah)

Pilgrims who are staying within the boundaries of the Miqat, enter the boundaries of the Haram by donning Ihram from their houses. There are six boundaries are well marked for Haram Mosque.

1. Masjid Tan‘eem: Or Masjid Ayesha. About 8 km northwest of Kaaba, in the direction of Madinah.
2. Jiranah Mosque: About 14 km from Kaaba towards northeast.
3. Wadi Nakhla: 11 km from Kaaba.
4. Masjid-e-Nimrah. 11 km from Kaaba in Arafat, on the road to Ta’if.
5. Addat Laban: 11 km from Makkah on the way of Yemen.
6. Masjid Hudaibiyah: About 16 km from Kaaba, on the road to Jeddah.

The place between Miqaat boundary and Haram Boundary is called Al-Hil. The towns and cities, namely Khulais, Jeddah, Taneem and Al-Janun are situated within the Al-Hil area.

Those who are living in the boundary of the Haram and want to perform Umrah or Hajj, must go outside the boundary of the Haram and enter the boundary of the Haram by wearing the clothes of Ihram.

Nowadays people from different countries come to perform Umrah and Hajj, they arrive at Jeddah Airport by air. But Jeddah is inside the miqat area. Plane cross Miqat boundary and reach in Jeddah. Therefore, it is not possible for pilgrims to perform 2 rakat prayers by changing their Ihram clothes inside the aircraft. So they will do this from his house and when they cross the Meekat they will be informed and they will read Niyat.

Step-1: Entering Ihram places you under specific restrictions that you must be aware of. These include the following:

* Men are not permitted to shave hair or beards and cut their nails.
* Men are not allowed to wear stitched or woven clothes. For women, any fully white or black clothing that fully covers their body except face and hands is their Ihram. Thus, women are permitted to wear stitched clothes during Umrah or Hajj.
* Women should refrain from exposing any part of their body except the face and hands.
* Neither men nor women should wear any type of scent, including perfumes, deodorants, aftershaves, and scented soaps. You’ll be provided with unscented soaps for use during the trip.
* Pilgrims are not permitted to engage in sexual activity.
* Pilgrims are not allowed to hunt animals or cut plants or trees.

So Before start, cut your nails, hair, shave (if needed armpit and below naval) and take bath. Wear Ihram cloths (two sheets of white cloth, one for the upper half of the body and the other for the lower half).
After wearing Ihram clothing, pray two rakahs salah Al Ihram. Then start for your nearest Miqat.
When you’re close to Miqat, Make Niyaah by reading any one below.
1. Labbayka llahumma Umratan
2. Allahumma Inni uridu l—umrata
3. Allahumma Inni uridu l-umrata fa yassirha li wa taqabbalha minni.

Then you have to read Talbiyah
Labbayka Allhumma labbayk, Labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata, laka wa l-mulk, la sharika lak.

After reading Talbiyah, you’ve entered the area of Ihram.

Step-2: Tawaf Al-Umrah
performing seven anti-clockwise circuits of the Ka’abah.
During Tawaf, Men Upper Ihram cloths, need to uncover of the right shoulder.
The starting point for Tawaf is the corner of the Ka’abah where the black stone is positioned named Hajr Al-Aswad.
Read niyyah to perform Tawaf.
"Bimillahi Wallahu Akbar, Allahumma Imanan bika wa tasdiqan bika kitabika wa wafa’an bi ahdika wattaba’an li sunnati nabiyyika Muhammad (Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam)".

Duas to Read during Tawaf
"Rabbana Atina Fid Dunya Hasanah, wa fil akhirati hasanah, wa qina Azab annar."

Reaching Hajr Al-Aswad marks the completion of each round. Kiss, touch the black stone to move next round.

After seven rounds of Tawaf, pray two rakahs of Salah. Preferable place is near Maqam-e-Ibrahim. If not possible then anywhere in the Kabah area.

Then you can drink Zamzam water from anywhere. after drink Zamzam you can read any Dua. Such as
"Allahumma Inni As’aluka ‘ilman nafi’an, wa rizqan wasi’an, wa ‘amalan mutaqabbalan, wa shifa’an min kulli da’."

Step-3: Sa'ee
After completing your Tawaf and performing Salah Al-Tawaf, you have to walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times.
when approaching the Safa hill Read
"Inna s-safa wa l-marwata min sha’a’iri llah"

Then read
"Abda’u bima bad’allahu bihi."

When you reach the Safa hill, read the following duas
"Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahi l-hamd."

Then, start walking to Marwah. two sets of green fluorescent lights positioned around 50 meters apart. In between these two, men should run at a medium pace, but women should proceed walking at their normal speed.
You may recite any supplications or duas or Durood of your choice during walking.
It’s not mandatory, it’s recommended that you perform two rakahs of Salah after the completion of Sa’ee.

