The prominent tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia encompass Masjid-Al Haram, Jabal al-Nour, Mount Arafat, Namirah Mosque, Mina (City of Tents), and the Clock Tower. Situated in and around Mecca, these locations hold immense religious significance, particularly during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Masjid-Al Haram stands as the most sacred mosque, while Jabal al-Nour and Mount Arafat carry historical and spiritual importance. Namirah Mosque serves as a vital prayer site during Hajj, Mina acts as a temporary abode for pilgrims, and the Clock Tower stands as a prominent landmark in Mecca. These destinations allure visitors seeking a profound cultural and religious experience in Saudi Arabia.
Masjid-Al Haram
6 Best Places to Visit In Makkah Saudi Arabia, it is situated in the western region of Saudi Arabia, holds immense significance for Muslims as the holiest city. It is home to Masjid Al Haram, also known as the Great Mosque, and the Kaaba, the qiblah towards which Muslims direct their prayers. Muslims aspire to visit Makkah to partake in the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage. This city is not only the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad pbuh, the most revered figure in Islam, but also the starting point from where the message of Islam, characterized by its tolerance, was disseminated to every corner of the globe following the revelation of the Holy Quran.
Throughout the reign of the Saudi Arabian kings, Makkah has received considerable attention and continues to prioritize the provision of exceptional services to pilgrims. The most prominent landmark, Masjid Al Haram, has undergone numerous expansions encompassing all sections of the mosque, while the holy sites have undergone a series of development projects aimed at ensuring the utmost comfort and reassurance for pilgrims from both within and outside the Kingdom.
Jabal al-Nour (Mount Noor)
Mount Noor holds great significance in Islamic history as it is the place where Allah bestowed prophethood upon His beloved Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him). This sacred mountain served as a sanctuary for the Prophet pbuh, where he would devote his time to worshipping and reflecting upon the magnificent creations of Allah.
Within the depths of this cave, a pivotal moment occurred that forever altered the course of humanity. It was here that the angel Gabriel conveyed the divine revelation from Allah to Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him). The very first verses revealed were: “{Read! In the name of your Lord Who creates. [He] creates man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Bounteous. It is He Who teaches by the pen. [He] teaches man that which he does not know.}”
The Cave of Hira’ is situated north of the Grand Mosque, atop Jabal An-Noor. It is approximately 4.8 km (3 miles) away from Makkah, with an elevation of around 634 m (2080 ft.). This natural hollow has its entrance facing the north and can accommodate up to nine individuals in a sitting position, spanning about 1.6 m.
It is important to note that visiting the Cave of Hira’ is neither obligatory nor recommended as part of the Hajj rituals. Additionally, it should be acknowledged that reaching the cave may pose challenges for the elderly and those who are unwell.
Mount Arafat
One of the stages in the pilgrim’s journey takes place on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, where pilgrims gather at Arafah. The Prophet, may peace and prayers be upon him, stated that (Hajj is Arafah), which is why it is known as the Greatest Day of Hajj. On this day, pilgrims are allowed to stand at Arafah and make supplications anywhere within the boundaries of Arafah or the Mountain of Mercy.
During the day of Arafah, pilgrims combine and shorten the zuhr and asr prayers. The prayer includes a sermon, as the Prophet, may peace and prayers be upon him, delivered a sermon and led Muslims in his final farewell Hajj. After sunset, pilgrims begin to leave Arafat and head towards Muzdalifah. The day of Arafah holds great significance, as the Prophet, may peace and prayers be upon him, proclaimed it to be the best day for Allah.
Namirah Mosque
The Arafah Mosque, situated in Arafah, was constructed at the site where the Prophet, may peace and prayers be upon him, delivered his final sermon during the farewell Hajj. In the Namirah Mosque, thousands of pilgrims gather to perform the zuhr and asr prayers on the day of Arafah. It is positioned to the west of Arafah, specifically in Wadi ‘Arnah, a valley in Makkah Al-Mukarramah. Although the western part of the Mosque is not considered a part of Arafat, it is in close proximity to it.
The Namirah Mosque is referred to by various names in numerous books, including the Mosque of the Prophet Ibrahim, Arafah Mosque, and Arnah Mosque. The name Arafah Mosque originated from a village outside the Arafah Area where the Prophet, may peace and prayers be upon him, initially resided before moving to the valley where he performed the zuhr and asr prayers and delivered a sermon in the Mosque. Throughout the history of the Saudi State, the Mosque has undergone significant expansions, making it the second largest mosque in Makkah in terms of area, following the Holy Mosque.
The Mosque spans 340 meters from east to west and 240 meters from north to south, covering an area of over 110,000 square meters. Adjacent to the Mosque, there is a shaded area spanning 8 thousand square meters. The Mosque can accommodate approximately 350 thousand worshippers and features six minarets. Additionally, it is equipped with an outside broadcasting room for broadcasting the sermon, as well as the zuhr and asr prayers, on the day of Arafat.
Mina (City of Tents)
Mina, the initial stage of the Hajj pilgrimage, is a significant location characterized by its vast expanse of white tents. Recently, it achieved global recognition by securing the Guinness World Records Award for being the largest tent city in the world. This remarkable site offers a multitude of essential services to pilgrims, such as the Mashaer Train, housing camps, catering facilities, a well-organized transportation system, an integrated electricity network, and a well-connected road infrastructure.
Pilgrims typically spend the Day of Tarwiyah, which falls on the eighth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, in Mina before returning to Mina again for the Day of Nahr on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, followed by the three days of Tashreeq (the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth days of Dhul-Hijjah). Mina holds immense historical and religious significance as it lies within the boundaries of the Haram, situated between Makkah and Muzdalifah, approximately 7 km northeast of the Holy Mosque.
This sacred site is renowned for its archaeological landmarks and historical events, including the extension of “Ain Zubaida” and various ancient wells, such as the well of Kadana. Moreover, Mina is famous for hosting seasonal markets, notably the Arab Market, where Arab pilgrims traditionally showcase their merchandise from the tenth to the thirteenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Clock Tower is one of the 6 Best Places to Visit In Makkah Saudi Arabia
The Makkah Clock Royal Tower stands majestically, soaring to a height exceeding 400 meters above the ground. As the world’s largest clock tower, it showcases a remarkable diameter of over 40 meters and carries a weight of an impressive 36 thousand tons. This iconic clock is a prominent feature on the Makkah skyline, visible from every corner of Makkah al-Mukarramah, even from distances exceeding eight kilometers.
With four faces, the clock proudly displays the largest word ever seen above it, reading “Allah is Great.” The letter “A” alone spans over 23 meters in length. Complementing this, the clock features a crescent with a diameter of 23 meters, marking it as the largest crescent ever crafted. Embodying the profound declarations of faith, the clock proudly showcases the fundamental Islamic statements: “I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad pbuh is His slave and messenger.”
Designed with adherence to the strictest safety standards, the Makkah Clock Royal Tower exudes the essence of Islamic architecture and style, standing as a symbol of spiritual significance and technological marvel in the heart of Makkah.
