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Historical Sites in Makkah
Masjid Al-Haram, the Grand Mosque, is the holiest site in Islam. It surrounds the Kaaba, the qibla for Muslims worldwide. The mosque is the starting point for the Umrah pilgrimage, where pilgrims perform Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba) and Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah). This sacred mosque is not just a place of worship but a symbol of unity and devotion for Muslims.
Jabal Al-Nour, or the “Mountain of Light,” is where the Cave of Hira is situated. This cave holds immense significance as it is the place where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the first revelation of the Quran through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). Climbing Jabal Al-Nour and visiting the Cave of Hira is a journey through history, providing a glimpse into the solitude and spirituality of the Prophet’s early revelations.
Mount Arafat, or as it is locally called Jabal ar-Rahmah (Mountain of Mercy), is one of the significant landmarks during the Hajj where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave his final address. It is not mandatory to go to this mountain when performing Umrah; however, it is spiritually rewarding when one gets there. Pilgrims can offer prayers and reflect on the significance of this holy site.
Jannat al-Mu’alla is one of the oldest cemeteries in Makkah. It is the resting place of many relatives and companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), including his wife Khadijah bint Khuwaylid. Visiting this cemetery allows pilgrims to pay their respects and reflect on the early Islamic community.
Masjid-e-Taneem, also known as Masjid Aisha, is a significant mosque where pilgrims can enter the state of Ihram. Named after the Prophet’s wife Aisha, who entered Ihram here, this mosque is a convenient location for pilgrims to start their Umrah rituals.
Ayn Zubaydah is an old water channel that conveyed water to the Makkah and Arafat areas. According to historical sources, Zubaydah bint Ja’far, the wife of Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid, ordered the construction of the bath. This engineering marvel, constructed in the 8th century, highlights the historical efforts to support pilgrims and the inhabitants of Makkah.
The Maktaba Makkah-al-Mukarramah is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Now converted into a national library, this site offers insights into the early life of the Prophet and the beginnings of Islam.
Historical Sites in Madinah
The Masjid Al-Nabawi is one of the biggest mosques in the world and is also known as the Prophet’s Mosque and is the second holiest site in Islam. It also contains the grave of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his two companions namely Abu Bakr and Umar.
Masjid Al-Quba is the first mosque built in the history of Islam. Established by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions, this mosque is revered for its historical and religious significance. Praying in Masjid Al-Quba is said to be equivalent to performing Umrah.
Uhud traditionally known as Mount Uhud is the place where the Battle of Uhud occurred. This is where the Muslim army confronted the Quraysh and the people of Makkah. Therefore, visiting Mount Uhud allows the pilgrims to contemplate on the early Muslims’ struggle and the lessons that may be derived from this fight.
Jannat al-Baqi is a graveyard that has the graves of many relatives of the Prophet, his companions, and scholars of Islam. Pilgrims who visit the area to venerate Jannat al-Baqi can have an empathic correlation with the past of the initial Muslims.
The collections in the Dar Al-Madinah Museum contain rare items and samples that represent the cultural and historical aspects of Madinah. This is ranked one of the best museums to visit when in the city because it gives one a one-stop learning on the role of the city in Islam and its evolution.
The Battle of Badr is a very famous event in Islamic history where a small force of Muslims decisively defeated the Quraysh of Makkah. Pilgrims have the opportunity to meditate on this important event and the help of God to the first Muslim generations when visiting the territory of the Battle of Badr.
This mosque is the location of the signing of the Treaty of Hudaybiah which was a 10-year truce between the Muslims and the Quraysh. This mosque is also a Miqat for those performing the pilgrimage, and historians claim that it is where the Prophet reached a major milestone.
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Umrah Guide
Umrah consists of four essential practices. Firstly, you get changed into the ihram garments before the Miqat, perform two rak’ahs of salah and make your niyyah as the Miqat approaches, thereafter reciting the Thalbiyah frequently. Secondly, you perform Tawaf Al-Umrah of the Kaaba followed by two rak’ahs of salah, preferably near Maqam Ibrahim. Thirdly, you do Sa’i of Safa and Marwa. Lastly, you shave (Halq) or shorten (Taqsir) your hair, allowing you to leave the state of Ihram and complete your Umrah.
Ihram
Physical Purity
Before getting changed into the Ihram garments, take care of your personal hygiene by clipping your nails and removing the hair under your armpits and beneath the navel. You should then do ghusl, a highly emphasised sunnah for those intending to enter into a state of Ihram. If you can’t perform ghusl, doing wudhu will suffice. Men may apply attar/perfume to their heads/beards, ensuring not to get any on the Ihram garments. This should all be carried out at your place of residence before your journey.
