Saudi Arabia is a land of history and culture. Generally, visitors tend to plan frequent tours to Saudi Arabia to explore historic sites. However, pilgrims being already in the kingdom have an opportunity to extend their pilgrimage beyond Makkah and Madinah.
After completing their religious goals, pilgrims are free to join cultural tours to famous nearby sites. Similarly, exclusive Umrah packages also offer guided tours to the places that pilgrims must visit during the pilgrimage.
But the question is, which historic landmarks are worth a visit? Well, this is what you are going to spot in this blog post. So, let’s read ahead.
Exploring Historic Landmarks in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a land of pilgrimage. Pilgrims visit the kingdom through Umrah packages to perform pilgrimage for the sake of Allah. However, it’s also the time to explore kingdom in depth.
Saudi Arabia is a land of Islam. To be more specific, Makkah and Madinah were two major landmarks where the holy Prophet practiced Islamic teachings. Therefore, the country is also home to pre-Islamic and Islamic sites. Thus, visiting sites that are historically significant enhances the understanding of Muslims about Islamic events.
This way, Muslims connect the purpose of their pilgrimage with Islamic history and strengthen their faith. Since the exploration of historic landmarks is favorable, try to include custom tours in the 7 Nights 4 star Umrah package. It will save you money as well as bring you back into the history of Islam.
Why Pilgrims Should Explore Historic Landmarks?
A better understanding of key religious landmarks and nearby historical sites enhances the spiritual experience. It’s a great to interact with the culture and traditions of Saudi Arabia.
For instance, the culture and history of the country is diverse. The major landmarks include the ancient city of Jeddah and Madain Saleh. For pilgrims, visiting masjid Al-Haram and masjid an-Nabwi is not enough at all. They have to explore nearby religious, cultural, and historical sites to get a deep connection between Islamic history and culture.
Furthermore, extending the pilgrimage doesn’t only provide insights into the past. In fact, it allows pilgrims to interact with Arabians, understand their values and trading skills, engage with them, and see how they are connected to their roots.
The best tactic to do this is to explore Souks which are traditional marketplaces in Saudi Arabia. There, you will find simplicity, honesty, and hospitality for visitors which is a unique experience and enough to transform your spiritual journey altogether.
How to Choose the Right Historic Landmarks to Visit?
Visiting additional places during the pilgrimage is hard. Pilgrims have limited time for Ziarat and exploration. However, thoughtful planning makes things possible since it’s once in a lifetime experience for pilgrims to extend their journey. So, it’s important to decide what is important to explore and what to avoid.
It’s also become easier with Umrah packages that support additional tours to famous places in Saudi Arabia. They arrange custom tours for groups and allow pilgrims to learn things better.
Before making a plan to explore Saudi Arabia, consider how far these places are from pilgrimage sites. Nearby places are great to include in a plan to save time.
Similarly, identify places of interest. Whether cultural, heritage, or religious landmarks are your favorite places to go for.
Overall, religious sites or places with Islamic history are the top preferences of pilgrims as Muslims. It’s the best way to narrow down your options and target specific sites at a time.
Once you have your go-to places, include them in your daily schedule one by one and try to get the most out of your short tours.
Historic Sites in Makkah and Madinah
Pilgrims always prefer visiting religious sites with an Islamic background. After exploring masjid Al-Haram and masjid an-Nabwi, pilgrims have time to undertake Ziarat tours as part of the 7 Nights 4 star Umrah package.
The following places are must-visit for pilgrims as all are closer to pilgrimage sites.
1. Jabal al-Nour
Jabal al-Nour is a mountain famous for its Islamic history. It’s home to the cave of Hira where the holy Prophet spends most of his time alone. The cave is located at the peak of the mountain.
Pilgrims also consider climbing the mountain to experience the serenity of the cave. It’s also the place where Hazrat Jibril came and revealed the first revelation of the Quran to the holy Prophet. Due to its significance, the surrounding area also became popular as the District of Hira.
2. Mount Arafat
Mount Arafat is another significant landmark in Islam. It’s a place where the holy Prophet gave his last sermon. Therefore, the Mountain matters to pilgrims in terms of Hajj rituals.
