Umrah Ziyarat — visit the sacred places Ziyarat of Makkah & Ziyarat of Madinah

Jabal al-Noor is a mountain in the holy Makkah where our beloved Prophet (PBUH) used to visit the Cave of Hira for meditation and solitude.It is widely known that the Holy Prophet received the first Quranic revelation from the Angel Jibril in the Cave of Hira.Therefore, visiting Jabal Al-Nour helps pilgrims revive the critical moment in the Islamic history when the revelation began.Because pilgrims have to climb the mountain to reach the Cave of Hira, children and elders should avoid visiting Jabal al-Noor.Similarly, pilgrims should plan a ziyarat tour to Jabal al-Noor early in the morning to avoid midday heat.

Jabal Thawr is the historic mountain 4 kilometers south of Makkah where Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr hid from the Quraysh during their migration to Madinah in 622 CE.abal Thawr is another significant mountain in the Islamic history located close to Makkah on the way to Madinah. This is the mountain where the Holy Prophet with his companion Hazrat Abu Bakar hid himself from Quraysh-e Makkah during their migration to Madinah. At that point, a spider miraculously protected them which definitely symbolises divine aid. So, pilgrims during their Umrah journey want to visit Jabal Thawr to experience the sacredness and sanctity of this place. Visiting Jabal Thawr reminds pilgrims about the sacrifices that our Holy Prophet made to establish Islam and convey the divine message to us.For three consecutive nights the Prophet (ﷺ) and Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) remained hidden in the cave. During this period, Abu Bakr’s (رضي الله عنه) son, Abdullah, would pass his nights nearby. The young man would return to Makkah very early in the morning so that the Quraysh had no idea that he had slept elsewhere. Each day in Makkah he collected information about the activities of the Quraysh, and each night went back to Jabal al-Thawr to inform the Prophet (ﷺ) and his father Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه).Abu Bakr’s (رضي الله عنه) slave, Amir bin Fuhayra (رضي الله عنه), would graze Abu Bakr’s (رضي الله عنه) goats near the cave so that both men could drink fresh milk. Early the next morning Amir would drive the goats back to Makkah along the same route that Abu Bakr’s (رضي الله عنه) son took, to obscure his footprints.When they were inside Allah (ﷻ) sent a spider to spin a web from a bush across the entrance to the cave. Allah (ﷻ) also commanded two doves to fly down between the spider and the tree, make a nest and lay eggs. Meanwhile the Quraysh search party scoured the area south of Makkah where the Prophet (ﷺ) and Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) where hiding. They came upon the mouth of the cave, and had they looked down while standing at the edge of the cave, they would have surely found the men they were hunting. With the Quraysh so close to discovering their hiding place, Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) became very tense about the Prophet’s (ﷺ) safety. The Prophet (ﷺ) reassured him, “How can you be apprehensive about two with whom is a third, especially when the third one is Allah?”After three days when they learnt that the search by the Quraysh had petered out they leftthe cave and headed towards Yathrib (Madinah). Asma (رضي الله عنها), the daughter of Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) came to them bringing food forthe journey. When they were about to start she could find nothing to tie it to their saddles and so she undid her waistband, tore it in two, wore half and tiedthe food withthe other half. This ready solution won her praise fromthe Prophet (ﷺ) who also named her ‘She ofthe two waistband’. And after thatthex Muslims knew her by that name.

Jabal Arafat (Arabic: جبل عرفات) is a small, granite mountain in the plain of Arafat, about 20km from the Ka’bah. Standing at Arafat is a fundamental requirement of Hajj. Pilgrims travel here from Mina on the second day of Hajj (9th Dhul Hijjah). The mountain is also known as Jabal al-Rahmah, meaning “Mountain of Mercy”.The common meaning of the word Arafat is ‘to know’. After being taken out of Jannah and placed on Earth, it was at Jabal Arafat that Prophet Adam (عليه السلام) and Hawa (عليها السلام) met up again.Standing on Arafat is an essential part of the Hajj; whoever misses the standing on Arafat has missed Hajj, because the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Hajj is Arafat.” [al-Hakim].The day of Arafat has many virtues, as was narrated in many Ahadith. Aisha (رضي الله عنها) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “There is no day in which Allah sets free more souls from the fire of hell than on the day of Arafat. And on that day Allah draws near to the earth and by way of exhibiting His Pride remarks to the angels, ‘What is the desire of these (servants of mine)?'”The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The best invocation on the day of Arafat, and the best of all the invocations I ever offered or other holy Prophets before me ever offered is: “There is no god but Allah: He is Unique ; He hath no partner, the whole universe is for Him and for Him is the praise, and He hath power over all things.” [Tirmidhi] .Jabal Arafat is a special place of Du’a (supplication). The virtue of this place is in asking from Allah (ﷻ) and the response is promised. Our beloved Prophet (ﷺ) and Prophet Ebrahim (عليه السلام) made Du’a at this very spot. The pilgrims heart should filled with nothing but neediness; which is presented in heartfelt Du’as. What better day to ask and we are the only losers if we don’t take a share of the promised response from the Almighty In another Hadith the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Apart from the day of the Battle of Badr there is no day on which the Shaitan is seen to be more humiliated, more rejected, more depressed and more infuriated, than on the day of Arafat, and indeed all this is only because of beholding the abundance of descending mercy (on the day) and Allah’s forgiveness of the great sins of the servants.“ [Mishkat] Arafah (عرفة) is the name of the day, and Arafat (عرفات) is the name of the land.

