Makkah shrines:
Makkah is one of the holiest cities on Earth, with its shrines hosting millions of pilgrims and visitors every year. It has special significance for Muslims, as Makkah is a religious and spiritual center that believers flock to from all over the world to perform Hajj and Umrah and express their loyalty and appreciation for Islam.
Makkah includes many shrines that carry a rich history and moving stories.Among the most prominent of these shrinesare:
1. The Kaaba:
The Kaaba is a fundamental axis of worship for Muslims, as it is the direction of their prayers and the point of orientation during periods of worship. Muslims face it during their daily prayers, expressing their presence before God with reverence and sincerity. In addition, the Kaaba shines in its turn during the Hajj season, as pilgrims to the House of God circle around it in rituals of humility and submission.
In addition to this spiritual cycle, the Kaaba carries an important history in the heart of Islam. The Kaaba is the first house that was placed on the face of the earth to worship God alone, according to Islamic belief. Therefore, the history of the construction of the Kaaba is considered the starting point for the history of the Grand Mosque as well, as they are closely linked.
Without a doubt, it is impossible to talk about the Grand Mosque without referring to the Kaaba. The Kaaba constitutes the heart and soul of the mosque, and they are two places where worship and divine presence meet. The Kaaba and the Grand Mosque give Mecca a special touch of spirituality and contemplation, as Muslims from all over the world seek to reach them to witness that religious spirit and humility before God.
2. The Grand Mosque:
The Grand Mosque is considered one of the most prominent and holiest religious landmarks in the world, and the heart of the city of Mecca, where the Holy Kaaba is located. Millions of believers from different countries and cultures gather in it, affirming the unity of faith and expressing their presence before God.
The Grand Mosque attracts attention with its magnificent architectural structure, as its area extends over a large area that accommodates millions of worshipers. The Dome of the Rock, the Holy Kaaba, stands out in the middle of the Grand Mosque, which is the center of Muslims' direction in their prayers. The Kaaba stands in its beauty and grandeur, expressing the symbolism of monotheism and submission to the One God.
3. Jabal al-Nour and the Cave of Hira:
The Cave of Hira is the place where the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, used to seclude himself before his mission and the revelation of the Qur’an to him through the Angel Gabriel. This cave is the place where the first revelation was sent to the Prophet, as it is considered an important and sacred historical site. The Cave of Hira is located in the eastern part of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, near the road to Arafat, on top of the “Jabal al-Nour” or what is also known as the “Mountain of Islam”. The mountain rises about 634 meters above the ground, and the cave can accommodate a limited number of people, not exceeding four or five.
As for the “Jabal al-Nour”, it is one of the prominent historical sites in Makkah Al-Mukarramah. The mountain is located northeast of the Grand Mosque. This mountain gained its historical importance because the Prophet Muhammad used to seclude himself in meditation and worship there before his mission, and before he began spreading Islam. Here also, the revelation came down to the Prophet for the first time, which adds to the sanctity of this place and its importance in the history of Islam.
4. Mount Arafat:
The famous site of Mount Arafat was given this name due to the people’s connection to it, and some sayings have been circulated about the origin of this name. It was said that it was named thus because the angel Gabriel used to circle around the Prophet Abraham - peace be upon them - and he used to show himself to him in this place, and Abraham would ask him, “Do you know? Do you know?” and he would answer in the affirmative, “I know, I know.” It is said that when Adam - peace be upon him - came down from Paradise and was separated from Eve, he fell in this place, and here their meeting took place, so he knew her and she knew him. It was also named Arafat as stated in the Holy Quran: “And when you depart from Arafat, remember Allah at the sacred monument.” Al-Omari added that the name Arafat can be interpreted as a name that refers to an important position, and it was named with this combination to indicate the importance of gathering there. In conclusion, after mentioning some different opinions about the reason for naming it Arafat and Arafat, this name is considered part of the names of places and positions, and its starting point is Arafat, which is not specifically known among the types of places.
5. Quba Mosque:
Quba Mosque, the first house of worship in Islam and the largest mosque in Medina after the Prophet’s Mosque, was the first mosque built in Islamic history. The Grand Mosque may be considered the first place established for humans to communicate with God, while Quba Mosque was the first place built specifically for Muslims.
It holds a special place in Islamic history as the mosque that witnessed the first religious activities of Muslims in Medina after the migration of the Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace. Quba Mosque is distinguished by its simplicity and tranquility, making it a preferred place for worship and contemplation.