Ihram Garments
You will then get changed into your Ihram garments, which, for men, consist of two normally white, clean, seamless pieces of cloth. The sheet that wraps around the waist and covers the lower body is known as the izar, and the sheet that is draped over the upper body like a shawl is known as the rida. Sandals shouldn’t cover the heel and ankle. The Hanafi school of thought stipulates that the top part of the foot should also remain exposed.
Ensure you put on your Ihram attire before crossing the designated Miqat. Where you wear the garments depends on your point of departure and your destination.
If you’re travelling to Makkah via Jeddah on an aeroplane, it is advisable to get changed into your Ihram at home or the airport before departure or during a stopover if you have one. At the airport, you can check in first and get changed in the prayer room or bathroom. Alternatively, you can put on your Ihram in-flight although bear in mind that aeroplane bathrooms are usually very limited in space, and there may well be a rush of people intending to do the same thing as the Miqat approaches. If you decide to change into your Ihram attire on the plane, do so at least an hour before the Miqat is crossed. Opting to get changed mid-flight is the least recommended option.
If you’re going to Madinah before Makkah, you don’t need to enter into the state of Ihram and may wear regular clothing during your stay there. Before leaving for Makkah, you should don the Ihram at your hotel in Madinah or the designated Miqat for Madinah, Masjid Dhul Hulayfah. The taxi/coach will stop at the mosque on the way, so you can enter into Ihram there if you need to do so. If you’re taking the train to Makkah, you should put on your Ihram at the hotel or the train station prior to departure.
Miqat
You may delay making your intention until the Miqat approaches. Just before crossing, remove any articles of clothing you may still be wearing that violate the conditions of Ihram, such as socks, headwear and underwear. On planes, trains and coaches, you will hear an announcement regarding the upcoming Miqat as you approach the designated point.
Women aren’t required to conform to a specific dress code. Clothing should be normal modest Islamic dress with a head covering of any colour. Hands and faces must remain exposed, although socks may be worn.
Salah al-Ihram
It’s sunnah to perform two rak’ahs of salah before entering into the state of Ihram. This can be performed at home, after getting changed at the airport or in-flight before crossing the Miqat, provided there are prayer facilities on board. If you’re in Madinah, you can perform the prayer in your hotel, in Masjid Nabawi, at the designated Miqat point or on the train. Observe the prayer with the intention of performing two rak’ahs nafl for Ihram.
Since you’re not yet in the spiritual state of Ihram, the prayer may be observed with the head covered. It is recommended to recite Surah al-Kafirun (Surah 109) in the first rak’ah and Surah al-Ikhlas (Surah 112) in the second, although other surahs may be read. Don’t forget to make du’a after this salah.
Niyyah
The niyyah for Umrah should be made at the Miqat or close to it as you move in its direction. Ideally, you should delay making the intention until the last moment so you aren’t restricted by its prohibitions for longer than need be. It is recommended (mustahabb) that you make the intention verbally, as well as reiterating it internally.
Following are three examples of intentions that may be uttered in Arabic:
Talbiyah
After making your niyyah, you must recite the Talbiyah to validate your intention and enter into the state of Ihram. The utterance of the Talbiyah is wajib according to the Hanafi and Maliki schools of thought. The Shafi’i and Hambali schools consider it a sunnah.
The sunnah method of reciting the Talbiyah is to briefly pause at four places, indicated by the dashes. The prayer is as follows:
After uttering the Talbiyah, you will now be in the state of Ihram and be known as a Muhrim. Make sure you’re well aware of the prohibitions of Ihram and ensure you don’t fall foul of its rules. If a rule of Ihram is violated, Damm or Sadaqah will be required as expiation.
It is recommended to send Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ after reciting the Talbiyah and to make du’a for yourself and others. Continue reciting the Talbiyah for the rest of your journey until you reach one of the doors of Masjid al- Haram prior to performing Tawaf.
Haram of Makkah
The Haram of Makkah is a sacred area that extends several miles around Masjid al- Haram in all directions. In this area, it is forbidden to:
- Cut or damage grass, trees or any other type of vegetation.
- Harm or kill wild animals. This includes scaring away pigeons and other birds.
- Carry weapons.
- Fight or behave in a way that will violate the sanctity of this area.
Although you’re unlikely to breach one of these rules, keep in mind the sanctity of Makkah.
