When I planned my ziyarat tour in Makkah, I wanted a simple list of all important Islamic historical sites. Many people like me want to visit these sacred places during Umrah or Hajj, but they don’t know where to start. That’s why I made this guide.
Makkah is not just the place of the Kaaba and Masjid al-Haram. It also has many spiritual and historical spots connected to the life of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Places like Cave of Hira, Jabal al-Noor, Cave of Thawr, and Jannat al-Mualla are full of history and Islamic meaning. When I booked one of the Umrah Packages, I made sure it included time for Ziyarat to these places. Visiting them gave me more understanding about the Seerah and the beginning of Islam.
This guide will help you plan your faith journey. It includes more than 20 ziyarat places in Makkah and nearby. Every location is explained in a simple way with its historical and spiritual importance. Whether you are going on a guided visit or want to explore yourself, this well-curated list will support your worship experience.
I also added useful things like clickable format, instant download (PDF), and clear details so you can carry it with you during your travel. I hope it helps you make your ziyarat easy and fulfilling.
What is Ziyarat in Makkah?
Meaning of Ziyarat in Islam
Ziyarat means visiting places that have Islamic value. It is not fard like Hajj or Umrah, but it is a good act. Many people do Ziyarat when they go for Umrah or Hajj. They want to see the places where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ lived, prayed, and struggled.
In Makkah, people go for Ghar Hira ziyarah Makkah because this cave is where first wahi (revelation) came. They also go to Ghar Thawr, where Prophet ﷺ stayed during Hijrah. These places are important in Islam and help us feel close to our deen.
Ziyarat helps us learn about the early days of Islam. It is a way to remember the hard life of the Prophet ﷺ and his strong faith. This is why people add ziyarat guide Makkah when they plan their trip.
Why Ziyarat Places in Makkah Are Spiritually Important
Ziyarat places in Makkah are not just old sites. They are part of Islamic history. When we go to Jabal al‑Nour ziyarah Makkah, we see the place where Quran started. This gives us strong feelings in heart.
People also visit Jannat al‑Mu’alla ziyarah. It is a graveyard where many close people of the Prophet ﷺ are buried. Standing there reminds us of akhirah (afterlife) and the truth of death.
These places are not part of Hajj or Umrah steps, but they help us feel more connected to Islam. They make our journey more meaningful. Many travelers say they feel more peace after visiting them.
Difference Between Ziyarat, Umrah, and Hajj Rituals
Some people think Ziyarat is same like Umrah or Hajj, but it is different.
- Umrah has fixed steps like Tawaf, Sa’i, and cutting hair. It can be done any time in year.
- Hajj happens only in Dhul Hijjah. It has many steps like going to Arafat, staying in Mina, and throwing stones at Jamarat.
- Ziyarat means visiting ziyarat places in Makkah like Cave of Hira, Masjid Jin, Jabal al‑Thawr, and more. It is not wajib but has reward.
Ziyarat is not part of rituals, but it gives knowledge and feeling. It helps Muslims understand more about Islam. That’s why many people do Ziyarah tour along with Umrah or Hajj.
Why I Followed This Ziyarat Guide in Makkah
My Experience Visiting Ziyarat Places in Makkah
When I reached Makkah for Umrah, I knew I also want to visit ziyarat places in Makkah. I searched a simple ziyarat guide Makkah to help me plan everything. My first visit was Jabal al‑Nour, the big mountain where Cave of Hira is. It was a hard climb, almost 1750 steps, but when I entered the cave, I felt something different. This is the same place where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ got the first Quran ayah.
After that, I went to Jannat al‑Mu’alla, the old graveyard. Many family members of the Prophet ﷺ are buried there. It was silent and peaceful. I stayed there for some time and made dua. I also saw Masjid Jin, where the Prophet ﷺ spoke to the Jinn. That place also has strong meaning.
These ziyarat visits were not just for seeing old places. Every place I saw gave me feelings and reminders about Islamic history.
How These Visits Deepened My Connection with Islamic History
Before I came, I only read about these places in books. But when I saw them with my own eyes, I felt something else. In Cave of Hira, I sat and thought how the Prophet ﷺ used to sit there alone. It is small and quiet. You feel how simple his life was, and how strong his Imaan was.
I also went to Jabal al‑Thawr, the mountain where he hid with Abu Bakr (RA) during Hijrah. That moment became alive in my mind. These visits gave me more love and respect for the Prophet’s ﷺ life.
After seeing these places, I started remembering more events from Seerah. It helped my heart feel close to Islam, more than before.
Why I Believe Every Muslim Should Do Ziyarat in Makkah
I think if any Muslim goes for Umrah or Hajj, they should also do Ziyarat. It is not wajib, but it helps your heart feel the truth of Islam.
When you stand in the places where Quran came, where the Prophet ﷺ walked and cried and prayed, your Imaan becomes stronger. You learn from seeing, not just reading.
