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Makkah Guide

Sacred Sites in Makkah

6 places for pilgrims

Masjid al-Haram

Religious

المسجد الحرام

The Sacred Mosque, the largest mosque in the world, surrounds the Ka'bah. One prayer here equals 100,000 prayers elsewhere. It is the qiblah (direction of prayer) for all Muslims worldwide and the focal point of Hajj and Umrah.

Tips
  • -The mosque is open 24 hours during Hajj and Umrah seasons
  • -Friday prayers are extremely crowded. Arrive at least 2 hours early
  • -The Mataf (Tawaf area) is air-conditioned on the ground floor
  • -Wheelchair-accessible Tawaf is available on the first floor
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Sahih al-Bukhari 1190 (Sahih)

The Ka'bah

Religious

الكعبة

The House of Allah, originally built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS). It is the first house of worship established for mankind. Muslims around the world face the Ka'bah during their daily prayers.

Tips
  • -Tawaf begins and ends at the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone) corner
  • -If you cannot kiss or touch the Black Stone, point toward it and say Bismillah, Allahu Akbar
  • -The Hateem (Hijr Ismail) is part of the Ka'bah. Praying inside the Hateem is like praying inside the Ka'bah
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Quran 3:96Sahih al-Bukhari 1583 (Sahih)

Safa and Marwah

Religious

الصفا والمروة

Two hills between which pilgrims perform Sa'i (walking back and forth seven times). This ritual commemorates Hajar's (AS) search for water for her infant son Ismail (AS). The hills are now enclosed within the mosque complex with air-conditioned walkways.

Tips
  • -Sa'i begins at Safa and ends at Marwah (7 legs total)
  • -Men should jog between the green lights (marking the valley where Hajar ran)
  • -Women walk at a normal pace throughout
  • -The upper floors are less crowded and fully accessible
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Quran 2:158

Plain of Arafat

ReligiousDua Accepted

عرفة

A vast plain approximately 20 km southeast of Makkah. Standing at Arafat on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah is the most essential pillar of Hajj. The Prophet (SAW) said, 'Hajj is Arafat.' Jabal ar-Rahmah (Mount of Mercy) is located here, where the Prophet (SAW) delivered his Farewell Sermon.

Evidence for Dua Being Accepted
Jami at-Tirmidhi 3585 (Hasan)
Tips
  • -Wuquf (standing) at Arafat is from Dhuhr to Maghrib on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah
  • -You must be within the boundaries of Arafat, not just near it
  • -Spend the time in dua, dhikr, and repentance
  • -Bring an umbrella or portable shade as temperatures can exceed 45 degrees Celsius
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Jami at-Tirmidhi 889 (Sahih)

Muzdalifah

Religious

مزدلفة

An open area between Arafat and Mina where pilgrims spend the night of the 9th Dhul Hijjah after leaving Arafat. Pilgrims pray Maghrib and Isha combined here and collect pebbles for the stoning of the Jamarat. It is also called al-Mash'ar al-Haram (the Sacred Monument).

Tips
  • -Combine and shorten Maghrib and Isha prayers upon arrival
  • -Collect 49 or 70 pebbles (depending on how many days of stoning) for Jamarat
  • -Pebbles should be slightly larger than a chickpea
  • -Women, the elderly, and the weak may leave Muzdalifah after midnight
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Quran 2:198

Mina

Religious

منى

A valley approximately 5 km east of Makkah, known as the 'City of Tents.' Pilgrims stay in Mina on the 8th, 11th, 12th, and optionally the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. The Jamarat Bridge, where the stoning ritual takes place, is located here.

Tips
  • -Tents are assigned by your Hajj group. Note your tent number and camp location
  • -The Jamarat Bridge is a multi-level structure. Follow crowd control directions
  • -Stoning times are specified by authorities. Avoid peak congestion by going in the afternoon
  • -Shorten prayers (Dhuhr, Asr, Isha to 2 rakahs) but do not combine them in Mina
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Sahih Muslim 1297 (Sahih)