Makkah Al Mukarramah – Things to Do, Places to Visit and More

Makkah Al Mukarramah, also known as Mecca or Makkah, is the holiest city in the Islamic religion. This city holds great significance for Muslims worldwide as it serves as the most sacred place where both Hajj and Umrah are performed. Besides, this city has gained its recognition in Islam for being the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and housing the Kaaba. In this blog, we will provide you with valuable insights about Makkah Al Mukarramah, which will allow you to plan your visit to this holy city in a better manner.

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What is Makkah Al Mukarramah?

Makkah Al Mukarramah is a city located in the western part of Saudi Arabia in the Hejazi region. The city is surrounded by rugged mountainous terrains, providing a natural barrier. The word “Al Mukarramah” translates to “honoured”, revealing the status of the city in Islam. Besides being the holiest city in Islam, Makkah Al Mukarramah is also considered to be one of the oldest cities around the world. Two of the most significant structures of Islam are present in this city, namely, the Kaaba and the Grand Mosque. This city is developed by the Royal Commission of Makkah City and the Holy Sites and is overseen by the Chairman of the Council of Ministers and the Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz.

Visa Requirements for Makkah Al Mukarramah

If you are planning to visit Makkah Al Mukarramah, then you must apply for a visa, as the Saudi officials will require one before allowing you to explore the holy Islamic city. There are three types of visa available to be applied from the United Kingdom, such as the Umrah visa, EVW visa and tourist visa. Each one of these visas offers unique benefits, enhancing your travel experience. Check the criteria before applying for a visa. Also, make sure to hold a passport that ensures its validity for 6 months since the date of arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Historical Overview of Makkah Al Mukarramah

Makkah Al Mukarramah is spread over an area of around 3004 square kilometres and is home to different sites holding historical and religious significance. Over the years, the city has gained many names such as Bakkah, al-Balad al-Amin, al-Balad al-Amen, al-Haram and Umm al-Qura. One can find the traces of this city present in the ancient sources of Roman, Syriac and Greek. Makkah Al Mukarramah has been a pilgrimage site in Islam since 631CE, a spiritual center holding stories of the Prophet and Quranic revelations. Before the rise of Islam, Makkah Al Mukarramah was the trading hub in the region, as it helped in connecting southern Arabia with the east and north with its caravan routes. In the pre-Islamic era, numerous Arabian tribes existed, each with its own idols placed in the Kabba.

Despite the teachings of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Isma’il, polytheistic practices and beliefs persisted until Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) received the first revelations of the Holy Quran in the Cave of Hira. It is believed that Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) used to meditate at Ghar Hira, and one day, during meditation, the Quran was revealed to him. This made him challenge the prevailing idolatry and ask others to worship only one actual embodiment of power, Allah SWT. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him), along with the growing community of Muslims, returned to the Kaaba to cleanse it and set it back into the monotheistic worship of Allah. At present, Makkah Al Mukarramah stands as a symbol of unity, bringing together millions of Muslims every year and promoting universal brotherhood.

Significance of the Kaaba in Makkah Al Mukarramah

Located at the heart of the city, within the Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah Al Mukarramah, stands the Kaaba, a symbolic house of Allah that serves as the physical focus for Muslims. The history of the Kaaba dates back to Prophet Ibrahim and his son Isma’il. As per Islamic belief, both of them were commanded by Allah SWT to build the Kaaba. Over the centuries, the Kaaba has undergone notable changes from a simple and unadorned structure to its present form.

The Kaaba is covered by a black curtain with golden ornamental calligraphy of Quranic verses, called kiswa, which gets changed annually. This tradition of covering the Kaaba began back in the 11th century, as the black colour signifies simplicity and humility. Kabba is the focal point for Muslims while offering their prayers to Allah, symbolising unity among the Muslims present across different corners of the planet. It is also associated with the holy ritual of Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, when millions of pilgrims from different parts of the world gather here to circumambulate the Kaaba in an anticlockwise direction.