That’s why I always tell my friends — use a good ziyarat guide Makkah and visit these places. Even if you feel tired, or it takes extra time, you will not regret. The reward is inside your heart, not just in your memory.
Complete List of Ziyarat Places in Makkah
Jabal al‑Nour Ziyarah Makkah (Hill of Light)
This is a big mountain on the edge of Makkah. It is called Jabal al‑Nour, which means “Mountain of Light.” The most important thing here is the first revelation of Quran. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received Surah Al-Alaq here. This place is known as a top ziyarat spot in Makkah because it reminds us how the message of Islam started.
Ghar Hira Ziyarah Makkah (Cave of Hira Ziyarah)
The Cave of Hira is inside Jabal al‑Nour. You have to climb around 1750 steps to reach it. This is the exact place where Angel Jibreel (AS) came with the first wahi. When you enter the cave, you can feel how peaceful and simple it is. It’s a very spiritual Islamic historical site in Makkah for many Muslims doing Ziyarat.
Jabal Thawr (Cave of Thawr)
This mountain is famous because the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) hid in the Cave of Thawr during the Hijrah to Madinah. The Quraysh were searching for them, but Allah protected them. This place teaches about trust in Allah and is visited by many for spiritual Ziyarat in Makkah.
Masjid al-Jinn
Masjid al-Jinn is built where a group of jinn accepted Islam after hearing the Prophet ﷺ recite Quran. It is near Masjid al-Haram. This place shows that the message of Islam was for both humans and jinn. Many people visit this place during their Ziyarat journey.
Masjid al-Rayah (Flag Mosque)
This small mosque is located where the Prophet ﷺ planted his flag before the conquest of Makkah. It is a reminder of Islamic victory without war and bloodshed. It is less known, but still part of many Ziyarat guides for Makkah.
Birthplace of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Maktabah Makkah al-Mukarramah)
The house where the Prophet ﷺ was born is now a public library called Maktabah Makkah al-Mukarramah. This place is close to Masjid al-Haram. People come here to see the location where his blessed life started.
House of Khadijah (RA)
Many believe this is the house where the Prophet ﷺ lived with his first wife Khadijah (RA). Their children, including Fatimah (RA), were born here. It is a strong reminder of family life of the Prophet ﷺ and his simple lifestyle.
Jannat al‑Mu’alla Ziyarah (Graveyard of Makkah)
This is a very old Islamic cemetery in Makkah. The Prophet’s ﷺ mother Amina bint Wahb (RA), his grandfather Abdul Muttalib, and his first wife Khadijah (RA) are buried here. It is one of the most visited ziyarat spots to make dua for the deceased.
Masjid al-Khaif (Mina Ziyarah Spot)
Located in Mina, this mosque is where many prophets prayed. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also prayed here during Hajj. Even outside Hajj days, people visit this mosque as part of Makkah Ziyarat list.
Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat Sites
These places are usually visited during Hajj, but many people also go there as part of Ziyarat. Mina is where stoning of Shaytaan happens. Muzdalifah is where pilgrims rest after Arafat, and Mount Arafat is where the Prophet ﷺ gave his last sermon. All three are full of Islamic memories and teachings.
Masjid al-Haram and Kaaba (Core Ziyarat Site)
The Kaaba is the heart of Masjid al-Haram. Every Ziyarat in Makkah starts and ends here. It is the Qibla for all Muslims around the world. From Maqam Ibrahim to Hajar al-Aswad, everything inside holds religious and emotional value. Without visiting Kaaba, the Ziyarat feels incomplete.
Bonus Insight: Cave of Hira & Jabal al‑Nour
Cave of Hira Ziyarah Makkah: Steps, Climb Time & Significance
Cave of Hira is up in Jabal al-Nour. To reach it, there are around 1750 steps. For someone healthy, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to climb. If you are slow or take breaks, it can take around one hour.
This cave is very important in Islam because first revelation of the Qur’an came here to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He used to sit here alone before Islam started. So when I went there, I didn’t feel tired. I just kept thinking, this is where everything began. That’s why many Muslims go to this place during Ziyarat in Makkah.
Jabal al‑Nour Ziyarah: Historical and Spiritual Impact
Jabal al-Nour means “Mountain of Light” in Arabic. It is called this because the first light of Qur’an came here. The mountain is rocky and dry, but when I looked at it, I felt like it’s full of meaning.
When I visited, I remembered how the Prophet ﷺ stayed alone here for worship before he got the message from Allah. The view from the top is wide. I sat there and thought how much peace he must have felt. For me, it’s one of the most emotional Ziyarat places in Makkah.
Historical Significance of Ziyarat Sites
Connections to the Life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Many Ziyarat places in Makkah are directly linked to important events in the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Places like Jabal al-Nour, Ghar Hira, and Jabal Thawr are not just old landmarks — they show how the Prophet ﷺ struggled and trusted Allah in the early days of Islam.
