The city of Mecca has always been synonymous with the Grand Mosque, which is the main qibla for Muslims around the world. Throughout the year, the city where the Prophet Muhammad was born is crowded with pilgrims who perform Umrah and in the month of Zulhijah it is used for the pilgrimage.
Apart from the Grand Mosque, there are many interesting places in Makkah to visit. If you have plans to carry out the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage, below are recommendations for religious tourism spots in Makkah to study Islamic history that you can visit.
1. The Grand Mosque
The Grand Mosque is one of the most important places because it is where all the rituals related to Hajj and Umrah are performed. Every year millions of people come here to perform tawaf or circumambulate the Kaaba and also perform prayers.
The largest mosque in Mecca is never empty of congregation every day. From morning until morning, everyone gathers to worship and perfect their Islam.
2. Mina
Minna is a desert area located 5 kilometers from the city center. This tourist spot in Mecca is known as the city of tents because during the Hajj season there are millions of tents set up. This tent has a white color and inside there are air conditioning and bedding facilities.
The best time to enjoy Mina is during the pilgrimage season. Outside the Hajj season, this area tends to be quiet even though various facilities such as hospitals and restaurants have been well built by the government of Saudi Arabia.
3. Jabal Rahmah
Jabal Rahmah is a small mountain or hill on Arafat which is very historic for Muslims around the world. Because it was in this place that Adam and Eve met after being lowered to earth. From here the history of mankind begins.
Currently Jabal Rahmah is used as a place to pray. Every day thousands of people come here to pray for their sins to be forgiven. If you want to come here try in the morning or evening so it’s not hot.
4. Jamarat
Jamarat or known as Jumrah is the most important place during the pilgrimage procession. All congregations will carry out a procession of throwing stones at the three pillars which have now been turned into large walls for security reasons.
The procession of throwing the jumrah is carried out as a symbol of exorcising demons or demons that disturb humans. That way human life, especially for matters of worship, will not experience any more disturbances.
5. Muzdalifah
Muzdalifah is a sloping meadow that is used as a place to live for pilgrims from morning to evening. During the whole day they will remain silent while saying prayers and remembrance.
On normal days not many pilgrims come here. Generally, Umrah pilgrims only pass by or stop for a moment before continuing their journey to the next destination.
6. Hijr Ismail
Hijr Ismail is a semicircular building located in the Grand Mosque area. This building is a legacy of the Quraysh in the past when they were renovating the Kaaba.
Currently Hijr Ismail, which is one shoulder in size, is used as a place of prayer. According to local beliefs, anyone who prays in a semi-circle area, his prayer will be easily granted.