As stated in the Surah Al-Ma’idah Ayat 97,

“۞جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡكَعۡبَةَ ٱلۡبَيۡتَ ٱلۡحَرَامَ قِيَٰمٗا لِّلنَّاسِ وَٱلشَّهۡرَ ٱلۡحَرَامَ وَٱلۡهَدۡيَ وَٱلۡقَلَـٰٓئِدَۚ ذَٰلِكَ لِتَعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعۡلَمُ مَا فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَأَنَّ “ٱللَّهَ بِكُلِّ شَيۡءٍ عَلِيمٌ”

Meaning, Allah has made the Kaaba, the sacred House, a means of support for the people, and the Sacred Month, and the offerings and the necklaces. That is so that you may know that Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth and that Allah is knowing of all things.

Weather in Makkah Al Mukarramah

Makkah Al Mukarramah is located in the tropical region and experiences mostly hot weather throughout the year. You will find long summers and short winters. Throughout the year, the temperature typically ranges from 16°C to 44°C, with cooler months being the most preferred. However, if you seek fewer crowds, then travelling during summer will offer you such a scenario; however, you need to bear the intense heat while performing Umrah. The summer typically ranges between June and September, whereas winter ranges between December and February, and you get to experience rainfall in the months of October and November. The best time to visit Makkah Al Mukarramah is between October and February, when the weather remains pleasant, allowing the pilgrims to perform their Umrah ritual comfortably.

Traditional Architectures of Makkah Al Mukarramah

Get amazed by the traditional architecture of Makkah Al Mukarramah that will offer you a distinguished style in terms of materials used, method of construction and shape. You also get to find the Hijazi houses that were built back in the 14th century, highlighting the art of Islamic culture. The Hijazi houses are mostly reddish-yellowish in colour, as they were constructed using Qahout or Shumaisi stone. Back then, cement was being replaced by black clay and quarried stone, which is easy to work with, and also stops the heat from transferring into the interior. The structure of the wooden beams is also seen to be placed horizontally to increase the structural strength and reduce the chances of collapse. In a Hijazi house, you mainly get to spot the corridor, reception hall (majlis), courtyard (suffah), sleeping quarters and kitchen.

Places to Visit in Makkah Al Mukarramah

Makkah Al Mukarramah, despite being a religious city, also has different places that you can explore to learn about the rich history and culture. Here are some of the best places to visit in Makkah Al Mukarramah.

Clock Tower Museum

Take a step back into Islamic history at the Clock Tower Museum, where you can witness relics associated with Islamic history, Islamic art, and the world’s largest clock faces. The clock tower is the largest building among the seven buildings within the Al-Bait complex. The clock tower is illuminated with over 2 million LED lights, broadcasting the call to prayer, while making a beautiful visual effect.

Ghar Thowr

Travel to Ghar Thowr, also called the Cave of Thawr, is a historical site located in the south of Makkah Al Mukarramah, which is believed to be the place where Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) and his companion Abu Bakr took refuge to save themselves from Quraysh for three days during their migration (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina.

Al Kharrarah National Park

Visit Al Kharrarah National Park, a beautiful desert park located near Riyadh, where you can spend time amidst the vibrant ecosystem and stunning sand dunes. You can also indulge in outdoor activities like enjoying a picnic with your family, going out on desert exploration or riding a motorcycle cross-country.

Jabal Al Nour

Climb up Jabal Al Nour, also known as the Mountain of Light, situated in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia. This mountain is popular for having the Cave of Hira, where Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) received the first revelation of the Quran from the Angel Gabriel in 610 AD. It is also a physical challenge as one needs to climb around 640 metres, which takes between 1 and 2 hours.

King Fahd's Fountain

Get startled by witnessing the tallest fountain in the world, where its water reaches a height of 312 meters, propelled at a speed of 350 km/h. It is suggested to visit this fountain after sunset, as you can enjoy the lights illuminating the surroundings and offering you a breathtaking sight to enjoy.

Religious Islamic Places in Makkah Al Mukarramah

Besides travelling to iconic places around Makkah Al Mukarramah, make sure to dive into the rich culture and heritage of Makkah Al Mukarramah by exploring the religious Islamic places around the city.

