While the Kaaba is the focus, Makkah is filled with history. Performing Ziyarat (visiting historical sites) connects you to the Seerah of the Prophet (PBUH).
1. Jabal Noor (Cave Hira)
- Significance: Where the first revelation (Iqra) descended.
- Activity: Hiking to the top.
- Difficulty: High. Steep steps. Takes 45-90 mins. Best done before Fajr avoiding sun.
2. Jabal Thawr (Cave Thawr)
- Significance: Where Prophet (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) hid during migration to Madinah.
- Difficulty: Very High. Higher and harder than Hira. Takes 1.5 - 2 hours.
3. Jannat al-Mualla (Cemetery)
- Location: 15 mins walk from Marwa side of Haram.
- Who is there? Khadija (RA) (First wife of Prophet), Abu Talib, and other ancestors.
- Entry: Usually open for men to enter. Women view from outside fence.
4. Masjid Jinn
- Location: Near Jannat al-Mualla.
- Significance: Where a group of Jinn accepted Islam after hearing the Quran.
5. Hajj Sites (Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah)
Even outside Hajj season, you can visit these by taxi.
- Jabal Rahmah (Mount of Mercy): In Arafat. Usually accessible to climb.
- Mina Tents: You can see the vast city of tents (empty off-season).
- Jamaraat: Only viewable from outside/bridge off-season.
Taxi Tips for Ziyarat
- Negotiate: Hire a taxi for a fixed "Ziyarat Trip" (usually 2-3 hours).
- Price: Should range between 150-250 SAR depending on season and duration.
