Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and an obligatory act of worship for whosoever has the means. The journey to the city of Makkah is where your soul and mind undergo intense spiritual purification. Although Masjid Haram holds huge significance as that’s where you perform Hajj, there are other religious places to visit. However, it would be best if you went to Hajj with the intention of performing Hajj, and you can also use the opportunity to visit Islamic places to learn more about the basics of our religion. But you should only go sightseeing after the pilgrimage.
In this section, we’ll be exploring a few Must-Visit places during your journey to Hajj 2024.
Why should you visit these places during Hajj?
These sites hold more significance than you can see. They’re an eye-opener into the history of Islam. Visiting them will move your heart, and you’ll see the sacrifices many people had to go through to give us the Islam of today. Each location provides a spiritual connection to Islam. Also, these locations give a deep insight into each of the rituals you will perform during the Hajj.
Must-Visit places during your journey to Hajj
1. Jabal-e-Noor
Jabal-e-Noor is a mountain in Mecca, and it houses the cave of Hira. The cave holds huge religious importance as it was the place where the Prophet PBUH received the first revelation of the Quran from Angel Jubril AS. The mountain is said to have been mentioned in different Islamic texts, which affirms its significance in the history of Islam. It’s also called Mountain of Light, and it can be seen visually to be two mountains on top of each other, and the one on top is a mountainous desert.
2. The location of the Battle of Badr
The battle of Badr is one of the crucial battles fought in the history of Islam. It was a great turning point in the acceptance of Islam, and the victory made the Prophet one of the most powerful leaders in the Arab region. It was one of the first battles the Prophet fought and emerged victorious despite being greatly outnumbered.
The history of the Battle of Badr makes it one of the Must-Visit places during your journey to Hajj 2024. It’s located a few kilometers from Mecca, and you can still find traces of the battle there.
3. Jabal-E-Thawr
The Islam we’re enjoying today is a result of the Prophet’s different challenges and hardships. Jabal-e-thawr is located eight kilometers to the south of Mecca. It’s the cave where the Prophet and Abu Baker took shelter while hiding from the Quraish tribe that had murder in mind.
They spent three days there and fed on fresh milk brought to them by Abu Bakr’s daughter. Allah (SWR) placed a spider web spin at the entrance of the cave to prevent the enemies from infiltrating. This cave has hence also symbolizes faith and hope. After three days, the Prophet and Abu Baker left the cave and went to Medinah.
4. Masjid Al-Quba
Masjid Al-Quba is located in Medinah, and it holds significant value as the first mosque to be built in the history of Islam. History reported that the Prophet PBUH laid the stones for the construction of this mosque. Observing Solah in the masjid al-Quba has immense regard, as it’s said that offering two rakats of prayers has the same reward as performing Umrah. The mosque is also a place where you can see the past of Islam precisely.
5. Jannat-ul-Maula
Jannat-ul-Maula is the oldest cemetery in Mecca, and it’s located to the north of Masjid al-Haram. It’s where the Prophet’s PBUH mother, first wife, son and grandfather were buried. It’s also a resting place for many companions of the Prophet hence, it’s a sacred site for Muslims. History tells us that the cemetery was built by the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son, Ismail (AS).
The cemetery is restricted with a white wall and visitors aren’t allowed to enter the other side of the wall. However, you can pay your respects from a distance. The tombs and domes in the cemetery were demolished in the early 90s, so many people have to pay respect from outside the wall.
Final Thoughts
These popular sites offer a blend of history, spirituality and cultural significance for pilgrims on the journey of Hajj. From the Kabba to the mount Arafat, each ritual is filled with history and significance. These sites tell the story behind their fame, and for a meaningful Hajj experience in 2024, it’s recommended that you visit these spiritual locations.
They will enrich your journey, deepen your spiritual bond and give you a better understanding of Islam. We’ve explored a few of the Must-Visit places during your journey to Hajj, so make sure you check them out!