Masjid al-Haram

Your visit to Makkah Al Mukarramah will be incomplete without visiting the largest mosque in the world, Masjid al-Haram, also known as the Grand Mosque. It is a principal destination for the pilgrims seeking to perform Umrah and Hajj. You can find the Black Box or Kabba at the centre of the mosque, which signifies the direction towards which all Muslims pray.

Holy Site of Mina

Mina, the City of Tents, is known for offering accommodation to millions of pilgrims who visit Makkah Al Mukarramah to perform Hajj, which is located between Makkah Al Mukarramah and Muzdalifah, with mountains bordering on its north and south sides. The Hajj pilgrims spend their eighth day of Dhu al-Hijjah.

Muzdalifah Site

Another important Islamic site which the pilgrims in Makkah Al Mukarramah visit is Musdalifah, which again plays an essential role during Hajj. Spread over an area of 963 hectares and located between Arafat and Mina, where pilgrims performing Hajj spend a night, while collecting pebbles for performing the ritual at Jamarat.

Holy Site of Arafat

Pilgrims are seen to visit the holy site of Arafat, which consists of many mountains like Jabal al-Rahma, Jabal Saad and many more. The pilgrims during Hajj spend the most crucial day, called the Day of Arafah, which symbolises the place where Adam and Eve reunited and gained forgiveness. Muslims thus visit this site to seek forgiveness and consider it a fundamental pillar in the Islamic faith.

Jamarat

Jamarat is another place located near Mina, renowned for the practice of stoning the Devil. This place is known for being a part of the Hajj pilgrimage, where there are three stone pillars, where the pilgrims throw pebbles. This action denotes the refusal towards the temptation of the Devil and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s resistance to the devil, when Allah commanded him to sacrifice his son.

Masjid-e-Namirah

Masjid-e-Namirah is a significant Islamic landmark which is located in the Wadi Uranah, where the Prophet (PBUH) had camped before delivering his final sermon. The Prophet (PBUH) has also prayed the Asr and Dhuhr prayers on the Day of Arafah. Pilgrims consider this site a significant landmark, which attracts millions of Muslims from different parts of the world.

Masjid al-Khayf

Masjid al-Khayf is a place of prayer of the Prophet (PBUH) and is located at the base of the mountain in the south of Mina. In this place, the Prophet (PBUH), along with 70 other prophets, have performed their salah, which has gained its name “Mosque of the Prophets”. It is a significant place that holds a special place during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Masjid al-Mashar al-Haram

Visit the holy site of Masjid al-Mashar al-Haram, where Allah commands the pilgrims to remember him after leaving Arafat after the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage. It is this place where the Prophet (PBUH) performed his supplications during his farewell pilgrimage. This holy mosque is located in Muzdalifah, which is a key part of the Hajj journey.

Shiyab Abu Talib

Go to see Shiyab Abu Talib, a sacred location which is steeped in Islamic history, where the Prophet (PBUH) and his followers took refuge during the early years of Islam. As compared to other religious destinations, this place is less crowded; however, it still holds the unwavering faith of the Muslim community, where the pilgrims are encouraged to enjoy the surroundings.

Masjid Jabal-e-Abu Qubais

Explore Masjid Jabal-e-Abu Qubais in Makkah, which is a sacred mountain rather than a mosque in the mountain of Jabal Abu Qubais, which has a historical and spiritual significance to Muslims. This place stands as a testament to various events like the creation of the mountain itself, the burial site of Prophet Adam (AS) and as the place where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) split the moon into two.

Masjid al-Fath

Masjid al-Fath is located in the Makkah al-Mukarramah province of Makkah, where in the past the Prophet (PBUH) camped alongside 10,000 companions when marching to conquer Makkah back in 630 CE. The mosque underwent numerous renovations and was finally completed in 1977 CE. Back in 2022, this mosque was chosen as part of the initiative towards the development of historical mosques around Saudi Arabia.

Masjid al-Jinn

Masjid al-Jinn, also known as the Mosque of the Jinn, is situated in proximity to Jannat al-Mu’alla. It is believed to be one of the oldest mosques in Makkah, dating back to the 2nd century AH. It is said that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had met a group of Jinn here, who then pledged allegiance to him and embraced Islam by listening to the verses of the Holy Quran attentively read by the Prophet (PBUH).

