BLOG
October 16, 2025
Makkah and Madinah’s Holy Sites
While the sacred rituals of Umrah are focused on the Kaaba in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, the lands surrounding these holy sanctuaries are rich with profound Islamic history. A key part of the Way Umrah experience is the guided tours, or Ziyarat, to these significant locations.
These are not simply sightseeing excursions; they are opportunities to connect with the stories of the prophets, the sacrifices of the early Muslims, and the pivotal moments that shaped the faith. Here are just a few of the blessed sites you may visit.
The mountains and valleys of Makkah are where the story of Islam began. Visiting these sites helps pilgrims physically connect to the foundational moments of the faith.
Jabal al-Nour (The Mountain of Light): This mountain houses the famous Cave of Hira. It was in the solitude of this small cave that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) spent time in meditation and prayer. Here, he received the first divine revelation of the Quran from the Angel Jibril (AS). Standing near this mountain, one can feel the immense spiritual weight of that moment which illuminated the world.
Jabal Thawr (Mount Thawr): This mountain is home to the cave where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his close companion, Abu Bakr (RA), sought refuge from their pursuers during the Hijrah (migration) to Madinah. It is a powerful physical reminder of trust in Allah's plan, divine protection, and the unbreakable bond of companionship.
Madinah, "The City of the Prophet," is where the first Muslim community was established. The sites here tell the story of faith, community, and perseverance.
Quba Mosque: This is a place of immense spiritual importance, as it was the first mosque ever built in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself laid its first stones. Praying in Quba Mosque carries a special blessing, with the reward said to be equivalent to performing an Umrah.
Mount Uhud: This mountain stands as a solemn monument to the Battle of Uhud. It is a place for deep reflection on the themes of sacrifice, courage, and divine wisdom. At its base lie the graves of the 70 martyrs who fell in the battle, including the beloved uncle of the Prophet, Hamza (RA). A visit here is a humbling reminder of the sacrifices made for Islam.
Masjid al-Qiblatayn (The Mosque of the Two Qiblas): This mosque holds a unique place in Islamic history. It was here, during a congregational prayer, that the divine command came to change the direction of prayer (qibla) from Jerusalem to the Kaaba in Makkah. Visiting this mosque is a direct connection to a pivotal moment that forever oriented the Muslim world.
The guided visits included in Way Umrah packages are designed to transform your pilgrimage from a series of rituals into a deep, educational, and emotional connection with your faith's roots. By walking in these blessed places, you are not just seeing history, you are feeling it.
Join us to not only perform your Umrah but to walk through the living history of Islam.