Makkah is a sacred city in Saudi Arabia, known as Islam’s birthplace. It is also where the symbolic house of Allah Almighty is located. Muslims travel to this holy site to perform the Hajj and Umrah. This beautiful city is home to countless historical and religious sites every Muslim wants to explore. So, if you are visiting the city soon, you should know about the top historical landmarks in Makkah.

As Makkah is the centre of Islam and the most sacred city for the believers in Islam, only Muslims are allowed to enter it. The historical and cultural significance of this city is unparalleled. We are here to help you create the perfect list of all the essential landmarks in Makkah so you can make the most of your time in this sacred city. 

10 Top Historical Landmarks in Makkah that You Must Visit

Masjid al-Haram

Masjid al-Haram deserves the first position on any list that features the top historical landmarks in Makkah and even in the whole Kingdom. This mosque houses the Holy Kaabah, the symbolic house of Allah Almighty. Millions of Muslims gather here yearly to perform Tawaf around the Kaabah.

Muslims worldwide consider Makkah a sacred site with great historical significance. It is the house of Allah Almighty and holds a unique sense of peace and spirituality. Muslims worldwide, including the USA, visit this holy site for Hajj and Umrah. To experience this peace and spirituality, you can search for affordable Hajj and Umrah packages.

Jabal Al-Noor

Have you heard about the famous story of the first revelation? We all know that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to meditate in a cave called Hira when Angel Jibrael brought him the first few verses of the Holy Quran. This cave, Hira, is located on Jabal A-Noor, also called the Mountain of Light. 

Al Mualla Cemetery

Al Mualla Cemetery, also known as Jannat-ul-Mualla, is another prominent historical landmark in the holy city of Makkah. It is one of the most essential cemeteries for Muslims because many close relatives and companions of the Prophet (SAW) are buried here. 

In just fifteen minutes, you can easily reach this cemetery on foot from the Grand Mosque or Masjid al-Haram. Because of the destruction during the reign of Saudi King Ibn Saud in 1925, tombs and gravestones are not found here. The graves are marked with small rocks only. 

Mount Arafat

If you have been on Hajj before, you might have already visited Mount Arafat. Visiting and praying at this sacred mountain is a prominent part of the mandatory pilgrimage. This hill has tremendous historical significance in Islam because the Holy Prophet (SAW) gave his last sermon here. 

Also, according to Islamic beliefs, everyone will be gathered at this hill on the Day of Judgement. So, visit this prominent landmark while you are in Makkah.

Maktaba Makkah al-Mukkaramah

Maktaba Makkah al-Mukkaramah is a national library near Masjid al-Haram. It is built on a historic ground. The place where this library is located used to be a hill with great historical and religious significance because this is where the last Prophet, Prophet Muhammad (SAW), was born. 

If you start walking towards Mount Safa from the Grand Mosque, you will reach this historical landmark after half a kilometre. 

Masjid-e-Taneem 

Masjid-e-Taneem, also known as Masjid-e-Aisha, is the second-largest mosque in this sacred city. This is where Hazrat Ayesha, the wife of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), entered the state of Ihram when she accompanied the Prophet (SAW) on his last Hajj. Many pilgrims offer their Nafl prayers and enter the state of Ihram at this mosque before heading towards the Holy Kaabah.

Jabal Thawr

Jabal Thawr is another prominent mountain in Makkah with a great history. This mountain is around 761 metres high and houses the cave Thawr. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his close companion, Abu Bakar (RA), hid in this cave from the Quraysh tribe. 

This cave is regarded as a symbol of firm faith and trust in Allah Almighty, as He sent His miraculous help to the Prophet (SAW) and his companion while they took shelter in this cave. 

Site of Battle of Badr

The Battle of Badr is significant in Islamic history. Muslims fought against the pagans of Makkah under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in this battle. Even though the Muslims were very few, they firmly believed in Allah Almighty and fought for His religion. This is why Allah Almighty sent miraculous help to the believers in the form of Angels that granted them victory in this battle. 

Masjid Al-Hudaibiyah 

Masjid Aal-Hudaibyah is another historical mosque in Makkah. This is where the famous Treaty of Hudaibiyah took place. It was a 10-year peace agreement between Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the Quraysh of Makkah. Many pilgrims enter the state of Ihram at this mosque. 

Masjid Al-Nimrah

Masjid Al-Nimrah was built near Mount Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) gave his final speech and led the prayer. It is a spectacular mosque that can accommodate around 350,000 people. 

Summing Up

If you want to go to Makkah soon, contact a reliable Hajj and Umrah travel agency and plan your pilgrimage. You might already know that only Muslims can enter this sacred city. Therefore, you can travel to Makkah to perform the pilgrimage and explore its historical landmarks. We have discussed the top historical landmarks in Makkah, but there are many more that you can explore.