Entering Makkah
As you reach the limits of the Haram, constantly recite the Talbiyah, do dhikr and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ. Recital of the following du’a is recommended upon entering the Haram:
After arriving at your accommodation in Makkah, you may want to freshen up or take a rest before making your way to Masjid al- Haram to perform Tawaf al-Umrah. If you decide to shower, ensure you don’t use any items prohibited in the state of Ihram, e.g. scented soap or shampoo. It is recommended you present yourself at Masjid al-Haram as soon as possible.
When you’re ready, decide which of your belongings you want to take with you, bearing in mind there are thieves that operate in the mosque.
Entering Masjid al-Haram
It is sunnah to enter Masjid al-Haram via Bab al-Salam (the Gate of Peace). This may not be possible as the authorities have designated entrances to the mosque for pilgrims performing Umrah. Proceed through one of these entrances. Step through with your right foot first and recite the supplication for entering a mosque. Either or both of these supplications may be recited:
Notes:
- Don’t perform Tahiyyat al-Masjid (the Prayer for Greeting the Mosque) if you intend to; your Tawaf will suffice as the “greeting” for Masjid al-Haram.
- If you don’t have the intention of performing Tawaf immediately, you may perform Tahiyyat al-Masjid.
- In Masjid al-Haram, it is permissible for anyone to walk across those performing salah. However, their place of prostration should be avoided.
First Sight of the Kaaba
After entering the mosque, keep your gaze lowered until you reach the mataf area, which is the open space where Tawaf takes place. When you’re ready, with humility, awe and reverence, lift your gaze to set sight on the beatific vision of the Holy Kaaba.
Upon seeing the Kaaba for the first time, raise your hands and make du’a with the utmost concentration and sincerity, as this is among those places where prayers are answered. Remember to recite Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ when making du’a. Umar ibn al-Khattab I narrated:
Du’a is suspended between heaven and earth and none of it is taken up until you send blessings upon your Prophet ﷺ.(Narrated in Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
Recite the following three times:
It’s a sunnah to recite the following du’as:
Do dhikr, make du’a and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ in abundance here. Make the most of this opportunity before you begin your Tawaf, especially if it’s the first time you’ve set eyes on the Kaaba.
Tawaf al-Umrah
For the Tawaf to be considered valid, the following is necessary:
- To perform Tawaf yourself.
- To make an intention (verbally or not).
- To do Tawaf in Masjid al-Haram.
- To be in a state of wudhu and free of anything that requires ghusl, e.g. menstruation.
- To conceal the awrah.
- To start Tawaf from Hajar al-Aswad.
- To move in an anti-clockwise direction.
- To avoid the Hatim (the semi-circle area outside the Kaaba).
- To perform Tawaf by foot, for those who are able.
- To perform seven circuits.
- To perform two rak’ahs of salah after the Tawaf.
Preparation
Ensure you’re in a state of wudhu, and if you’re a male, uncover your right shoulder by passing the top sheet of your Ihram under your right armpit, allowing the garment to hang over your left shoulder (Idtiba).
Starting Point
Position yourself in line with the corner of the Kaaba where the Hajar al-Aswad is situated. This corner is the one that faces a single minaret (the other three corners face two minarets). There is a green light on the wall of the Masjid opposite the Kaaba, which indicates where the Tawaf starts from. This is the starting point of each shawt (circuit). Stand just before this starting point facing the Kaaba.
Intention
As with any other act of worship, make the niyyah to perform Tawaf solely for Allah. You may also ask for acceptance and ease of your Tawaf. The following words may be said:
O Allah, I intend to perform the Tawaf of Umrah of the Kaaba for your sake and your sake alone. Please accept it from me and make it easy for me.
You may make the following intention, which is in Arabic:
The niyyah doesn’t have to be verbal.
Kissing, Touching or Saluting the Hajar al-Aswad (Istilam)
- Kissing – If you reach the Hajar al-Aswad, place your hands on it, put your face between your hands, and say “Bismi Llāhi wa Llāhu akbar (بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)” and kiss it lightly. Some scholars have said it is preferable to kiss it three times if you have the chance.
- Touching – If you’re in reaching distance but unable to kiss it, touch it with your hand(s) and kiss your hand(s).
- Saluting – If it isn’t possible to reach the stone, as is likely to be the case, perform a symbolic Istilam from afar by directly facing the Hajar al-Aswad and raising your hands up to your earlobes (as you would do when starting salah). Ensure your palms are also facing it, as though your face and hands are on the Hajar al-Aswad, and say “Bismi Llāhi wa Llāhu akbar (بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ).” You may kiss your palms if you wish.
