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This is a mosque located on the outskirts of Makkah. It serves as a Meeqat, or point where one can make the intention for Umrah. The mosque is named after the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) wife, Aisha (RA), who while accompanying the companions on the first Hajj prayed at this spot to make intention for Umrah. SAPTCO buses run to and fro from this architecturally scenic mosque charging SAR 2. Private coasters also run charging between SAR 2 and SAR 5 per person.
This is a mosque located on the outskirts of Makkah. It serves as a Meeqat, or point where one can make the intention for Umrah. The mosque is named after the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) wife, Aisha (RA), who while accompanying the companions on the first Hajj prayed at this spot to make intention for Umrah. SAPTCO buses run to and fro from this architecturally scenic mosque charging SAR 2. Private coasters also run charging between SAR 2 and SAR 5 per person.
Keep exploring Makkah.
makkahThought to be initially built by the angels, then by Adam (AS). Destroyed in the flood of Noah, it was rebuilt by Abraham (AS) on the orders of Allah. It became a symbol of power in the times before the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It was believed who so ever had control of the Ka'aba would have the right to rule over the other tribes in Makkah. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) solved this by having the various tribes to pledge equality in ownership of the Ka'aba by letting them hold on to a square piece of cloth and placing the sacred black stone in the middle and then affixing the stone into south east corner of the Ka'aba. Kissing this stone commences the Taw'waf. This is also believed to wash off the sins of a person. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) too rebuilt the Ka'aba. Collecting money for repairs, the money fell short to complete the original design and the area just outside facing north was cordoned off with a low wall indicating a space that was designated to be part of the Ka'aba – this is called the Hatim. The Ka'aba, the Maqam-e-Ibrahim (place where Abraham (AS) stood while building the Ka'aba, the well of Zam Zam and the hills of Safa and Marwa are located in the Masjid-al-Haram, the holy mosque. Also, feel free to roam around the multiple levels of the Masjid-Al-Haram. It’s a marvel of modern architecture and the best marbled building in the world.
makkahAccording to tradition, this is a Mosque situated on the Al Haram street, where once the Holy Prophet (SAW) was reciting the Holy Qura'an. A group of Jinn passing by heard the recitation and stopped to hear more.
makkahLocated in the plain of Arafat, this Masjid is the place where the prayers of Hajj, (the combined Zuhur and Asr prayers), are said on 9th Zil Hajj. This Masjid opens only once a year especially for the Hajj prayers. It is a sight to behold. It takes 30 minutes by car to reach from the city centre.
makkahThis masjid is a 25 minute drive away from the Haram. Masjid-e- Janarah also serves as a meeqat from where the intention for Umrah can be made. Attractions include a well (which has been walled shut) which, according to traditions, maintains that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used his saliva to turn the brackish water sweet. Another attraction is a nearby graveyard of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) which has been walled off.
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.