6. Masjid al-Taneem:
Masjid al-Taneem is a mosque located in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Also known as the "Enlightenment Mosque", it is one of the many mosques in Medina that are considered sacred in Islam. Masjid al-Taneem is located northeast of the Prophet's Mosque, which was built on the site of the Prophet Muhammad's residence. Masjid al-Taneem was built to provide services to visitors to Medina and the Prophet's Mosque, and may provide spaces for prayer, worship, and rest.
Masjid al-Taneem is associated with religious visits to Medina, as it comesPeople from all over the world visit the Prophet's Mosque and other places of religious significance in the city. Medina is of great importance in Islam as the site of the Prophet's Mosque and the tombs of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions. The Tan'im Mosque is visited at various times of the year, especially during times of intense religious visitation to Medina, such as the month of Ramadan, religious holidays, and other religious occasions.
7. Stone of Ismail:
The Stone of Ismail is a historical site located in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia. It is one of the holiest sites in Islam. According to Islamic tradition, this site is believed to be the place where the Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) placed his son Ishmael (peace be upon him) when they were building the Kaaba. The story of Ishmael and Abraham (peace be upon them) and their sacrifice to God is narrated in Surah As-Saffat (Surah 37) of the Holy Qur'an, which includes some of those events. The Qur'an mentions how God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael, and how Abraham obediently accepted this command. Before the sacrifice could be made, Allah intervened and replaced Ishmael with a sacrificial ram. Muslims commemorate the sacrifice of Abraham and Ishmael (peace be upon them) on Eid al-Adha, also known as Eid al-Adha. On this day, Muslims slaughter sacrificial animals (rams or cows) and distribute a portion of the proceeds to the poor and needy.
8. Well of Zamzam:
The Well of Zamzam is a holy well located inside the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. It is believed that the Well of Zamzam sprang up when Allah (SWT) provided water to Ishmael (peace be upon him) and his mother Hajar in the desert by Allah's command. The history of the Well of Zamzam goes back centuries and is considered an important source of water in Mecca. The well has been expanded and renovated several times throughout history to meet the needs of pilgrims and visitors.
9. Maqam Ibrahim:
The Maqam Ibrahim is a religious site located in the Grand Mosque in Mecca, and is one of the holiest sites in Islam. According to Islamic tradition, Muslims believe that Maqam Ibrahim is the site where Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) stood while building the Kaaba. Located near the Kaaba, the site consists of footprints engraved on a rock.
The footprints of Ibrahim (Abraham) are considered a sign of humility and submission to Allah’s command. The story is told in Islamic tradition that Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Abraham) began building the Kaaba and raised its foundations. When they reached the site believed to be Maqam Ibrahim, Ibrahim stood on the rock and raised his feet to help him build the upper walls of the Kaaba. Tradition says that Allah placed the rock under his feet at this site as a sign of this act of humility and faith.
10. Safa and Marwah:
Safa and Marwah, the two mountains located east of the Grand Mosque, are prominent symbols of the Sa’i pillar of Hajj and Umrah. Safa and Marwah used to form a convergence in the middle of Mecca, surrounded by the houses of the city's inhabitants, including the house of Al-Arqam and the house of Al-Sa'ib bin Abi Al-Sa'ib Al-A'idhi and others. It appears that Safa was connected to Mount Abu Qubays and that the lower part of Marwah was connected to Mount Quqayqan.
With the first Saudi expansion in 1375 AH, Mount Safa was separated from Mount Abu Qubays, and some rocks remained at its end as an indication of the location of the Mash'ar. The same approach was followed for Mount Marwah. Accordingly, two entrances were established for visitors on the opposite side of Marwah: an entrance at the upper level to pass to the upper floor, corresponding to the height of Mount Marwah, and an entrance at the lower level to allow the passage of the boilers, leaving the connection of Marwah to Mount Quqayqan. The mountain has been damaged by cutting and bulldozing from both the eastern and western sides, and has undergone a change in its supreme nature.
The shrines of Makkah embody the values of faith, humility and devotion to worship. Visiting these shrines is an opportunity for Muslims to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of spirituality and contemplation, and to benefit from a unique religious experience. In addition to religious aspects, Makkah is famous for its history and culture, which is evident through its heritage and cultural legacy.
The shrines of Makkah represent the heart and spirituality of Islam, and are a destination for pilgrims and visitors from all over the world to renew their faith and connect with history and religious values. For Muslims, these shrines are moments of closeness to God and occasions for contemplation and spiritual renewal, where one can experience multiple aspects of faith and worship in this holy city.
These symbolic sites in Makkah embody a rich spirituality and history, reminding us of the lofty beginnings of Islam and the worship and sacrifice performed by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Visiting these sites contributes to strengthening the spirituality and faith of Muslims, and reflects the humility and dedication of the Prophet in serving God and conveying his message.