Going to Saudi Arabia for the holy visit is a wish of Muslims. They set up a trip to this site for multiple purposes, most probably for Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages. Since Muslims have an emotional connection with this country; they wish to explore every one of the places that have a link with Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and its companions. Therefore, they try to choose Umrah packages that also show them these holy places.
*Collaborative post
However, before you set off on the journey, you need to know the best ziyarat places that you should explore to have a smooth and hassle-free experience. This article offers a complete guide to the most famous spots that you can explore during your Umrah trip. Let’s have a look:
1. Jabal al-Nour
Jabal al-Nour or “the Mountain of Light,” is the place that has a prominent place in the heart of the Muslims. This spot is located almost 6 kilometres away from Masjid-e-Haram on the northwestern side of Makkah.
The reason for the publicity of this mountain is its “Cave of Hira.” It is the site where the first revelation of the Quran took place on Muhammad (SAW) via angel Jibreel (Gabriel), declaring him the last Messenger and the prophet. To reach this cave, you have to do a tiring elevation of 1,750 steps along Mount Jabal al-Nour. Although the way has been paved by the authorities, there is still no access for disabled ones.
2. Jannat al-Mu’alla
A visit to Jannat al-Mu’alla, or Cemetery of Ma’ala, is also included in many Umrah packages 2025 for the UK. It is located in the north of Al-Masjid Al-Haram and is quite close to the Mosque of the Jinn. This cemetery has a special place in the hearts of Muslims, as many close relatives and friends of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) are buried and resting here. The most notable ones of them are mentioned below:
- Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (Wife of Prophet Muhammad),
- Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib (Prophet’s Uncle),
- Abd al-Muttalib (Prophet’s Grandfather),
Due to its high relevance in Islam, many people wish to explore this place and also wish to be buried here. In fact, for many Muslims, going to this place has a high spiritual value and an opportunity to reflect on the lives of those close to the Prophet.
3. Masjid al-Quba
For a Muslim, this place needs no introduction, as everyone is taught about its history from childhood. Masjid al-Quba is located at the entrance of Madina and is important for Muslims for various reasons, as mentioned below:
- It is considered the first mosque that was ever constructed, with the foundation laid by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and completed by his companions.
- This is the first place where the Prophet and his companions rested properly after the 8th day of their HIjrah, or migration.
- This mosque is mentioned in the Holy Quran in Surah At-Tawbah (9:108), mentioning its purity and devotion to those who pray there.
- The Holy Prophet (P.BU.H.) has highlighted that the reward of offering two rak’ah prayers at this mosque is equal to performing an umrah.
- In his lifetime, Prophet Muhammad used to visit this mosque every week, every Saturday, to offer prayers.
4. Mount Arafat
Also called Jabal ar-Rahmah, Mount Arafat is another significant site for Muslims, which is approximately 20 kilometres away from Makkah on the southeast side of Saudi Arabia. This mountain is crucial for Muslims because of two reasons:
- First, it is the place where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon (Khutbah al-Wada’). He took the vow from his companions that he had conveyed the message of Allah to them with his due diligence.
- Second, Mount Arafat is the place where Muslims gather during their Hajj pilgrimage on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, or the Day of Arafah.
Apart from that, this is the place where Adam and Eve were reunited after they were expelled from Heaven. It is also known that both were forgiven on this mountain; hence, it is named the “Mountain of Mercy.”
5. Masjid al-Qiblatain
Masjid al-Qiblatain is one of those places that is included in almost every Umrah package 2025 from the UK. Since the time when prayers were made obligatory for Muslims, they used to offer them while facing Jerusalem because it was the first Qibla. However, owing to the wish of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.), Muslims turned their faces towards the Kaaba in Mecca in the second year of Hijra on the order of Allah Almighty.
Hence, this mosque used to have two mihrabs. But one of them was removed in 1987, the one facing Baitul Maqdis. For Muslims, this place has a sacred position in their hearts and is a spot for them to reflect on past Islamic traditions.
6. Masjid al-Jinn
Masjid al-Jinn, or Mosque of the Jinn, is a historical place in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is also one of the oldest mosques in Islam and is famous for the link of Muhammad (SAW) with supernatural beings such as Jinn (ghosts).
A narration states that a group of Jinn approached the prophet, and they wished to listen to the Holy Quran. They were very amazed by the quality, beauty, and wisdom of this holy book and eventually accepted Islam. This event is mentioned in Surah al-Jinn (Chapter 72) of the Quran. Other names for this mosque are Masjid al-Bay’ah, Masjid al-Haras, or Mosque of Allegiance.
7. Cave of Thawr
Cave of Thaw, Ghar Thawr, or Ghar e Soor is another major landmark for Muslims, located on Jabal Thawr, 4 km south of Makkah. The reason for the renunciation of this cave is that it is the place where the Holy Prophet (PBUH) stayed when he left Makkah and migrated toward Madinah. He stopped over at this place almost for 3 days and 3 nights with Abu Bakr al-Siddiq to avoid capture.
When they reached this cave, Allah provided miraculous protection in a way that a spider spun a web on the mouth of the cave and a pigeon laid eggs there, making it look like no one came here for a long time.
To please their eyes and learn about the rich Muslim history, every Muslim tries to visit this cave. However, the path is not easy as it is steep and has rugged terrain. Despite this, thousands of people flock and climb to have a spiritual visit.
8. Masjid al-Khayf
Also known as the “Mosque of the Prophets,” is another site with rich cultural importance. You can find it in Mina, near Mecca, at the base of a mountain, closer to the smallest Jamarat. It is said that this mosque is famous as 70 prophets paid a visit to the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.) at this point and offered prayers. Being a cherished and beloved place, Muslims also pay a visit to this mosque during their Umrah pilgrimage.
Are you going to Umrah from UK and are interested in visiting the famous holy sites? Get inclusive Umrah packages from Muslims Holy Travel. We offer one of the best deals in the UK, including group Umrah packages as well as 5-star Umrah packages, with all of our deals being ATOL-protected. Contact us now to learn more about the best Umrah bundles for 2025.