Pilgrims gather on the mount of Arafat and seek forgiveness from Allah. The purpose of gathering there is to remember the day of judgment. It’s because the crowds of pilgrims at mount Arafat represent the day when people gather on the day of judgement.
3. Mina
Mina is a historical place important for pilgrims during the days of Hajj. Pilgrims throw stones at three pillars that represent the intentions of devil.
According to Islamic teachings, these pillars represent the devil and throwing stones symbolizes the rejection of his path. It’s an important ritual of the Hajj.
4. Quba Mosque
Pilgrims visit Madinah to explore masjid an-Nabwi. It makes sense because the mosque is a resting place of the holy Prophet.
Moreover, spending time in masjid an-Nabwi and praying brings manifold rewards for pilgrims. However, Madinah is also home to other religious sites including the Quba Mosque.
Quba Mosque is an Islamic Mosque that the holy Prophet built after his migration. Offering a prayer in the Quba Mosque brings manifold blessings for believers. It’s a key religious landmark in Islamic history you must consider while you are in Madinah.
5. Uhud Mountain
Uhud Mountain represents the battle of Uhud in Islamic history. The mountain revives the major historic event to pilgrims so that they can understand the sacrifices of early Muslims.
Understanding Islamic history enhances the spirituality of the journey. This way, pilgrims learn to express gratitude for the blessing they have in the form of faith. Thereby, it’s a chance to pray for martyr souls and reflect on the battle.
6. Al Baqi Cemetery
Al Baqi Cemetery is a resting place of early Muslims. It’s located closer to Masjid an-Nabwi so that pilgrims can visit frequently.
Many of the early Muslims, the family members and companions of the holy Prophet buried there. The holy Prophet used to visit the cemetery often and prayed for their souls. So, visiting Al Baqi Cemetery and praying for the souls is a Sunnah of the holy Prophet.
7. Masjid al-Qiblatain
Masjid al-Qiblatain is another historical landmark for Muslims. It’s a Mosque where the holy Prophet led prayers in Madinah facing Bayt Al Maqdas.
However, it’s also the mosque where the holy Prophet changed his Qibla as per the order of Allah and started offering prayers facing Bayt Ullah. Therefore, visiting the mosque brings pilgrims back into the history of Islam. It also represents the devotion of the holy Prophet towards the order of Allah almighty.
Step-by-step Planning to Visit Historic Sites in Saudi Arabia
As you see it’s easier to include custom Ziarat tours in Umrah packages. These travel plans allow pilgrims to explore Saudi Arabia beyond pilgrimage sites. Though masjid Al-Haram and masjid an-Nabwi are significant for pilgrims, visiting relevant religious landmarks is a way to enhance the pilgrimage.
It’s like once in a lifetime experience that they can utilize to connect with Islamic history and transform their lives. And it’s understood that planning the whole journey is a key to undertaking transformative tours besides pilgrimage.
Firstly, make a plan including the target places you want to explore in Makkah and Madinah. If you are not sure, go through the above places or research individual sites yourself.
Secondly, understanding the target sites will help you make the most of your trip. So, read out the significance of each target landmark and find how visiting the place can benefit you or your faith.
Next, confirm your travel plan with the 7 Nights 4 star Umrah package whether it supports your additional tours or not.
Thirdly, plan transportation means. To do so, it’s important to consider how far your target location is from pilgrimage sites. The quick means of transportation are public buses and trains.
Also, consider thoughtful packing before leaving for a specific tour. The important packing essentials include a prayer mat, supplication book, map, quick meals, and a camera.
Final Words
In conclusion, visiting historic landmarks in terms of Islamic history means a lot for pilgrims. Getting free from Umrah rituals, traveling to key historic sites, and understanding the significance of each place enhance the spiritual experience.
Umrah packages further add up convenience for pilgrims. They facilitate arranging additional Ziarat tours, providing transport, guiding throughout the journey, and ensuring the quality of each visit. It ultimately ends up with unforgettable memories and spirituality for later life.
