Embark on a spiritual Ziyarat in Makkah with this comprehensive and essential travel guide made for your ease.
But First, What is Ziyarat?
In Islam, “Ziyarat” refers to the Hajj pilgrimage and the visitation of holy places in Makkah and Madinah. Iranian and South Asian Muslims commonly use this term in this specific context.
Ziyara or Ziyarat typically involves visiting sacred sites associated with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family members. They further include sites related to his descendants, as well as his companions, prophets, Sufi auliya, and Islamic scholars.
Ziyarat holds deep significance for Muslims. This guide aims to provide all the essential information needed for this profound experience. This guide offers comprehensive information, ranging from travel services to an overview of the different pilgrimage sites.
Transportation Options/Services:
Upon arrival in Makkah, you can find several options and services for transportation to facilitate your Ziyarat in Makkah experience. Such as;
Public Buses:
Saudi Public Transport Company provides clean, accessible, and regular public bus services. SAPTCO operates the service. You can check the timetable here.
Metro:
Metro is an ideal option for Hajj. Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro line only runs during Hajj, transporting many pilgrims towards their destinations.
General Syndicate of Cars and Buses:
Also only operating during Hajj, the General Syndicate of Cars and Buses runs several cars and buses throughout the City.
Other options include Al-Haramain high-speed train, hailing a taxi, Taxi services, and car booking.
Masjid Al Haram:
After finding a suitable transportation option, start your Ziyarat in Makkah journey from Masjid Al Haram. It is also called The Grand Mosque.
This site is crucial since it houses The Holy Kaaba (The House of God). Millions of Muslims visit the place during Hajj and Umrah.
During Ziyarat of Masjid Al Haram, you can pray and engage in Tawaf, which involves circumambulating around the Holy Kaaba.
Safa Marwa and Sa’i:
Adjacent to Masjid Al Haram, about 1 km away, are Safa and Marwa. The short distance makes it convenient for pilgrims to undertake this ritual.
Two small hills where Muslims perform Sa’i. Sa’i is an essential and integral part of Hajj and Umrah. It involves walking back and forth seven times between Safa and Marwa.
The ritual commemorates the day when Hajar (AS) ran between the mountains in search of water for her son Ismail (AS).
Mount Arafat:
Visit Mount Arafat, a key destination for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. It is about 20 km southeast of Makkah.
Mount Arafat is also known as Jabal-Ar-Rahmah or the Mount of Mercy. This Mount is where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave his last sermon after completing the Hajj.
Traveling to this place and standing on the plain is considered an essential part of Hajj due to its historical significance.
Muzdalifah:
After spending some time at Mount Arafat, head over towards Muzdalifah. It is an open and level area located on the route between Mina and Arafat.
The place is dedicated to Hajj, and pilgrims gather here to spend the night. It holds great significance in Islamic history, and the stay is believed to profoundly impact hearts and lives.
Before heading towards the next destination, Mina, you can collect pebbles and stones from here.
Jamarat and Mina Jamarat:
Mina, also known as Muna, is a valley 6 km east of the Masjid al-Haram. During the month of Dhul Hijjah, numerous pilgrims spend their nights at this historic location.
Mina is where Muslims perform the stoning of pillars, known as Ramy al-Jamarat. The three pillars are in the area of Mina in Jamarat Valley.
The ritual signifies the rejection of the devil’s temptations. You can head towards Masjid al-Khaif at the bottom of the mountain to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Jabal al-Nour:
After Mina, proceed to Jabal al-Nour, a short drive away and located approximately 4 km from Masjid Al-Haram.
It is also called the Mountain of Light. This mountain holds immense importance for Muslims worldwide, as it is home to the Cave of Hira. The Cave is where the Prophet (PBUH) received the first revelations of the Quran.
Take a moment to immerse yourself in this site’s historical significance and profound impact.
Jannat al-Mu’alla Cemetery:
Jannat al-Mu’alla, also known as the Cemetery of Ma’la and Al-Ḥajūn, is a cemetery located to the North of Al-Masjid Al-Haram.
It holds great significance as the final resting place for many companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family members. Notably, it is the burial site of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ‘s wife, grandfather, and other ancestors.
Take a moment to pay your respects and offer prayers. Nearby, you can also visit Masjid Haras or Masjid Jinn, located close to the cemetery.
Cave of Thawr:
Visit the Cave of Thawr, a historical and significant place where the Prophet (PBUH) and his companion took refuge. The Cave is well-known for its narrow entrance and is situated around 5 miles south of Makkah.
It’s said that the spider’s web shielded the Prophet (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) from their attackers by hiding the entrance.
Pilgrims visiting the Cave of Thawr can witness an act of resilience and experience a significant part of Islamic history.
Zamzam Well:
After visiting the Cave of Thawr, you can return to Masjid Al Haram. Here, you can visit the Zamzam Well, situated within the mosque, 20 m east of the Kaaba.
This Well holds immense significance for Muslims, and its water is considered superior to others. Research indicates that the water of the Zamzam Well is among the purest on the planet.
Conclude your Ziyarat in Makkah with Zamzam water. Take a moment to drink from this blessed water and reap its health benefits.
