“Makkah is not just a city; it’s a destination that holds the essence of Islamic spirituality.”
– Dr. Zahi Hawass, Egyptian archaeologist and historian
Every year, more than 1.5 million foreign Muslims visit Makkah for the Hajj pilgrimage (The Hindu: The Hajj Pilgrimage). This year, I got lucky enough to be one of them.
Since I was running on a tight budget and wanted to get the most out of this visit, I opted for an all-in-one solution, i.e. ah Packages. Their all-inclusive Umrah packages took a significant burden off my shoulders and simplified all the complex bookings and other procedures.
Like every pilgrim, I visited the Masjid al-haram and the Kaaba, but that was not it. It is astounding how the majority of people visiting Makkah are unaware of the various other beautiful places and experiences this sacred city has to offer.
So, let me take you through some of the less-explored paths of Makkah, that will surely help you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for this holy place.
Experience the true joy of Masjid Al Haram
I started my journey by visiting the Majid Al Haram. As it is called the heart of Makkah and is the most revered place for Muslims, I had an idea that this place would be bustling with worshipers. That is why I decided to arrive a little early and take my time to pray peacefully and with utmost focus.
The sacredness of this place truly goes beyond the rituals, I could feel it in every corner, moment, and step I took there.
FUN FACT Makkah’s full name is “Makkah AL-Mukarramah” (), which adds the honorific meaning “the Noble” or “the Honored” and highlights the city’s importance in Islam.
Presenting a feast to the eyes: Holy Kaaba
Most people get mesmerized by the beauty of the holy Kaaba just by looking at its pictures, but trust me when I say this, the pictures do not deliver any justice to this architectural wonder. This place provided me with the true essence of this holy monument.
Simply standing and praying in its presence filled me with warmth, peace, and a closer connection to Allah.
Visit the Clock Tower Museum to get a broad perspective of Makkah
I have always been fascinated by the history of Makkah, and what better way to learn about it than to visit the Clock Tower Museum? All the architectural marvels of the Abraj-Al Bait towers, including the famous Makkah clock (the world’s largest clock), took my breath away.
All these extra visits couldn’t have been possible without Ramadan Umrah Packages. Their affordable packages helped me explore various sites even with a limited budget.
Go to the Kaabah Kiswa Factory
You might know how a new Kiswa is made every year and its creation requires extraordinary skilled artisans and years of tradition. I feel extremely fortunate to have witnessed the meticulous process of its production, from the weaving of the fabrics to the embroidery of Quran verses on it.
Enjoy the beauty of Jabal Al-Nour
As an admirer of nature, I decided to visit the Jabal Al-Nour and hike the cave of Hira. The peace blended with the spiritual significance of this place provided me with a sense of serenity and made me feel closer to Allah, deepening in connection to the history of Islam.
Practice mindfulness Cave Hira
Initially, I was skeptical about hiking to the cave of Hira, filled with self-doubts, but I let go of my fears and started with the 1200-step hike. Honestly, it was a little challenging, but once I reached the top, all those struggles felt well worth it.
The incredible view of Makkah, the sense of accomplishment, and performing mindfulness in the spiritual environment, made the experience both physically and emotionally enriching.
Experience a profound connection At Mount Arafat
Just 20 km southeast of Makkah is Mount Arafat, which marks the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage. I went there on the last day of this journey, asking for forgiveness for any mistake that I might have made intentionally or unintentionally, and making supplications.
I cannot describe the profound experience and environment of that place in words, that kind of faith and spirituality can only be felt.
DO YOU KNOW? In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah, marking an unprecedented and historic event. You can understand its huge effect from the graph below.
Experience the past in Jabal Thawr
As I mentioned before, I have a special interest in learning about the history of things. If you are also someone like me, then Jabal Thawr is a must-visit place for you. I got to learn a lot about Islam and the sacrifices of the Prophet Muhammad, and left that place feeling more connected to my roots and ancestors.
See Ayesha’s renowned and exquisite mosque
Another mosque that I visited was Masjid Ayesha, named after Ayesha bint Abi Bakar. It is not as popular as Masjid Al-Haram but trust me, you should not miss it at any cost. I visited this place before visiting the holy mosque to perform my rites.
This offered me a chance to pause, introspect, make dua (supplication), and prepare spiritually before beginning the rituals of Umrah.
Last words
Before this trip, I was filled with various voids and negative emotions from the busy world, but this journey was nothing less than an eye-opening bliss for me. I felt more connected to Allah, got to learn a lot about the history of Islam, and witnessed several wonders that I had only ever seen in pictures.
The sacred city of Makkah has much more to offer than just the famous Masjid Al Haram and the Kaaba. Make your next trip to Makkah much more enriching by visiting the places I shared in this blog. You can also consider opting for Ramadan Umrah packages to make your trip much more affordable and simple.