Step-4: Haq or Taqsir
After Sa’ee, you’ll need to perform Haq or Taqsir to exit the area of Ihram. Haq refers to the shaving of the head, whereas Taqsir means trimming the hair.
Even if you don’t have any hair, run a razor over your head to complete the ritual. For taqsir, a minimum amount of hair must be trimmed equal to the length of a fingertip from all sides of the head where hair is present. While you may cut your hair on your own, assigning someone else to do that for you is also permitted.
Women, on the other hand, are forbidden to perform Haq. They only need to trim a fingertip’s length from the end of their hair, regardless of how short the hair is.

Step-5: Ending Ihram
With the completion of Haq or Taqsir, you’ll exit the area of Ihram. As soon as your Ihram ends, you’ll be free from the associated restrictions such as the use of perfumes, cutting nails, etc. You may now change into regular clothes.

Your Umrah is complete.

Step by Step guide of Performing Hajj

There are three types of Hajj that a pilgrim can opt for, namely:

Hajj al-Ifrad: Without sacrificial animals or 'Qurbani'. A pilgrim who performs this type of Hajj is called a Mufrid.

Hajj al-Qiran: Pilgrims perform both Hajj and Umrah together in the same state of Ihram. Sacrifice is required to complete the ritual. A pilgrim who performs this type of Hajj is called a Qaarin.

Hajj al-Tamatt’u: Prophet Muhammad encouraged his companions to perform this type of Hajj. Both Umrah and Hajj are performed by entering a separate state of Ihram. After performing Umrah go outside the Haram boundary and re-enter for Hajj between the 8th and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. Qurbani is required to complete this form of Hajj. A pilgrim who performs this type of Hajj is called a Muttamatti.

On arrival in Makkah, you will first perform your umrah. Stated before. Then go outside of Haram Boundary.

Hajj-Day-1 (8th Dhu’l-Hijjah): 

Enter Ihram again and you will then proceed to the tent city of Mina, which lies roughly 8 km away from Makkah towards southeast. There is a transit station located about 250 meters from the center of Safa Marwa hills towards east.
Reach Mina before Zuhr Prayer. During travel, recite Talbiyah frequently. Once you arrive into Mina you’ll settle into your tent. Here you’ll pray Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha prayers. Each shortened to two Rakaat, read the Qur’an and spend the night.

Hajj-Day-2 (9th Dhu’l-Hijjah): 

After praying fajr salat in Mina, stay till sunrise. You’ll then head to the plains of Arafah Mountain also known as Jabal al-Rahmah. The level area surrounding the hill is called the Plains of Arafah. It is about 11.5 km from Mina towards southeast. During your travel, keep reciting Talbiyah and Takbir (Allahu Akbar) and reach Arafah before Zohr.

The day of Arafah is one of the most important days for Muslims.

The Prophet also said:
“There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of ‘Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on ‘Arafah), and then He reveals before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking.” (Muslim)

Upon reaching the plains of Mount Arafah, listen Khutbah delivered from Masjid al-Nimra on Mount Arafah. Listen Khutbah. Then perform Zohor and Asr prayers one after another and shortened (2 rakat each instead of 4). Make sure that you stay within the boundaries of Arafat till the sunset. Do not pray Maghrib in Arafah.

After sunset, depart Arafah and head to Muzdalifah, an open plain between Mina and Arafat. Keep reciting the Talbiyah during journey. Once you reach Muzdalifah you’ll perform your maghrib and isha salah, one after another, shortening each salah to two rakat.
As Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) narrates:
“The Prophet offered the maghrib and isha prayers together at Muzdalifa with a separate iqama for each of them and did not offer any optional prayer in between them or after each of them.” (Bukhari)

The Prophet went to sleep until shortly before Fajr, choosing not to engage in night worship as he normally did.

While in Muzdalifah, you may also collect stone to perform rami [the stoning of the devil] for the next three days. The size of the stones should be similar to the size of date seed. You will need a total of 49 stone as follows:

7 for the 3rd day
21 for the 4th day
21 for the 5th day

You may collect more 21 stones if you missed the target, you can use it then. Try to carry four small pouches per person for your stones.

At Muzdalifah, you will stay under the sky. There are no tents or other accommodation facilities here. Although there are plenty of lights, it is still fairly dark. Try to stay near your group, spouse as it is very easy to get lost amongst thousands of pilgrims. Toilets and wudhu facilities are available in Muzdalifah, but they will be crowded so you can use the toilets and freshen up before you leave Arafah.

Following is one of the dua you can recite during your stay in Muzdalifah:
"Allaahu 'Akbar"
"Allaahu 'Ahad"
"Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaah".

