Ziyarat Places in Makkah and Madinah
Many pilgrims want to see more than the two holy mosques while they are in Saudi Arabia. Visiting places tied to the life of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and to early Islamic history can deepen your sense of connection to the faith. These visits are known as ziyarat, and most pilgrims fit a few of them around their worship in Makkah and Madinah.
It is important to understand one thing from the start. Umrah itself is only ihram, Tawaf, Sai, and cutting the hair. The ziyarat sites below are not part of Umrah, and visiting them is a matter of learning and reflection rather than a required ritual. Treat them as history you can walk through, keep your intentions sincere, and follow a qualified scholar and your group guide on how to visit each one properly.
Ziyarat places list: Makkah and Madinah
None of the places below are part of Umrah itself. Umrah is ihram, tawaf, sa'i and cutting the hair; ziyarat is an optional visit for reflection, and most groups fit it into one half day in each city. The table lists the sites pilgrims most often ask about.
| Site | City | What it is | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jabal al-Nur (Cave of Hira) | Makkah | Mountain where the first revelation came | Steep climb of an hour or more; many view it from below |
| Jabal Thawr | Makkah | Cave used during the Hijrah | Usually seen from the road on a bus tour |
| Mina, Muzdalifah, Arafah | Makkah outskirts | The Hajj sites, including Jabal al-Rahmah at Arafah | Quiet outside Hajj; a standard half-day tour |
| Jannat al-Mu'alla | Makkah | The old cemetery of Makkah | Graves are greeted, not asked of; follow the taught etiquette |
| Masjid Aisha (Tan'im) | Makkah | Nearest miqat for a second Umrah | See second Umrah in one trip |
| Masjid Quba | Madinah | The first mosque built in Madinah | A hadith reports a reward for praying two rak'ahs there after setting out from home |
| Uhud and the martyrs' graves | Madinah | Site of the Battle of Uhud | Open ground, hot by mid-morning |
| Masjid al-Qiblatayn | Madinah | Where the qiblah changed direction | Short stop, often combined with the Seven Mosques area |
| Al-Baqi cemetery | Madinah | Resting place of many Companions and family of the Prophet, peace be upon him | Beside the Prophet's Mosque; opening hours are limited |
| The Rawdah | Madinah | Inside the Prophet's Mosque | Timed permit in the Nusuk app: see the Rawdah permit guide |
What Ziyarat Means
Ziyarat simply means a visit. In the context of pilgrimage it usually refers to visiting historical and religious places connected to the Prophet, peace be upon him, his companions, and key events in early Islam. Pilgrims value these visits because standing in a place where important events happened can make the history feel real and can renew a person’s resolve to worship well.
At the same time, scholars are careful to draw a line. Umrah is a defined act of worship with set steps. Visiting a mountain, a battlefield, or an old mosque is not one of those steps, and skipping ziyarat does not affect the validity of your Umrah at all. Some sites carry genuine religious significance, while others are simply of cultural or historical interest. Knowing the difference keeps your worship on solid ground and protects you from practices that have no basis. When in doubt about how to behave at any site, ask a qualified scholar or your group guide.
Sites Around Makkah
Makkah and its surroundings hold several places pilgrims often visit between their prayers at the Haram.
- Jabal al-Nour and the Cave of Hira. This is the mountain where the first revelation came to the Prophet, peace be upon him. Many pilgrims view it from below. Climbing to the cave is a long, steep effort and is not required, so consider your fitness and the heat before attempting it.
- Jabal Thawr. The mountain with the cave where the Prophet and Abu Bakr sheltered during the migration to Madinah. Like Hira, it is a demanding climb and viewing it is enough for most visitors.
- Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat. These sites are central to Hajj rather than Umrah. Pilgrims on Umrah sometimes drive through the area to understand the geography, but there is no ritual to perform there outside Hajj.
- The plain of Arafat and Jabal al-Rahmah. Often pointed out on city tours. Standing at Arafat is a pillar of Hajj, not Umrah, so a visit here outside Hajj season is purely to see the place.
Local guides run tours that string these together in a few hours. They are a good way to learn the layout of the region, but keep your expectations realistic. Much of the experience is looking, reflecting, and making du’a quietly, not performing any set act.
Sites Around Madinah
Madinah is rich with places tied to the Prophet’s life, peace be upon him, and the early Muslim community. The most meaningful visit is to the Prophet’s Mosque itself, where pilgrims send greetings upon him. Around the city you will also hear about:
- Masjid Quba. The first mosque built in Islam. There is authentic encouragement to pray two units of prayer here, and many pilgrims make the short trip to do so.
- Masjid al-Qiblatayn. The mosque associated with the change in the direction of prayer toward Makkah.
- Mount Uhud and the graves of the martyrs. The site of the Battle of Uhud, where pilgrims remember the companions who were killed there, including Hamza, may God be pleased with him.
- The Baqi cemetery. The historic graveyard beside the Prophet’s Mosque where many companions and family members are buried. Men may visit to remember death and make du’a for the deceased in the way taught by the Prophet, peace be upon him.
- The trenches area. Linked to the Battle of the Trench, of interest to those who want to understand the events of that time.
As in Makkah, some of these visits rest on sound practice, such as praying at Quba, while others are simply historical. Follow authentic guidance on what to say and do at each, and avoid anything that treats a place, a stone, or a grave as a source of blessing in itself.
Visiting the Rawdah
Inside the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah is the Rawdah, an area the Prophet, peace be upon him, described as one of the gardens of Paradise. Praying there is highly sought after, and access is now managed through timed permits on the Nusuk platform, the official Saudi system, to control the crowds. We are an independent guide and are not affiliated with Nusuk.
Book a Rawdah slot in advance through Nusuk, arrive at your allotted time, and be patient with the queues and staff who organise the flow. The space is small and demand is enormous, so you may have only a short time to pray. Use it calmly, offer your prayer and du’a, and move on considerately so others can have their turn. Women have separate designated times for entry.
Etiquette and Cautions
A few principles keep ziyarat wholesome and correct:
- Keep your worship directed to God alone. Visiting a site is for reflection, not for seeking help from any created thing.
- At graves, follow the manner taught by the Prophet, peace be upon him: greet the dead, make du’a for them, and remember your own mortality. Do not wipe on the graves or ask the deceased for anything.
- Be wary of sellers and unofficial guides who invent stories or push rituals with no basis. If a claim sounds exaggerated, check it with a trustworthy scholar.
- Dress modestly, keep your voice low, and be considerate of others who are praying or reflecting.
- Photography is common, but do not let it turn a place of reflection into a photo stop that crowds or disturbs other visitors.
Planning Your Visits
Most pilgrims spend their main energy on worship in the two mosques and treat ziyarat as a lighter addition. That balance is wise. Plan one half day for sites around Makkah and another around Madinah, ideally with a reputable guide who sticks to accurate history. Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable shoes, since several sites involve walking or climbing in strong heat.
Check current access rules before you go, as some sites open and close to visitors and some require permits. If you have limited time or energy, prioritise Masjid Quba in Madinah and simply view the mountains near Makkah rather than climbing. Above all, remember that these visits enrich your trip but do not define it. Your Umrah is complete with its own rituals, and the ziyarat is a gift on top. If you would like a printable list of sites suited to your schedule, you can contact us at info@fourcents.ca.