Mina (Arabic: منى) is a valley six kilometres east of the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. It’s where Hajj pilgrims sleep overnight on the 8th, 11th, 12th (and some even on the 13th) of Dhul Hijjah. The valley of Mina contains the Jamarat, the three stone pillars which are pelted by pilgrims as part of the rituals of Hajj.Mina is referenced in Surah Baqarah in the Quran: “And remember Allah during [specific] numbered days. Then whoever hastens [his departure] in two days – there is no sin upon him; and whoever delays [until the third] – there is no sin upon him – for him who fears Allah . And fear Allah and know that unto Him you will be gathered.”Another reason it is called Mina is because it is connected to the test that Prophet Ebrahim (عليه السلام) had to undergo when he was ordered to slaughter his son. When his resolve was proven, he sacrificed a ram in place of his son. The name implies the ‘place where he was tested’ and the ‘place where he succeeded’.The word Mina can also mean ‘to flow’ because here the blood of sacrificial animals flows during the festival day of Eidul Adha. During the Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajjat-ul-Wada) the Muslims had brought with them 100 camels to be sacrificed.On the 10th Dhul Hijjah the Prophet (ﷺ) stoned the Jamarat and went back to his camp in Mina where he sacrificed 63 of the camels. Ali (رضي الله عنه) slaughtered the remaining 37 camels and the Prophet (ﷺ) instructed that a part of each camel is cooked and served to him and his Companions. After the camels had been sacrificed, the Prophet (ﷺ) called for a barber to shave his head. Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) remarked afterwards on the contrast between the Khalid bin Waleed before he embraced Islam (when he was a bitter enemy of the Muslims) and the Khalid who now said, “O Messenger of Allah, they forelock! Give it unto none but me, my father and my mother be thy ransom!” And when the Prophet (ﷺ) gave it to him he pressed it reverently against his eyes and lips. It is reported that Khalid bin Waleed (رضي الله عنه) used to keep this hair in his headgear.There lies a cave in Mina known as the ‘Cave of Mursalaat’ as this was where the Prophet (ﷺ) was when Surah Mursalaat was revealed to him.

Jannatul Mualla (Arabic: جنة المعلاة; “The Most Exalted Paradise”) also known as Maqbarah al-Mualla (Arabic: مقبرة المعلاة; “The Most Exalted Cemetery”) is the main cemetery in Makkah. It houses the graves of many prominent individuals including the wife of the Prophet ﷺ, Sayyidatuna Khadija J, their two sons L as well as many companions, scholars and righteous people. It is considered the second most important cemetery among Muslims, after Jannatul Baqi in Madinah.Jannatul Mualla is situated at the foot of Mount al-Hajun near, roughly one kilometre north of Masjid al-Haram, from its rear. It is near Masjid al-Jinn and Masjid al-Shajarah. The cemetery is situated on either side of Al-Hujoon Street (Arabic: شارع الحجون), which, as a street or flyover, divides it into two sections. Upon entering through the main gate, visitors find themselves in the older portion of the cemetery. Crossing through this section, a small underground passageway leads to the newer part of the cemetery. This underground passageway is constructed beneath the dividing flyover road.The graveyard covers an area of 100,000 square meters. As the cemetery expands, Mount al-Hujun is excavated to create additional space.