Jannatul Mualla

Jannatul Mualla, meaning the Garden of the Mualla, is a historical cemetery where many family members and companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are buried, and is considered a sacred place by Muslims. Back in 1925, the destruction caused during the Saudi conquest of the Hijaz, this cemetery now has no gravestone remains or tombs, although small piles of rocks mark the location of the bodies. Muslims pay their respect to the entire area and can visit at any time of the year.

Things to Do in Makkah Al Mukarramah

On your trip to Makkah Al Mukarramah, be sure to indulge in various activities beyond just exploring, as this will make your trip truly memorable. Here are some of the best things to do on your journey to the holiest city in Islam.

Perform Umrah

The first and foremost thing for which Muslims visit Makkah Al Mukarramah is to perform their Umrah ritual. Muslims perform this ritual to cleanse their souls and strengthen their spiritual belief in Allah. This voluntary act of worship is also believed to help a person on their Judgment Day.

Witness the Rock Art

Around Makkah Al Mukarramah, you get to witness rock art, such as Wadi al-Usaylah, al-Mahawi, Jabal Adhal, Ain Shams and many more. In these sites, you can find many Islamic writings inscribed into the rocks, which are undated. Still, it is believed that these rock arts date back to the first century, helping us understand the cultural and environmental conditions of that time.

Go Shopping

On your trip to Makkah Al Mukarramah, be sure to visit the local market to explore and purchase various goods that make great gifts or souvenirs to take back. Some of the things that you can buy are prayer beads, prayer mats, the Holy Quran, ouds, attar, bottles of Zamzam water and many more.

Visit Taif

Take a trip to Taif, the city of Roses, as it is renowned for its rose farms and production of rose water and rose oil. Many also call this place the unofficial summer capital of Saudi Arabia. The city boasts bustling souks, many outdoor activities and historical sites to explore.

Stop by the Mecca Museum

Get captivated by the restored Al Zaher Palace, which was once used as a royal residence and now houses many precious relics and artefacts testifying to the early rise of Islam and Saudi Arabia’s archaeological heritage. You will also find the implementation of modern technology to depict the life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) in 7 different languages.

Tour of Kiswa Factory

Kiswa is the cloth that is used to cover the Kaaba and is replaced every year, and it is fascinating to know its making process. Visit the Kiswa factory to learn about the intricate process of making the kiswa and the numerous steps involved in it, starting from silk dyeing to gold embroidery.

Transportation in Makkah Al Mukarramah

Travelling to or around Makkah Al Mukarramah is easy with the options of transportation available to help Muslims reach their destination or explore the city in a hassle-free manner. The Haramain High-Speed Railway is one of the reliable transportation options that allows visitors, residents and pilgrims to visit the Grand Mosque. The train line spans a length of 450 kilometres, connecting Makkah Al Mukarramah to al-Madinah al-Munawwarah. Another convenient option is travelling with the bus services that connect different parts of the city and also other cities nearby.

You can also opt for private taxi services, which may cost you comparatively more than other modes of transportation. During the Hajj season, Al-Mashaaer al-Mugaddassah metro line is the most convenient means of transport that allows the pilgrims to travel to different holy sites around Makkah Al Mukarramah, namely Mount Arafat, Muzdalifah and Jamarat Bridge in Mina.

Conclusion

Get ready to fly to the holiest city in Islam, Makkah Al Mukarramah, and immerse yourself in its timeless elegance and discover the rich heritage of the bygone era. Starting from Masjid al-Haram, which houses the Kaaba, to various areas scattered throughout the city, each holds different whispers of its history. Make sure to carry the necessary documents and check the visa requirements that you plan on applying for before travelling to Masjid al-Haram. Make sure to visit the historical places along with the destinations holding immense value in the Islamic religion.

Confused about planning your travel itinerary, choosing accommodation, transportation and visa? We are here to assist you completely to offer you a hassle-free experience. All you have to do is choose the Umrah package that meets your preferences and proceed with the booking. If you prefer a more customised experience, you can contact our travel expert, who will design an itinerary tailored to your travel preferences and budget.