The following supplication, a du’a of Ali I, may be recited when coming parallel to the Hajar al-Aswad in each circuit:
Other forms of dhikr, such as Tahlil (lā ilāha illa Llāh) and Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ, may also be uttered at this point.
Start the Tawaf
Turn to your right and start the first circuit of your Tawaf, ensuring the Kaaba is on your left. Proceed in an anti-clockwise direction and avoid walking through the Hijir Ismail. If you happen to walk through it, the circuit won’t count, and it will have to be repeated.
Raml
In the first three circuits, men should perform Raml, which is the practice of walking briskly, lifting the legs forcefully and sticking out the chest. However, if there is congestion, which is likely to be the case if you’re closer to the Kaaba, only perform this sunnah if you’re sure you won’t harm or inconvenience others. During peak times, you’re unlikely to be able to perform this action.
Dhikr & Du’a
During your Tawaf, you may recite prayers and supplications of your choice. Du’as are accepted during Tawaf, so make the most of the occasion and remember Allah with sincerity and devotion. It’s perhaps advisable not to read from a du’a book, especially if you don’t understand the Arabic. Imam Ibn Hibban V said:
Specifying a du’a would take the moment away, because with specific du’as, one will merely be repeating words, whereas this occasion is for any du’a and for remembering one’s Lord with humility and sincerity.
Therefore, you should supplicate in any language and in any manner that you prefer. If you want to make Quranic and Prophetic supplications during your Tawaf, make an effort to memorise and learn the meanings of them. Reciting Quran and sending Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ during Tawaf is also recommended.
Rukn al-Yamani
Upon reaching the Rukh al-Yamani (the Yemeni Corner), the corner preceding the Hajar al-Aswad, if you manage to get close enough, touch it with your right hand or both hands and say “Allāhu akbar (اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)”. If there’s too much congestion, as is likely to be the case, proceed without saying Takbir or gesturing towards it.
It is a sunnah to recite the following du’a between the Rukn al-Yamani and the Hajar al-Aswad:
Imam Shafi’i V recommended reciting this du’a throughout the Tawaf.
End of Circuit at the Hajar al-Aswad
Returning to Hajar al-Aswad marks the completion of one circuit. Begin the second by doing Istilam of Hajar al-Aswad as previously described and saying “Allāhu akbar (اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)”. You should say Allāhu akbar while doing Istilam in all subsequent circuits. You will be performing Istilam eight times in total during the Tawaf, one before the start of the Tawaf and one at the end of each of the seven circuits.
During Tawaf
The Tawaf should be completed in a continuous manner with no interruptions between circuits. However, if a congregational prayer is due to start, you must join the congregation and resume your Tawaf from the position that you stopped. The circuit need not be repeated. These rules also apply if you need to repeat your wudhu.
Complete the Tawaf
Proceed in the same manner until you have completed seven circuits. Performing Istilam at the start of Tawaf and the end is a highly emphasised sunnah, and performing Istilam on the other six occasions is desirable.
If you are in a state of Idtiba, cover your shoulder with your Ihram.
Salah
Upon finishing the Tawaf, perform two rak’ahs of salah, preferably in a position where Maqam Ibrahim is between you and the Kaaba. However, keep in mind that since Maqam Ibrahim is situated within the mataf, there is often nowhere for pilgrims performing Tawaf to move except around and almost over the top of those praying just beyond Maqam Ibrahim, resulting in a great deal of congestion. If it isn’t possible to perform the prayer there due to crowding, it can be performed anywhere in Masjid al-Haram.
While moving to the place where you intend to perform the two rak’ahs, it is recommended to audibly recite the following:
It is sunnah to recite Surah al-Kafirun (Surah 109) in the first rak’ah and Surah al-Ikhlas (Surah 112) in the second, after Surah al-Fatiha. Make sure you make plenty of du’a after completing the prayer.
Zamzam
After completing salah and making du’a, drink your fill of Zamzam water, which is available around the Tawaf area and from various water fountains and dispensers in Masjid al-Haram. The entrance to the old well of Zamzam has been covered to allow for more room to do Tawaf.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The water of Zamzam is for whatever purpose it is drunk for.” Before drinking the Zamzam water, make an intention that its consumption will be a means of fulfilling your wishes, whether that is good health, success in this world, or protection from the tribulations of the grave. When drinking the water, it is mustahabb to stand and face the Kaaba, say Bismillah, pause to take a breath three times, and say Alhamdulillah after finishing. You can also rub it on your face and body. You may recite the following du’a after drinking the water:
You may also make any other supplication of your choosing as it’s another station where du’as are accepted.
