During Hajj and Umrah, the pilgrims can visit many historical landmarks in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah that are the standing monuments of precepts upon which Islam rests.
The place of Prophet’s (S.A.W) birth: Prophet’s (S.A.W) birthplace is in She’eb Banu Hashim. In the past, Harun Rashid’s mother had commissioned a mosque to be constructed on this spot; however, it’s been converted into a Madrasah and library. The prophet was born on Monday 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal (April 22, 571 CE), in the Year of the Elephant.
Jannat-ul-Ma’la: After Jannat-ul-Baqi, Jannat-ul-Ma’la is the holiest graveyard. An exalted historical graveyard in the holy city of Makkah, it’s located in a valley to the east of Masjid al-Haram. Prophet’s (S.A.W) family members, Sahabah (R.A), and many saints are interred there.
Masjid-ur-Rayah: It’s the famous mosque that’s located near the vicinity of Masjid Djinn, on the right-hand side. The word Rayah in Arabic translates into a flag, which is the reason for this mosque’s name: it’s the place where the Prophet (S.A.W) raised a flag following the conquest of Makkah.
Masjid Djinn: This mosque is located near Jannatul Mu’alla. It’s called Majid Djinn as a group of Djinn, whilst listening to the recitation of the Holy Quran by the Prophet (S.A.W), took Bay’ah (pledge, initiation, or an oath of allegiance) and embraced Islam.
Cave of Hira: This cave, located in Jabal Noor (the Mountain of light), faces the direction of Kaaba (cuboid). It’s situated about four kilometers away, on the east-side of Masjid al-Haram. The Prophet (S.A.W) used to retreat to this small cave for worship and meditation.
It’s this place where he received his first revelation (the first five verses of Surah ’Alaq) during the month of Ramadan in 610 CE. In regards to historical importance, it’s considered more sacred than Cave of Saur as the prophet spent only three nights in Saur and a month in Hira.
House of Khadija-tul-Kubra
The Prophet (S.A.W) lived in this house whilst he was in Makkah. This same house saw the birth of Fatima (R.A), and many revelations came to the prophet here, as well. After Masjid al-Haram, this is the most sacred place in Makkah; however, regrettably, it’s completely dilapidated and only a walkway leads to this revered location.
Daar-ul-Arqam
This house was located on the left side of Mount Safa. During the early period of hardships, the prophet (S.A.W) took refuge here. Several well-known people embraced Islam under this house’s roof, such as Hamzah (R.A), Umer (R.A), etc.
The following verse from Surah al-Anfal has revealed here: “O’ Prophet, Allah is sufficient for you, and for those who follow you among the believers (8:64).”
House of Abu Bakr Ṣiddiq (R.A)
This house stood on the grounds of Masfalah. When the Prophet (S.A.W) lived in Makkah, it was visited by him, often. This is the same house from where he took his journey to the cave of Saur on the night of migration. Furthermore, Aishah (R.A) was born here.
In the past, a mosque was built on this location; however, it was demolished and a shopping mall has been constructed in its place.
Masfalah
This place, which lies in the direction of Mustajar (wall of the Holy Kaaba), is of great historical importance in the Islamic tradition. Ibrahim (R.A) used to live here. Many noble Sahabah, such as Abu Bakar (R.A), Umer (R.A), and Hamzah (R.A), also lived here.
Masjid Khayf
This mosque is in Mina. The Prophet (S.A.W) stated that seventy prophets offered prayers in this mosque, and seventy are interred here, as well.
Masjid Ji’irranah
This mosque lies 26 kilometers from Makkah on the road to Taif. This is where the Prophet (S.A.W) entered the state of Ihram for Umrah on his return from the battle of Hunain.
This place holds a special significance in Islam because, when Abdul Wahhab Muttaqi (R.A) spent a night here, he received a vision from the Prophet (S.A.W) a hundred times during the same night.
Martyrs of Ḥunain
A welled area lies behind Masjid al-Haram where the martyrs of the battle of Hunain are buried.
Tomb of Maimunah (R.A)
This tomb is located on Madinah road near Nawariyah. It’s easy to travel to this grave via a public transport bus.
Eleven Places in Masjid al-Haram where the Prophet (S.A.W) Offered Ṣalah:
Inside Baitullah.
Behind Maqam-u-Ibrahim.
The corner of Mataf—opposite Hajar-ul-Aswad.
Between Hatim and the door of Kaaba.
Maqam Ḥaḍrah, which is also called Maqam-e-Imamat-e-Jibrail. It’s located at the base of Kaaba’s wall, between its door and Hatim. This is where Gabriel (Jibrail) lead the Salah five times and Ibrahim (R.A) prepared the soil for Kaaba’s construction.
In the direction of Kaaba’s door.
Facing the direction of Mizab-ur-Raḥmah. This is the direction the Prophet’s (S.A.W) facing inside his tomb.
All of Hatim, especially below Mizab-ur-Raḥmah.
The space between Rukn Aswad and Rukn Yamani.
Near Rukn Shami. The Prophet (S.A.W) offered prayers here in a manner that his back was to Baab-ul-’Umrah.
The place where Adam (R.A) offered Salah. It’s either on the right or left side of Rukn Yamani. Tradition has it that the place where Adam (R.A) offered Salah, in fact, is Mustajar.