List of Important Places to Visit During Hajj (Pilgrimage)
The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. Pilgrimage is considered one of the greatest religious duties which are obligatory on every financially stable Muslim. Allah Almighty says in the Noble Quran: “It is on people for the sake of Allah to perform Hajj of his house, anyone who is able to undertake the journey to him” (Quran, 2:196). Muslims who are physically and financially capable required to perform Hajj once in their lifetime. In order to perform Hajj in the month of Zilhajj, it is really necessary for Muslims to have enough alms or assistance and the means of expenditure before taking this journey into consideration.
Hajj is considered one of the best deeds that a Muslim can perform in his/her life. Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that: “Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was asked which deed is the best. He (SAW) said, “Belief in Allah and His messenger”. He (SAW) was asked, then what? He (PBUH) said, “Jihad for the sake of Allah”. He (SAW) was asked, then what? He (PBUH) said, “An accepted Hajj.” (Bukhari)
One of the most beautiful and greatest gifts and rewards that Allah (SWT) has promised to grant His people during Hajj is the utter forgiveness of all sins. So, the Hajj is a chance to wipe clean past sins and start a new life with deepens faith. The invitation of Hajj first announced by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and then renewed by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Millions of Muslims from every part of the world gather in Mecca in the month of Zilhajj for Pilgrimage reflecting their submission of will to Allah Almighty and conveying the message of oneness of Lord.
Muslims gather in Makah for Hajj and to visit the sacred places to respond to Allah’s invitation to visit His House. There are many holy places in Makah that Muslims visit while performing Hajj. If you want to make the most of your Pilgrimage to Mecca you must visit all the Holy places in Saudi Arabia. Below mentioned is a compiled list of Ziyarat Places in Mecca to visit during Pilgrimage.
Mina
Mina is located 8km east of the Masjid al-Haram, it is the abode where Pilgrims spend most of their nights during Hajj. Pilgrims arrive here on 8th Zilhajj and then from 10th to 13th Zilhajj. Mina is also known as “the tent city” which play an important role during the annual Hajj Pilgrimage. There are around 100,000 tents for Pilgrims in the valley of Mina. Mina is the place where pilgrims throw stones, memorized the occasion that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) stoned the Shaitan who came between him and the command of Allah. Muslims needs to visit this sacred place during the pilgrimage.
Masjid al-Haram
Kaaba is the house of Allah which is situated in the Masjid al-Haram. Holy Kaaba is the House of Allah that every Muslim wants to see and touch the Hajr-e-Aswad once in a lifetime. So, In Masjid Al-Haram, you will see Kaaba, Hajr-e-Aswad, Maqam e Ibrahim, Mount of Safa and Marwah. The well of Zamzam is also located inside the mosque from which Muslims drink blessed water.
Muzdalifah
Muzdalifah is located in the Makkah, a plain flat land that is situated between the Arafat and the Mina. To spend a great time in Muzdalifah, pilgrims travel from Mina to there and stay there until sunset.
At the top hill of Muzdalifah, there is also a mosque where pilgrims offer their prayers during the stay. Muzdalifah is one of the most important places to visit for Ziyarat during Hajj.
Mount Arafat
The day of Arafat falls on the second day of hajj that is on 9th Zilhajj where Muslims move from Mina to mount Arafat. Standing at Arafat is the most significant ritual while performing Hajj and if a pilgrim misses going to Arafat, his entire Hajj is nullified. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) delivered His famous Farewell Sermon at Arafat. Muslims come at Mount Arafat in the noon and stay here till sunset listen to Khutbah, ask forgiveness from Almighty Allah and offer Dhuhr and Asr prayer combined and spend the rest of the day remembering Allah.
Cave of Hira
Cave of Hira is the place where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) received the first revelation. It is the place where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to meditate frequently during the first forty years of his life. This place is about 5km away from Masjid al-Haram. People used to climb the mountain and it will take about 45 minutes to reach out to the peak.
Cave of Thaur
Cave of Thaur is the place where the Holy Prophet (SAW) spent three days and three nights with Hazrat Abu Bakar (RA) when He (PBUH) migrated from Makah to Medina. It takes one and a half hour to reach out to this place from the ground.
The above mentioned were some important places for Ziyarat in Makah that you must visit while doing Hajj. May Almighty Allah accept Hajj of those who are performing this year and call us to visit His house soon! Ameen
