Makkah: A Pilgrim's Guide to the Holiest City in Islam
Makkah is considered one of the holiest places in Islam. This place carries great spiritual significance. Millions of people come to Makkah each year to perform the Hajj.
This article is for those pilgrims who are going to visit Makkah to perform their first Hajj or learn more about this sacred place. Readers will get more knowledge about the key aspects of Makkah, its importance, and the rituals involved in Hajj.
Why Makkah is Important?
Makkah is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad, who is the final messenger of Islam. It has been a sacred city for hundreds and thousands of years. Makkah is home to the Kaaba. Kaaba is a large black cube located inside the Grand Mosque. The Grand Mosque (Al-Masjid al-Haram) is one of the most sacred mosques for Islam. Devotees believe that the Kaaba was originally built by the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Ishmael). Muslims pray facing the direction of the Kaaba, no matter where they are in the world.
What is Hajj?
Hajj is an important religious visit to Makkah that all Muslims who are physically and financially fit should make at least once in their lifetime. Hajj must be performed during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. To perform Hajj pilgrims should do several rituals that follow the path of the Prophet Muhammad, as well as Ibrahim and Ismail, and their stories of devotion to Allah.
Preparing for Hajj
There are some things pilgrims need to know and prepare for both spiritually and practically before visiting Hajj.
Spiritual Preparation
The Hajj pilgrimage is a highly spiritual one. So, before starting your pilgrimage you should be spiritually prepared and engage in prayers seeking Allah’s forgiveness, strength, and guidance.
Rituals of Hajj
These are the rituals every pilgrim follows during Hajj-
- Tawaf - Circling the Kaaba in an anti-clockwise direction 7 times.
- Sa’i- There are 2 hills called Safa & Marwa. Walking between these two hills symbolizes Hagar’s search for water.
- Drinking water from the Zamzam Well - Pilgrims drink water from the historic Zamzam well.
- Standing at Mount Arafat - Spending a day here in prayer and reflection
- Staying Overnight in Muzdalifa- Pilgrims collect pebbles and pray.
- Stoning the Devil- Pilgrims throw pebbles at pillars. This symbolizes the rejection of evil.
READ MORE:
Saudi Arabia's decision to introduce electronic visas for Umrah marks a significant milestone in the country's efforts to streamline and enhance the pilgrimage experience for Muslims worldwide. Learn more at Saudi Electronic Visas for Umrah Pilgrims.
Practical Preparation
The Hajj pilgrimage requires practical preparation as well, as it involves long walks and enormous crowds.
- Focus on light packing. But please carry all the essential items like comfortable clothes, prayer materials, a water bottle to stay hydrated, and snacks.
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. Carry sunscreen.
- Please follow local guidelines and respect the culture and people.
Etiquette and Behavior
Makkah is a sacred city. Pilgrims worldwide are expected to behave with utmost respect and humility. Here are some guidelines-
- Dress simply. Wear clean clothes.
- It is very crucial to stay respectful of other pilgrims and cultures.
- Please speak and behave kindly. Avoid arguing or getting irritated in crowds.
- Please ensure to follow all local customs and guidelines including removing shoes before entering the mosque and maintaining silence during prayers.
Visiting Sacred Sites in Makkah
The Grand Mosque (Al-Masjid al-Haram)
The Grand Mosque, Al-Masjid al-Haram, is one of the holiest sites in Islam and is located at the heart of Makkah. This mosque holds millions of pilgrims. When you enter the Grand Mosque, you will feel like you have entered into a spiritual world. Pilgrims pray, and recite the Quran, and the atmosphere itself is filled with spiritual air and the astounding architecture plays a major role in enhancing the enlightening experience. Pilgrims will get a chance to witness Kaaba, Zamzam well, and the Black Stone (Al-Hajar Al-Aswad).
The Kaaba
Pilgrims can witness the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque. Muslims face where Kaaba is situated to perform their prayer despite regions and geography. While performing Hajj, and Umrah pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven times in a ritual called Tawaf. The Kaaba is a powerful symbol of unity and devotion.
Zamzam Well
The Zamzam well is a sacred well with sacred water and has a deep spiritual significance. According to Islam, Zamzam well was revealed by Allah to provide water to Hagar and her son Ismail. Pilgrims believe that this sacred water has healing power and consume it. Many pilgrims even take bottles of Zamzam water home to share with their family and friends.
Mount Arafat
Mount Arafat is outside Makkah. This Mount Arafat holds deep spiritual importance because the Prophet Muhammad gave his Farewell Sermon. On the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the most significant day of Hajj, pilgrims gather on the plains of Arafat from noon until sunset in prayer and reflection, seeking Allah’s forgiveness. Millions of pilgrims visit and stand there to show their devotion and love towards Allah.
Mina
Mina is a few kilometers from Makkah. This place is a small valley and plays an essential role in Hajj. Pilgrims stay there and perform several rituals like stoning the devil, called Ramy al-Jamarat. Mina has historical significance as the site where Prophet Ibrahim was commanded to sacrifice his son. Mina serves as a temporary city of tents, reminding pilgrims about love, unity, and togetherness.
Muzdalifah
This is a sacred place between Arafat and Mina. After leaving Arafat, pilgrims come here and spend their nights here during the Hajj. They collect pebbles for stoning rituals and engage in prayers. The time spent in Muzdalifah is the time when they prepare themselves spiritually and mentally for the next stages of Hajj.
The Journey After Hajj
Performing Hajj is a life-changing experience. Pilgrims can expect a fresh start with Allah’s forgiveness and blessings. Pilgrims usually return feeling spiritually renewed and committed to leading a better life following Islamic teachings. Pilgrims learn lessons like patience, gratitude, and humility, after performing Hajj.
Makkah is truly an enlightening place. Do not miss any opportunity to visit this holy place and perform Hajj. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience for you.
READ MORE:
The Hajj pilgrimage takes place in the holy city of Mecca, located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To facilitate this sacred journey, the Saudi Arabian government has established a well-organized Hajj visa process. Read more at The Spiritual Journey to Mecca.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply for Online Saudi Visa 3 days in advance of your flight. Malaysian citizens, Turkish citizens, Portuguese citizens, Dutch Citizens and Italian citizens can apply online for Online Saudi Visa.