Ziyarat Places to Visit in Makkah is not just about performing the rituals, but also about experiencing the places where Islamic history took place. From the time of patience, struggle, and revelation, Ziyarat sites are everywhere in the city, providing pilgrims with more than the religious connection they seek. Ziyarat is a visit to these places as a form of reflection and remembrance in Makkah. These places are not obligatory for Umrah and Hajj, but many pilgrims go to these places to deepen their understanding of Islam and to make them more attached to the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Jabal al-Noor (Cave of Hira):

Jabal al-Noor (also known as Jabal al-Nour Mountain) is the place where the first revelation was given to Prophet Muhammad. This was the earliest time when Islam’s message came to human beings. The cave is located about 12 feet in length and about 5.5 feet in width, and is located about 3.2 kilometres from the holy Makkah. The blessed Prophet (pbuh) would often meditate in solitude in the ghar e hira makkah, sometimes for some days. He would stock up on provisions at such times, so there would be no hindrances to his meditation. This is a key place, and if you see this place around your Ziyarat, then you will get blessings to that extent.

Practical info:

• Length: 4km from Haram.
• Climbing time: 1-2 hours (visit time not included).
• Difficulty: Moderate. 600 steps. Not recommended for people with reduced mobility and/or older adults.
• Cost: Free.
• Tip from the UK: Trainers, take in at least 2L of water and go early in the day. Avoid attempting in the heat of the day. If the climb is too strenuous, consider viewing from the base for families.

Jabal Thawr:

One of the mountains of Makkah that is highly respected and of great importance in Islamic history is the Great Mountain, also called Jabal Thawr. We like to think that we hear the echoes of the past from this mountain, the one on which the Prophet climbed in order to escape his persecutors in the early days of Islam, and the courage, determination, and faith that were displayed during the Prophet’s flight remind us of his amazing journey. They inspire Umrah pilgrims who visit this place to reflect on strength when tired and the wealth of lessons in history. The mountain is also a spiritual traveler’s destination due to its rugged beauty and its historical importance.

Practical info:

• Distance: 10km. south of the Haram.
• One-way travel time: 2-3 hours.
• Difficulty: Hard. Not for children, the elderly, or anyone with health problems.
• Cost: Free.
• Tip: Take a taxi. Start before sunrise. Take snacks and water.

Jannat-Ul-Mu’Alla:

There are several names for Maqbara Ma’la, such as Jannat ul-Mu’alla (the cemetery of the pit) and Al-Ḥajūn. It is situated 1 km from Masjid Al Haram, and has the tombs of many of the prominent personalities of Islamic history. It is where the first wife of the blessed Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is buried, as well as a handful of people who were part of the Prophet’s family and his companions.

Practical info:

• Distance: 1km from the Haram (walking in 10-15 minutes).
• Time needed: 15-30 minutes.
• There is some difficulty, but limited traveling hours.
• Cost: Free.
• Tip UK: – men allowed in, women, go from outside. It is quietest after the Fajr or Asr prayer.

Masjid Jinn:

The location of Masjid al-Jinn is where a group of jinn heard the recitation of the Qur’an by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and subsequently accepted Islam. This is mentioned in the Quran (Surah Al-Jinn), and makes the mosque a special Quranic place. It is close to Jannat al-Mu’alla.

Practical info:

• Distance: 1km north of the Haram (about 15 mins walk).
• Time needed: 10-15 minutes.
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Cost: Free.
• Tip: UK pilgrims comes after prayer, it’s along the way to Jannat al-Mualla.

Masjid Aisha:

If you want to perform a second Umrah while staying in Makkah, the nearest Miqat boundary is aisha masjid makkah​, which is also known as Masjid Taneem. After performing her regular Umrah, Aisha (RA) took her ihram here.

Practical info:

• Distance: 7km from the Haram.
• Time required: 30 – 45 minutes (travel time included).
• Difficulty: Very easy.
• Cost: Free.
• Tip: Please read our ihram rules guide before you travel.

Area of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ Birthplace:

The site of birth of Prophet Muhammad (saws) is close to the Haram and has been kept as a library. It is not a house of worship, but it’s a place to be visited to learn the human beginnings of the last Messenger of Islam.

Practical info:

• Distance: Very close — just outside the southern end of the Haram.
• Time needed: 5-10 minutes.
• Difficulty: Very easy.
• Cost: Free.
• Tip: The best time to visit the holy sites is while undertaking the walking ziyarat tour.

Masjid al-Rayah:

The Masjid al-Rayah is the place where the Prophet planted his flag when the Conquest of Makkah took place. It is a symbol of the victory by mercy instead of revenge. During makkah ziyarat places, it is good to visit this mosque as it reinforces lessons of forgiveness and leadership.

Jabal-E-Rehmat:

In Arafat, there is a mountain called Jabal-e Rehmat or Jabal-Ar Rahmah (Mount of Mercy). This place is a very important location in Islamic history as it is where ‘Syedna Aadam’ and ‘Syeda Hawwa’ were created from the heavens. There is a white pillar that distinctly shows the exact point where they landed. Jabal-e Rehmat is also the site where the blessed Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) gave his last sermon after completing the sacred Hajj.

Practical info:

Distance: 20km from the Haram (20-25 minutes by taxi).
Work time: 1 hour (more during the period of Hajj).
Difficulty: Extremely easy, outside of Hajj season.
Cost: Free.
Tip from the UK: Walk with Mina and Muzdalifah together. For more information about Hajj and Umrah, refer to our Hajj vs Umrah guide.

Masjid-E-Nimrah:

Another historic mosque in Makkah, with a rich heritage and tradition, is Masjid E Nimrah. Over the centuries, pilgrims have made it their practice to visit this holy place, which symbolizes unity, devotion, and community-based worship. A visit to Masjid E Nimrah is an invitation to explore the legacy of Islamic heritage, where the past meets the present. Its intricate details and humble design, the architecture of the mosque invites visitors to slow down and immerse themselves in the history of their faith. In this place, every prayer is like a fall back in time, connecting you with generations of people who have found comfort and support in this space.

Mina — The City of Tents:

Mina is an important Ziyarat place and is also known as the ‘Tent City’ because annually over 100,000 tents are set up to provide temporary shelter to the Hajj pilgrims. Pilgrims throw stones at the devil (shaitan) on the last day of their pilgrimage, and this is where the pillars of the devil are found. After this, pilgrims spend an additional two days in which they pray, recite the holy Quran, pay reverence to the Almighty, pray Zikr, and listen to Islamic lectures. Muslims all over the world, however, do this, which is not just on the occasion of the Hajj, but at the time of Eid al-Adha. Animals are also sacrificed during this time at the same spot.

Practical info:

• Distance from The Haram (Taxi Ride 15-20 minutes) 8km.
• Time needed: 30-45 minutes.
• Difficulty: Easy, not during Hajj.
• Cost: Free.

Alfajar Travels is the perfect choice for your Ziyarat travel, for the following reasons:

The right travel partner can make a difference to your Umrah and Ziyarat experience. Alfajar Travels are UK based Umrah travel agency that is dedicated to providing pilgrims with care, transparency, and religious awareness. We do not just book Umrah; we want to serve pilgrims with well-thought-out programs, spiritual guidance, and a concern for their spiritual needs. Our experiences of travelling to the UK have enabled us to know the expectations of tourists, the visa process, and how to visit Makkah Ziyarat sites with respect and responsibility. Our team ensures a well-planned, comfortable, and spiritually enriching trip.

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