Muzdalifah (Arabic: مزدلفة) is an open area located southeast of Mina, on the way between Mina and Arafat. On the 9th Dhul Hijjah (second day of Hajj), pilgrims arrive here after sunset from Arafat and spend the night here.Muzdalifah stretches from the Valley of Muhassar to the mountains of Ma’zamayn. It is four kilometres long and covers an area of 12.25 square kilometers.Allah (ﷻ) mentions in Surah Baqarah in the Quran:“When you leave Arafat, then remember Allah at the Mash’arul Haram.” (‘The Sacred Monument’, referring to Muzdalifah according to Abdullah bin Umar (رضي الله عنه))During Hajj It is waajib to perform Maghrib and Isha together here at Isha time. Wuqoof (stay) of Muzdalifah is also waajib and its time begins from sub’h saadiq and ends at sunrise. If one spent even a little portion of their time here, he/she will be absolved of this obligation. However, it is best to remain until just before sunrise.Muzdalifah is also called ‘Jam’ as it is a place where people gather.

Maidan-e-Arafat (the Plain of Arafat) is a vast, open plain located about 20 kilometers southeast of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, holding profound religious and historical significance in Islam as the central site of the Hajj pilgrimage.For millions of Muslims, the Maidan e Arafaat event is greatly important. Not far from the city of Mecca, the plain is important for Muslims, who gather there during Hajj, on the sacred Day of Arafah. It is in the mosque that people pray to reach Allah and believers expect blessings to come down upon them from above.If you’re looking to know more about your faith or discover why Maidan e Arafaat is special in Islam, this article is meant for you. You’ll find information about its past and present, along with planning tips to make your visit easier, particularly booked through Crowne Travels. Continue reading to find out about the wonders, spirituality and practical side of this marvelous site.The plain is an important element in the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), whose ultimate loyalty to Allah took place there. People believe that here, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) prepared to sacrifice Ismail (AS) as a way to obey Allah. But, Allah sent a ram to take the ram’s place, expressing His mercy for us. At the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), it was on Arafah Day that he spoke his famous Farewell Sermon. Even now, many Muslims are influenced by his guidance, justice and mercy in his words. That’s why Maidan e Arafaat is considered one of the most significant sites on the planet for Muslims, who visit it during Hajj to seek pardon.Hajj is not complete until the pilgrims have been in Arafah for the Day of Arafah. On the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month on the Islamic calendar, millions travel to Maidan e Arafaat. During Wuquf-e-Arafah, pilgrims assemble to offer prayers and, with their hands raised, ask for Allah’s blessings.

Masjid Aisha (Arabic: عائشة مسجد), also known as Masjid al-Taneem (مسجد التنعيم), is a mosque located at the site where Aisha I was instructed by the Prophet ﷺ to enter into Ihram in order to perform Umrah during the Farewell Pilgrimage. It is the nearest and most convenient location to enter into Ihram for those residing within the boundaries of the Haram, and those intending to perform an additional Umrah.Masjid Aisha is located at a distance of 7.5 kilometres from Masjid Al-Haram. It is on the route from Makkah al-Mukarramah to Madinah al-Munawwarah, commonly referred to as Tareeq al-Hijrah. Renowned for its exceptional architecture and distinct construction, it stands out as one of the prominent landmarks of Makkah.The mosque is known as Masjid Aisha as it was erected at the very site where the Mother of the Believers, Aisha bint Abu Bakr J, initiated her Ihram for Umrah during the Farewell Hajj in the year 9 AH. During the pilgrimage, she expressed her disappointment at being unable to perform Umrah due to menstruation. She said: I got my menses and could not perform Tawaf around the Kaaba. So when it was the night of Hasba (i.e. when we stopped at al-Muhassab), I said, ‘O Allah’s Messenger ﷺ! Everyone is returning after having performed Hajj and Umrah, but I’m returning after having performed only the Hajj.’ He said, ‘Didn’t you perform Tawaf around the Kaaba the night we reached Makkah?’ I replied in the negative. He said, ‘Go with your brother to Taneem and assume the Ihram for Umrah. [Narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari] The Prophet ﷺ called her brother, Abdur Rahman ibn Abu Bakr I, and told him to accompany her on her Umrah. She narrates: The Prophet ﷺ called Abdur Rahman and said, ‘Leave the Haram with your sister and let her assume Ihram for Umrah. After both of you have finished the Tawaf, I will be waiting here for you.’ We came back at midnight and the Prophet ﷺ asked us, ‘Have you finished?’ I replied in the affirmative. He announced the departure, and the people set out for the journey, with some of them having performed the Tawaf of the Kaaba before the morning prayer. After that, the Prophet ﷺ set out for Madinah. [Narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari] She also narrates her journey to Taneem: I rode behind Abdur Rahman on his camel. I recall that as I was young, I felt sleepy and my head would fall and my face would touch the back of the saddle. It was a very hot night, so much so that my head covering would fall off my neck. My brother would hold my leg and hit it against the camel. We reached Taneem where I started the Umrah in lieu of the Umrah that people performed after entering Makkah. [Narrated in Ahmad] Masjid Aisha is also known as Masjid al-Taneem, named after two mountains situated on either side of it. Additionally, the mosque is sometimes referred to as the Umrah Mosque as it is a starting point for residents of Makkah and pilgrims intending to perform Umrah again.