Hajj-Day-3 (10th Dhu’l-Hijjah): 

After performing fajr salah stay till sunrise and continue with Takbeer, Tasbeeh, Talbiyah and engage yourself in duas.

After sunrise, you will depart Muzdalifah to go towards Mina. Remember to continuously recite the talbiyah.
Stoning of the Devil at the Jamarat is known as “Rami”.
The ritual of Rami is symbolic of the actions of Ibrahim when he was faced with the trial of having to sacrifice his son, Ismail upon the commandment of Allah. On the way to carry out the commandment, Shaytan repeatedly tried to change Ibrahim’s mind. As Ibrahim reached Jamarat al-Aqaba, he was instructed by Angel Jibrail to throw seven stones at Shaytan. He obliged and Shaytan fled immediately. The three Jamarat indicate the three places where Shaytan tried to dissuade Ibrahim from obeying the command of Allah. However, the pillars do not contain or hold Shaytan, as many people are led to believe.
Once you reach Jamarat, you will head to Jamarat al-Aqaba (northwest end), which is the big pillar, and here you will throw the first seven stones at the concrete pillar. As you throw the stones you’ll say the takbir "Allahu Akbar” upon each throw.
Don’t rush to perform the Rami. The time frame to complete your Rami is from fajr on the 3rd day until fajr on the 4th day.

After the completion of Rami, Muslim pilgrims are advised to perform the sacrifice of an animal. It can be a camel (for 7 person) or lamb (for 1 person). For this, pilgrims can either purchase sacrifice coupons or vouchers, stating that the sacrifice has been made on their behalf. The meat of the sacrificed animal should be distributed to the poor people.

When sacrificing an animal, recite the following dua:
"Bismillaahi wallaahu 'Akbar [Allaahumma minka wa laka] Allaahumma taqabbal minnee".

You’ll need to perform Haq or Taqsir. Haq refers to the shaving of the head, whereas Taqsir means trimming the hair. For more details, see the Umrah section. Prophet Muhammad shaved his hair and this is preferable. A woman trims her hair by the length of a fingertip.

Now you can put on usual dress.
Now go to Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah to perform 7 circles of Kaaba called Tawaf "Tawaf Al-Ifadah". Prophet Muhmmad also prayed Zohr prayer in Kaaba.
After Tawaf, perform two Rakats of Tawaf (Wajib) behind the Maqam-e-Ibrahim or wherever in Masjid Al-Haram.
Now perform usual Sa’yee of Safa and Marwa.
After performing Sa’yee, drink plenty of Zam-Zam water. go back to Mina and spent the night in Mina. Don’t stay in Makkah overnight.

Hajj-Days 4 (11th Dhu’l-Hijjah):

11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah days are known as “Ayyam al-Tashreeq”.
Prophet Muhammad said: “Do not fast on these days, for they are the days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah.” (Muslim)
Stay in Mina till Zawal time. Offer Zuhr prayer and go all three Jamarah for stoning (Rami).
You will begin with Jamarah al-Ula (the small pillar), then Jamarah al-Wusta (the middle pillar) and finally, Jamarah al-Aqaba (the big pillar). Each one should be stoned with 7 stones accompanied by takbeer "Allahu Akbar".
After completing the Rami (stoning), you must stay in Mina.

Hajj-Days 5 (12th Dhu’l-Hijjah):

Stay in Mina till Zawal time. Offer Zuhr prayer and go all three Jamarah for stoning (Rami).
You will begin with Jamarah al-Ula (the small pillar), then Jamarah al-Wusta (the middle pillar) and finally, Jamarah al-Aqaba (the big pillar). Each one should be stoned with 7 stones accompanied by takbeer "Allahu Akbar".

Remember, after completing the Rami (stoning), you may leave Mina for Makkah before sunset. If you are still in Mina at the time of sunset, then you should remain in Mina till the next day.
If you leave Mina for Makkah, perform "Tawaf-ul-Wada".

Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated: “The people were ordered to perform the tawaf al-wida as the last thing before leaving (Makkah), except the menstruating women who were excused. “ (Bukhari).

Pray two Rakats of Tawaf behind the Maqam-e-Ibrahim or wherever in Masjid Al-Haram. There is not need to wear Ihraam to perform this Tawaf. Also, no need to perform Sayee. Females who are in their menses are excused from performing it. There is no shaving/trimming of the head after this tawaf. Now your Hajj done and you go out from the boundary of Haram and state of Ihram.
If you stay Mina at night on 5th day, then you are bound to hit pebbles (Rami) to Saitan on 6th day and leave Mina to Makkah and do "Tawaf-ul-Wada" like the people did in the 5th day. Now your Hajj is done.

Hajj done.

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