Ziyarat in Makkah and Madinah: Places Worth Visiting

Ziyarat means visiting places linked to the life of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and the early Muslims. These visits are not part of Umrah itself, but they bring the history of Islam to life, especially for children.

In Makkah

Jabal al-Nour and the Cave of Hira

The mountain where the first verses of the Quran were revealed. The climb takes one to two hours each way and is steep, so most groups view it from below unless you are fit and go early in the morning.

Jabal Thawr

The mountain where the Prophet and Abu Bakr sheltered in a cave during the Hijrah to Madinah.

Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat

The sites of Hajj. Seeing the plain of Arafat and Jabal al-Rahmah outside the Hajj season helps you picture the greatest gathering of Muslims on earth.

Jannat al-Mu'alla

The historic cemetery of Makkah, where Khadijah, the first wife of the Prophet, is buried.

In Madinah

Masjid Quba

The first mosque built in Islam. The Prophet taught that praying two rakat in Quba carries the reward of an Umrah. Go in the morning after making wudu at your hotel.

Uhud and the martyrs

The site of the Battle of Uhud and the graves of the martyrs, including Hamzah, the uncle of the Prophet. The archers' hill stands opposite.

Masjid al-Qiblatayn

The mosque where the direction of prayer changed from Jerusalem to Makkah.

Jannat al-Baqi

The cemetery beside Masjid an-Nabawi where many Companions and members of the Prophet's family are buried. Opening hours for visitors are limited, usually after Fajr and Asr.

The Rawdah

The area between the Prophet's pulpit and his home, described as a garden from the gardens of Paradise. Visits require a time slot booked through the Nusuk app. Read our guide on Nusuk and Rawdah permits.

Tips

• Go with a guide who knows the history, not just the route.
• Do Ziyarat early in the day to avoid the heat.
• Remember that the purpose is reflection and learning, not rituals at the sites.