Multazam
After you have finished drinking Zamzam water, you may proceed to the Multazam, which is the area between Hajar al-Aswad and the door of the Kaaba.
The Multazam is almost impossible to get to during Hajj season due to the large crowds that gather. However, it is sometimes accessible during other parts of the year.
If it is possible to reach the Multazam, raise your hands above your head, cling to the wall and press your chest and cheeks against it. It is a sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and yet another station where supplications are accepted, so you should lengthen your du’a here.
If you can’t reach the Multazam due to the crowds, you may face it and supplicate from a distance.
Sa’i
It is a sunnah to perform Sa’i immediately after Tawaf, although you may take a break if necessary. If you feel tired after Tawaf or your feet are aching, you may rest until you feel ready. Remember, you will cover over three kilometres during Sa’i, so ensure you have sufficient energy to complete the rite before starting.
For the Sa’i to be considered valid, the following is necessary:
- To perform Sa’i yourself.
- To have entered into Ihram before performing the Sa’i.
- To stay in Ihram until the Sa’i has been completed.
- To perform Sa’i at its correct time.
- To begin Sa’i at Safa and finish at Marwa.
- To perform Sa’i after having done Tawaf.
- To perform Sa’i on foot unless you have a valid excuse.
- To perform seven laps.
- To cover the complete distance between Safa and Marwa.
Istilam of the Hajar al-Aswad
Before Sa’i, it is sunnah to do Istilam of Hajar al-Aswad one last time. This will be the ninth time, following the eight times you performed Istilam during Tawaf.
If you’ve forgotten to perform this Istilam, or you’re finding it difficult to return to the line of the Hajar al-Aswad due to crowding or tiredness, it may be omitted. However, you can do Istilam anywhere else in Masjid al-Haram, as long as you’re facing the Hajar al-Aswad.
Proceed to Safa
Proceed to the hill of Safa, which is located inside Masjid al-Haram, in line with the Hajar al-Aswad. There are signs which indicate where it is. As you’re approaching Safa, it is sunnah to recite the following:
Then say:
These should only be recited once before Sa’i and not at the start of each lap.
Make Du’a at Safa
Upon reaching the hill of Safa, face the direction of the Kaaba and raise your hands in supplication. Don’t raise your hands up to your earlobes or gesture towards the Kaaba as you would have done during Tawaf. You may say Takbir (Allāhu akbar), Tahlil (lā ilāha illa Llāh) and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.
It is sunnah to recite the following du’a
After reciting this du’a, you may recite your own supplications. Read the du’a a total of three times, making your own supplications in between each time, as was the sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
Proceed to Marwa
From Safa, make your way towards Marwa. Between Safa and Marwa, you will encounter two sets of green fluorescent lights approximately 50 metres apart, which indicate the distance that Hajar ran in order to get to higher ground. These two markers are known as Milayn al-Akhdharayn (the Two Green Mileposts). Between these two lights, it is sunnah for men to run at a medium pace while women should continue normally.
Dhikr & Du’a
No fixed dhikr or du’a has been prescribed to be read during Sa’i, so you may recite any prayers or supplications of your choice and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.
Make Du’a at Marwa
Upon reaching the hill of Marwa, face the direction of the Kaaba, raise your hands in supplication and repeat the same supplications you recited at Safa.
This completes one lap of Sa’i. Returning back to Safa is considered a second lap.
End of Sa’i
Repeat this procedure until you have completed seven laps, at which point you should be at the hill of Marwa.
Dua and Salah
It is recommended that you make a final du’a here and perform two rak’ahs of nafl salah in Masjid al-Haram following Sa’i.
Leave the Haram
As you leave Masjid al-Haram, step out with your left foot and recite the following du’a, as was the sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ when leaving the mosque:
Halq or Taqsir
After Sa’i, you must have your hair shaved (Halaq) or trimmed by at least an inch (Taqsir) in order to leave the state of Ihram and complete your Umrah. It is more virtuous for a man to have his head shaved completely.
There are a number of licensed barbershops in Makkah, which are open 24 hours a day and generally only close during salah times. There are many barbershops in the Zamzam Towers, Hilton shopping complex and al-Safwa Towers. You will also see many barbers located outside the Marwa door after you finish Sa’i.
Alternatively, you may shave or trim your own hair in order to come out of the state of Ihram.
You are now free from the restrictions of Ihram, and you may change into regular clothing. If you plan on performing another Umrah, you must travel to the boundary of the Haram in order to once again enter into Ihram. Most pilgrims choose to enter into Ihram at Masjid Aisha, which is the nearest and most convenient location from Masjid al-Haram. Taxis are available near the mosque.