For example, Ghar Thawr is where the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) hid during Hijrah to Madinah. The story is not just emotional, but also a reminder of faith and patience. Also, the House of Khadijah (RA) shows how family life and prophethood were together in one place. These sites help us feel more connected to the Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ.
Mention in Hadith Collections and Seerah Books
Many of these Ziyarat spots are mentioned in authentic Hadith books and Seerah works. Scholars like Ibn Ishaq, Ibn Hisham, and Al-Tabari have written about the Prophet’s time in Makkah. Bukhari and Muslim also include Hadiths that point to these places — especially about Masjid al-Haram, Cave of Hira, and the events during Conquest of Makkah.
These mentions show that Ziyarat is not just cultural, but based on Islamic historical sources. It’s also why many Muslims feel that visiting these spots is a way to strengthen their Iman.
Views of Islamic Scholars on Ziyarat in Makkah
Many Islamic scholars say that doing Ziyarat in Makkah is a good way to remember Islamic history and the efforts of the Prophet ﷺ. Scholars like Imam Nawawi, Ibn Taymiyyah, and Al-Ghazali talked about the benefits of Ziyarat when done with the right intention.
They explained that while Ziyarat is not a fardh (obligation) like Hajj, it is still a rewarding spiritual experience. It reminds us of Tawheed, Sunnah, and the life of sacrifice that built Islam. Most scholars agree that Ziyarat helps Muslims learn and reflect.
Practical Ziyarat Guide for Makkah Visitors
Best Time to Do Ziyarat in Makkah
When I did Ziyarat in Makkah, I found early morning is best. After Fajr or just after sunrise, the weather is not too hot and streets are not busy. In summer, I went before 9 AM because after that it gets very hot. In winter, you can go little later because the sun is not strong.
Try not to go during Hajj time or last 10 days of Ramadan. It’s very crowded and hard to find transport. I went in normal days and it was peaceful.
How to Reach Ziyarat Sites Without a Tour Guide
I didn’t take any guide when I visited Ziyarat places. I used Google Maps and some Islamic apps which show the locations. Famous places like Masjid al-Jinn, Jabal al-Nour, and Masjid al-Khaif are easy to find. I booked a ride with Careem. Some days, I asked a local taxi driver and just showed him the names of the places.
If you are with family, it is better to hire one driver for few hours. You can visit all places without rush.
Mistakes to Avoid During Ziyarat Visits
I also made some mistakes in my first Ziyarat. I want to share so you don’t do the same:
- Don’t take selfies or talk loud in holy places. It feels disrespectful.
- Don’t try to visit all places in one day. It will make you tired and you can’t focus on the meaning.
- Don’t believe every story people say. Some are not true. Better to check from Islamic books or trusted scholar.
- Always remember your intention. You are going there for sake of Allah, not for just tourism.
Common Questions About Ziyarat in Makkah
Is Ziyarat a Part of Umrah or Hajj?
Ziyarat is not part of the main Umrah or Hajj rituals. But many people do it when they go for Umrah or Hajj. I also did the same. After finishing Umrah, I went to see the holy places in Makkah. It helped me feel more close to the life of Prophet ﷺ. It is not fard, but it is very good if you can do it. I also planned my Ziyarat after checking the best time to book Umrah packages, so I could avoid crowd and have more peaceful visit.
Can Women Perform Ziyarat in Makkah?
Yes, women can do Ziyarat. I saw many women with their families visiting the same places. There is nothing in Islam that stops women from visiting Ziyarat places. Just wear proper clothes and try to go in safe time, like during the day. If possible, go with your mahram or in a group for more comfort.
Is it Safe and Allowed to Visit Ziyarat Sites Alone?
Yes, it is allowed. I visited some places alone using Google Maps and a taxi. Most Ziyarat spots are in public areas. But always be careful. Go during the day, take some water, and make sure your phone is working. It is better to tell someone where you are going. Also, don’t forget to respect the places when you go.
Summary: My Reflections on the Ziyarat Experience
Personal Lessons from Visiting Ziyarat Places in Makkah
When I went to Ziyarat places in Makkah, I didn’t feel like a tourist. I felt like I was learning something very real about my religion. Seeing the places where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ walked, prayed, and faced hard times, it touched my heart. At Jabal Thawr, I thought how difficult it must be to hide in a cave with danger all around.
At the house of Khadijah (RA), I imagined their simple life full of love and patience. These places gave me many lessons — about trust in Allah, about sacrifice, and about how strong faith can be. I booked my ziyarat trip through Dawah Travels, and I’m really thankful because they made it easy for me to visit all these important places with peace of mind.
What Changed in Me After Completing the Ziyarat Guide in Makkah
After I finished all the Ziyarat places in my list, I didn’t feel the same like before. Something inside me changed. I started to think more before I speak. I started to pray with more attention. I felt more connection with our Prophet ﷺ and his life. It was not just seeing old places — it was feeling close to my deen. I also understood that Islam is not just rules, it is also a journey, a feeling. After Ziyarat, my love for Islam became stronger.