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. I