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To commemorate the sacrifice of Abraham when he agreed to slaughter his son Ishmael when asked by God. Muslims offer the sacrifice of a goat, cow or camel in solidarity. Those who are present for the pilgrimage are exempt.
To commemorate the sacrifice of Abraham when he agreed to slaughter his son Ishmael when asked by God. Muslims offer the sacrifice of a goat, cow or camel in solidarity. Those who are present for the pilgrimage are exempt.
Keep exploring Makkah.
makkah
makkah
makkahThe holy month of Ramadan is when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. This is also a popular time for Muslims from the world over to come for Umra. Dates are subject to sighting of the moon.
makkahCelebrated after the month of Ramadan ends when the new moon of the next month is sighted. This is a two to three day festival celebrated by spreading sweets and meeting loved ones. Based on lunar calendar.
makkahNot entirely a festival. Treated more so as an unofficial Holiday.
makkahThe Muslim pilgrimage to the house of God, Ka'aba. Muslims from all over the world gather in Mecca for the pilgrimage. Varies as per the lunar cycles.
Keep exploring Makkah.
makkahIt’s strenuous enough to be in Makkah on your own, to have to manage kids on such a trip is a herculean task.
makkahThis is the spot where the Abraham (AS) took Ishmael (AS) to be slaughtered. At the time when Abraham was about to use his knife, the Angel Gabriel appeared with a lamb, which was then sacrificed when God pardoned Ishmael and Abraham. The Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated in remembrance of this act. It is also the inspiration for the Hadi or a sacrifice as part of the Hajj on the 10 Zill Hajja. Unfortunately, the access to this spot is restricted due to the Royal Palace that has been built around the hill. Try your luck still, you just might find a sympathetic ear.
makkahLocated north of the Marwa and Safa hills for Sayi, this is a small house with old architecture which is kept shut. On it a board reads Maktab Makkah Al Mukarramah. Posters in five languages are placed outside its locked doors by the Saudi authorities (hence confirming its authenticity) saying that “the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) did not want people to see his place of birth”.
makkahLocated in the plains of Arafat, this is a small hill where the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) gave the last sermon, and received the last revelation by order of which the religion of Islam was completed. The exact spot where the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) stood is marked with a single white marble pillar closed off with fencing. It takes 30 minutes by car to reach this place.
makkahThese are the devils that were cast into stones. As part of Hajj, pilgrims have to throw seven stones on the 10th, 11th and the 12th of Zil Hajj. They are located around 1.2 km outside Mina. A new super structure consisting of three floors have been placed around the small, medium and large devils, or Jamarats.
makkahJannatul Mallah contains the graves of some of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) including those of Abu Talib (The Prophet’s uncle), and Khadija (The Prophet’s wife). Their graves are in a green gated enclosure in the northern most section of the graveyard.
makkahThis is the mountain where the first revelations of the Qura'an reached the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) via the arch angel Gabriel. Almost 2500 feet high, at the top of the mountain is the small cave of Hira where the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) usually escaped from society to meditate. This is where arch angel Gabriel spoke to Muhammad (SAW) on behalf of Allah. This is located about 16 km from Masjid-al-Haraam. Reserve half a day for the ascent and the descent from the mountain and the second part of the day for rest. The steps take a lot out of you.
makkahThis mountain is located opposite Jabl-e-Noor. Twice as high, 5413 feet high, Jabl-e-Saur had a cave at the top where the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companion Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) hide from their Quraish pursuants. This is the cave in which the spider spun his web over the entrance and the pigeon laid eggs to save the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from the pagans. Located at a 10 minute drive from the Haram, be ready to spare half a day in this excursion. Saudi Arabian authorities do not recognize this as a holy spot and there are no emergency services in the area.
makkahSituated on the old road connecting old Jeddah to Makkah. The location is now known as Al-Syumaisi. Hudaibiyah was a small oasis where the Muslim pilgrims from Madinah brokered a deal with the pagan rulers of Makkah, the Quraish, in 6 AH to return the next year to perform the holy pilgrimage of Hajj. In a typical fashion, the spot is marked with a masjid.
makkahLocated in Makkah, this is where the famous black silk cover of the Ka'aba is hand stitched with real gold thread. If your taxi fellow is a true local, he will know how to take you there. You can see how the cover is prepared. If you are lucky, they might even cut you out a piece of the cover to take home (find a worker from your part of the world there and convince him).
Keep exploring Makkah.
makkahLocated in the Movenpick Hotel across from the Haram Court, Al Naim is an eclectically decorated ala carté restaurant. Able to cater to large crowds, it still manages to give individual tables the space they need in the hustle and bustle of the city.
makkahSituated in the Dar Al Tawhid Intercontinental Hotel, this Middle Eastern themed restaurant gives the diner a slice of Middle East on top of ceramic plates. Carrying a distinct Moroccan theme, the dinner experience is often likened to that provided to royalty.
makkahThis restaurant is located in the Grand Mercure hotel. Offering a variety of international and oriental cuisine, it also boasts a designated non smokers area. Serves breakfast through to dinner. Opens 07:00, lights out at 23:00.
makkahRidan provides platters of traditional Saudi food. You will find the local favourites of Mandi, Fermouzah and Muttabak done the right way here.
makkahMakkah receives a large number of Turks. Add this to the fact that the Turks ruled this part of the world for over a five centuries, one comes across a Turkish eatery quite often. This restaurant, far from the madding crowd serves authentic Turkish delights.
makkahIf you hail from the Far Eastern regions of China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, getting the food that you are used to is a little tedious. And even if you do find places that offer noodles and fish, they probably would not taste the way they should. This is as good as it gets for Far Eastern cuisine in Makkah.
makkahAnother fast food chain part of the Americana Group, Hardees provides sandwiches, burgers, fries and chicken.
makkahAl Tazaj is a local initiative into the fried and BBQ chicken market. Its trademark is the butterfly smoked grilled chicken.
makkahThe famous American burger chain extends the same great taste that you are used to at home.
makkahWith average meals costing between SAR 5 – 11 and lines stretching around the block, Al Baik is the highest selling fast food chain in Saudi Arabia, out selling its closest competitors and international heavyweight KFC. Quick, tasty, and economical, Al Baik has established itself as a leader in the food business. Added advantage is its huge kitchen located in Mina. This is the world’s largest kitchen.