Women-Friendly Travel in Makkah
The Makkah women-friendly travel guide places explicit women-friendly and family confidence signals first, while keeping uncertain details visible for review.
Makkah
Al Muthaf
Located in the Al Safwa Towers, Al Muthaf offers handmade carpets, embroidered fabrics and rugs.
Makkah
Zu Almajaz
Buy clothing which, unlike that in the Makkah Towers and Al Diyafah Mall, offer more traditional and regional clothing ranges.
Makkah
What to do with Children in Makkah
It’s strenuous enough to be in Makkah on your own, to have to manage kids on such a trip is a herculean task.
Makkah
Maqaam-e-Ishmael
This 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.
Makkah
Prophet's Birthplace
Located 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”.
Makkah
Jabl-e-Rahmat
Located 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.
Makkah
Jamarat
These 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.
Makkah
Jannatul Mallah
Jannatul 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.
Makkah
Jabl-e-Noor
This 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.
Makkah
Jabl-e-Saur
This 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.
Makkah
Hudaibiyah
Situated 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.
Makkah
'Kiswa' (The Drape Of The Kaabah) Factory
Located 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).