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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is significant for Muslims because of its holy sites. The Holy Kaabah, which Muslims turn to for their daily prayers, is also located in the sacred city of Mecca. Moreover, the city of Medina has the last resting place of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), which is very dear to the Muslims. Mecca is also called the birthplace of Islam and the Holy Prophet (SAW); thus, it has numerous holy places with great religious significance.
If you have booked Umrah Packages from the UK and now you are planning your journey, you will have to decide the places that you are going to visit. You can always have holy sites to stay in the twin sacred cities of Mecca and Medina. Plan everything to utilise your time in the holy cities best. You can also consult your Umrah travel agency for more information on the sacred places to visit in Saudi Arabia.
Below listed are some of the holiest and most-visited places in Saudi Arabia.
Fascination Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is the spiritual centre of Islam. Therefore, it is full of exciting and spiritual sites of Islam. Here are some of the top visited holy sites in the region;
1. Masjid Al-Haram
Masjid Al-Haram is the holiest place in Islam as it surrounds the house of the Almighty, the sacred Kaabah. It is also known as the ‘Great Mosque’. Pilgrims who come for Umrah from all over the world offer their prayers in this mosque facing the holy Kaabah. It is also the place from where you start your pilgrimage. Therefore, you will visit this mosque if you travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah.
2. Al-Masjid an-Nabwi
Masjid an-Nabwi is the Medina mosque that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) built. It is also the last resting place of the Holy Prophet (SAW) and two of his close companions. This mosque is not only sacred but also very impressive in its build and size. Therefore, all the pilgrims visit this mosque to pay their respects to the Prophet (SAW) and offer at least one prayer.
3. Masjid-e-Ayesha
Masjid-e-Ayesha is the second largest mosque in Mecca and very near the holy Kaabah, so the pilgrims frequently visit it. It is also one of the oldest establishments in the region, which makes the history-lovers curious too. Moreover, you can enter this mosque in the state of Ihram too. So, if you have availed of Umrah packages, you must also plan to visit this mosque.
4. Mount Uhud
Mount Uhud commemorates the famous battle fought by the Muslims under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The mountain has great historical significance and consists of volcanic rocks and historical monuments. Due to its close association with Islamic history, Muslims who visit Saudi Arabia for Umrah also try to visit this holy site.
5. Quba Mosque
Quba mosque is the first mosque in the world, making it significant in Islamic history. It is a spectacular mosque and attracts many visitors every year. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions laid the foundation of this mosque after they migrated from Mecca to Medina. Therefore, it is one of Medina’s most sacred places, making it a must-visit place in Saudi Arabia.
6. Mina
Mina is the city of tents where the Hajj pilgrims stay the night to complete the rite of the pilgrimage. These air-conditioned tents offer temporary accommodation to the pilgrims. As it is located near Mecca, many Umrah pilgrims visit it to see this sacred place.
7. Dar Al-Madinah Museum
If you are curious about the history of the holy city of Medina, you must visit the Dar Al-Madinah Museum. This museum contains many rare artefacts and archaeological collections that intrigue Muslim and non-Muslim tourists. The stunning museum gives you an exceptional insight into Islam and its history and culture. So, if you have booked your Umrah packages, you must plan a visit to this museum too.
8. Jannat al-Mualla
Jannat al-Mualla is a significant cemetery in Mecca that is the resting place of many relatives and close companions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is located near Masjid Al-Haram and is frequently visited by pilgrims. People visit this cemetery to pay their respects to the deceased souls who might or might not be significant figures in Islamic history.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia holds a significant position in Islam because of the location of holy sites in this region. Muslims from all over the world travel to Saudi Arabia to perform obligatory and minor pilgrimages. Moreover, people visit numerous Zyarat places in the two holy cities too.
If you have booked packages with a UK-based Umrah travel agency, you may be in the process of planning your accommodations in the Kingdom. You must visit the above-mentioned holy places in Saudi Arabia and many others in Mecca and Medina.