When visiting Makkah for Hajj or Umrah, many blessed sites connect you to the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), his companions, and the great events of Islamic history. At Bukhari Tours, we provide guided experiences that allow pilgrims and travelers to reflect deeply on these sacred places. Below is an extended guide to some of the most important landmarks in Makkah and its surroundings.
Jabal Thawr holds a special place in Islamic history. It was here that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his close companion Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) sought refuge when migrating from Makkah to Madinah.
Inside the Cave of Thawr, Abu Bakr entered first, blocking the small holes with cloth to protect the Prophet. When something stung his foot, he endured the pain silently so as not to disturb the Prophet resting on his lap. Tears flowed from his eyes and touched the Prophet’s blessed face. Upon seeing Abu Bakr in pain, the Prophet (peace be upon him) applied his saliva to the wound, and Allah healed him instantly.
Visiting Jabal Thawr is a reminder of sacrifice, trust in Allah, and the bond between the Prophet and his most loyal companion. For pilgrims, standing at this site revives the story of Hijrah and the trials faced by early Muslims.
Standing at Arafat on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah is the essence of Hajj. Without it, Hajj is incomplete, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Hajj is Arafat.”
It is also believed to be the place where Adam (peace be upon him) and Hawa (Eve) met after being sent down from Jannah, giving the name Arafat the meaning “to recognize.”
On the Day of Arafah, millions of pilgrims gather here, seeking forgiveness and mercy. Countless hadith describe its blessings. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that no day sees more souls freed from Hellfire than the Day of Arafah. Shaitan himself is humiliated and weakened on this day, as Allah’s mercy descends upon His servants.
The plain of Arafat is a place of humility, prayer, and hope. Every believer who stands here feels the power of unity, as millions raise their hands to the sky in unison, calling upon their Creator.
Located in Arafat, Masjid Nimrah is where the Prophet (peace be upon him) stayed during his farewell Hajj. After midday, he delivered his historic Farewell Sermon in the nearby valley of Wadi Urana, addressing more than 100,000 companions.
This sermon emphasized justice, equality, kindness, the prohibition of interest, respect for women, and the sanctity of life and property. He declared that no Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, nor a white over a black person, except through piety and good deeds. The Prophet also reminded Muslims to hold firmly to the Qur’an and Sunnah as guidance until the end of time.
Soon after his sermon, the verse was revealed: “Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and chosen Islam as your religion.” [Qur’an 5:3]
Visiting Masjid Nimrah allows pilgrims to reflect on these timeless teachings, which remain the foundation of Islamic values and justice.
After leaving Arafat on the night of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims gather in Muzdalifah. This sacred land stretches from the Valley of Muhassar to the mountains of Ma’zamayn, covering more than 12 square kilometers.
Here, pilgrims perform Maghrib and Isha prayers together at Isha time, following the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). The night in Muzdalifah is spent in worship, reflection, and rest under the open sky. It is also where pilgrims collect pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the Jamarat in Mina.
The Qur’an refers to Muzdalifah in Surah al-Baqarah: “When you leave Arafat, then remember Allah at the Sacred Monument.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Although I am staying here, you may stay anywhere throughout Muzdalifah.”
This night strengthens faith and unity, as millions sleep and pray together on the same ground, preparing for the final rituals of Hajj.
Mina is the place where pilgrims spend the nights of Tashreeq during Hajj. It is most famous for the Jamarat, the three stone pillars representing where Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) resisted Shaytan’s attempts to dissuade him from obeying Allah’s command.
Stoning the Jamarat with pebbles symbolizes rejecting evil and strengthening faith. This act connects pilgrims to the legacy of Ibrahim and Ismail (peace be upon them), reminding them of obedience, sacrifice, and devotion to Allah.
In Mina, pilgrims also perform Qurbani (sacrifice) as part of Hajj, commemorating the sacrifice offered by Ibrahim in submission to Allah’s will. The valley echoes with history, spirituality, and renewal of faith.
Jabal Thawr is the mountain where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) took refuge during the Hijrah to Madinah. The cave inside is a symbol of sacrifice, patience, and trust in Allah.
Yes, many pilgrims visit Jabal Thawr as part of their Makkah Ziyarat. However, it requires a steep climb, so it is not part of the official Hajj rituals. It is best visited outside peak Hajj days, often arranged with a guided tour.
Standing at Arafat on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah is the most essential pillar of Hajj. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Hajj is Arafat.” It is a day of forgiveness, dua, and mercy when millions of pilgrims gather together.
During his farewell Hajj, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stayed at Masjid Nimrah and delivered his final sermon at Wadi Urana. This sermon emphasized equality, justice, respect for women, and holding firmly to the Qur’an and Sunnah.
After sunset on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims travel from Arafat to Muzdalifah. They pray Maghrib and Isha together, rest under the open sky, and collect pebbles for the stoning of the Jamarat in Mina.
The pebbles collected in Muzdalifah are used to stone the Jamarat in Mina. This ritual commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s rejection of Shaytan, symbolizing the believer’s resistance to evil.
The stoning of the three Jamarat represents the pilgrim’s rejection of temptation and evil, following the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). It is one of the most powerful symbols of obedience during Hajj.
Most of these sites—Jabal Thawr, Arafat, Muzdalifah, Mina, and Masjid Nimrah—can be visited during Umrah as part of Ziyarat tours, even outside the Hajj season. They provide spiritual reflection and historical learning.
Soon after the Farewell Sermon at Arafat, Allah revealed the verse: “Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and chosen Islam as your religion.” [Qur’an 5:3]
Bukhari Tours provides guided Ziyarat experiences with authentic Islamic context, comfortable transport, and personalized guidance. This ensures you not only visit the sites but also connect with their spiritual significance.
Bukhari Tours is a Manchester-based travel agency specializing in budget-friendly, transparent Umrah and Hajj packages, delivering highly competitive prices while maintaining ATOL protection and personalized service.