For Muslims globally, the chance to journey to Makkah is viewed as a tremendous blessing. Not only is it where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born, but also the holy site where the Quran was first given to him. For those who visit, Makkah is the most sacred city in Islam, holding significant spiritual importance and a feeling of proximity to the religion’s beginnings. While certain key religious and historical monuments must be visited during hajj, there are numerous places to see in Makkah where important religious events occurred in early days in Islam. Haleema Limited, is always with you in the journey of Hajj and everyone can choose a Hajj package from UK for the better guided Hajj experience. Also, monthly umrah packages are available to join with all facilities. Let’s explore the places of Hajj for the acknowledgment.
Makkah, located in Saudi Arabia, holds the most sacred significance in Islam and serves as the final destination for the annual pilgrimage (Hajj) for followers of the faith. The important sites that Muslim visits during hajj are follow:
The great mosque of Makkah
The most magnificent mosque in Makkah, commonly referred to as masjid al-Haram. It stands as the biggest mosque globally and the essential center of Islamic belief. The Kaaba, situated in the masjid al-Haram, is an esteemed structure of Allah that every Muslim hopes to see and touch the black stone during their lifetime. Masjid al-Haram alongside various historical sites, such as Kaaba, the Hajr e Aswad, the historical muqam of Ibrahim, and Safa and Marwa. Muslims consume holy water from Zamzam well, located within the mosque.
Mina
Mina plays a vital role in hajj as pilgrims come together for important rituals. Mina, referred to as the “tent city.” It is situated a short distance from Makkah and accommodates millions of pilgrims in temporary tents. One of the significant rituals conducted at the Jamarat is the symbolic act of stoning the devil, where pilgrims hurl stones at three pillars. This action symbolizes saying no to wickedness and a strong dedication to doing what is right. Pilgrims stay in Mina for a few days, contemplating, praying, and deepening their faith.
Mountain of mercy (mount Arafat)
Jabal Arafat, a historical rocky mountain situated in the Medaan e Arafat plain roughly 20km from the Kaaba, is of modest dimensions. Being present in Medaan e Arafat is essential to visit, stay for finishing the hajj. On the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, on the second day of Hajj, pilgrims begin a significant voyage from Mina camping to Mount Arafat, also referred to as Jabal al-Rahmah, or the “Mountain of Mercy.” This holy location carries great importance because it is where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave his last sermon to the Muslim group. At Arafat, pilgrims stop for sincere contemplation and supplication, baring their hearts for forgiveness and a closer relationship with Allah. They remain at the location until nightfall, fully engaged in prayer, seeking spiritual rejuvenation and a new beginning in their lives.
Muzdalifah
Located in Makkah, between halfway of mount Arafat and the mina valley. Hajj pilgrims journey from Mina to Muzdalifah and remain there until sunset. It is one of the top locations in Makkah visited by pilgrims during their annual hajj journey.
After completing all Hajj prayers to obey on the plain of Arafat, pilgrims journey to Muzdalifah for the night. They collect small stones that Muslims will use for the ritual of stoning the devil in mina, which holds the most importance among these rituals. At Muzdalifah, pilgrims pray Maghreb and Isha together in congregation.
Jamarat
It can be found 4.3 miles to the east of Masjid al-Haram. The Jamarat pillars are located in the Jamarat valley within the region of mina. The Jamarat consists of three stone walls, originally pillars that are stoned as a mandatory ritual of hajj to replicate the action of prophet Ibrahim (AS). They symbolize the three places where Ibrahim (AS) threw stones at the shaytan (satan) as he tried to prevent him from sacrificing his son. These pillars are named as ‘Jamarat al-Ula’, ‘Jamarat al-Wusta’, ‘Jamarat al-Qubra’. This action represents turning away from wicked temptations.
These places hold great significance during the hajj pilgrimage, playing essential roles in the religious ceremonies and spiritual voyage that Muslims undertake on this annual pilgrimage.
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