Masjid al-Jinn in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, marks the historic site where Prophet Muhammad recited the Quran to a gathering of jinn—an event detailed in Surah al-Jinn of the Quran.The Mosque of the Jinn (Arabic: مسجد الجنّ, romanized: Masjid al-Jinn) is a Sunni Islam mosque, located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, near Jannat al-Mu'alla. It is also known as the Mosque of Allegiance (Arabic: مسجد بِيعات, romanized: Masjid Biy‘āt) and the Mosque of Guards (Arabic: مسجد الحرس, romanized: Masjid al-Ḥaras) because the city's guards would patrol up to that point. The mosque is built at the place where a group of jinn are said to have gathered one night to hear the recitation of a portion of the Quran by Muhammad. Muhammad later met there with these jinn's leaders and accepted their embrace of Islam and their bay'ah (oath of allegiance) to him. The incident is mentioned in chapter al-Jinn of the Quran. The mosque is considered one of the oldest in Mecca and is one of the most important mosques visited in the city.Masjid Al Jinn sits near Jannat al-Mu’alla graveyard and holds a place as one of Makkah’s oldest and most significant mosques. It marks where jinn, invisible creatures made of fire, gathered to listen to Prophet Muhammad reciting the Quran. Known also as the Mosque of Guards and the Mosque of Allegiance, this site beats with rich Islamic history. Visitors often feel amazed, as though stepping into a scene where the unseen world met the human one. People fascinated by faith, history, or mysterious stories find Masjid Al Jinn truly fascinating — a spot that shares secrets passed down through the ages. Discover what makes this mosque a timeless jewel at Makkah’s core and why it continues to draw those seeking something beyond the ordinary.

Masjid al-Khayf is a historic mosque located at the foot of a mountain in the south of Mina, Saudi Arabia, where Prophet Muhammad and about 70 earlier prophets performed prayers.Masjid al-Khayf (Arabic: مسجد الخيف) is located at the foot of a mountain in the south of Mina, close to the smallest Jamarat. It was at this spot that the Prophet (ﷺ) and numerous other Prophets before him performed salah. It is also known as the ‘Mosque of the Prophets’.Masjid al-Khayf is a masjid whose virtues are proven in some Hadith. According to a traceable Hadith of Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنه), the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Seventy Prophets prayed in Masjid al-Khayf.” [Majma‘uz-Zawahid] Yazeed bin Aswad (رضي الله عنه) says that when he performed Hajj with the Prophet (ﷺ), it was at the Masjid Khayf that he performed the Fajr salah with the Prophet (ﷺ).Abdur-Rahman bin Mu’adh (رضي الله عنه) reports that when the Prophet (ﷺ) delivered a sermon in Mina, he instructed the Muhajireen to set up camp in front of the Masjid al-Khayf and the Ansar to set up camp behind it. The rest of the Muslims were to camp behind them. [Abu Dawood].Abdullah bin Abbas (رضي الله عنه) narrates that it was in Masjid al-Khayf that the Prophet (ﷺ) addressed them. After praising Allah he said: “Allah will set right the affairs of the person whose prime concern is the Aakhirah (Hereafter), Allah will also grant him self-sufficiency and the world will humble itself before him. As for the person whose prime concern is this world, Allah will scatter his affairs, place poverty in front of him and all he will get of this world will be what has been predestined for him.“ [Tabraani].This is a place where the pilgrim makes a firm resolution that from this day forward all they will do will be for the sake of Allah and to acquire benefit in the Akhirah. This was the emphasis of the Prophet (ﷺ) at this very place. Our mind and hearts should ponder and reflect: Is our concern the Akhirah or the Dunya?