The journey of a devotee who travels to a holy or a sacred place to fulfil his acts of worship motivated by his religious belief. Such is the case of Muslims who travel from around the world to perform pilgrimage in the two holiest cities in the world – Makkah and Medina.
Makkah is one of the oldest and blessed cities in the religion of Islam with deep rooted history and Quranic Evidences - The Birthplace of the Holy Prophet Mohammed, contains the most important and holiest site of Islam; Majid Al-Haram, The Kabah – The House of Allah, which is the sole direction of focus for Muslims throughout the world while offering their daily five prayers - which was built by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Ismail, The Well of Zam Zam, the hills of Safa and Marwa and the Origin of the fastest growing religion in the world – Islam.
While Umrah and Hajj are both spiritual pilgrimages to Makkah with similar rituals, there are key differences. Umrah is a quick, non-compulsory pilgrimage to receive blessings at any time of the year. Hajj is an obligatory, extended pilgrimage with more rituals that all Muslims are expected to undertake at least once in a lifetime
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Umrah consists of four essential practices.
Firstly, you get changed into the Ihram garments before the Miqat, perform two Rakahs of Salah and make your Niyyah as the Miqat approaches, thereafter reciting the Talbiyah frequently. Secondly, you perform Tawaf al-Umrah of the Kaaba followed by two Rakahs of Salah, preferably near Maqam Ibrahim. Thirdly, you do Sa’i of Safa and Marwah. Lastly, you shave (Halq) or shorten (Taqsir) your hair allowing you to leave the state of Ihram and complete your Umrah.
Hajj is considered as the fifth pillar of Islam which in itself holds a high regard, all muslims are encouraged to perform Hajj atleast once in their lifetime and is the sacred pilgrimage. Hajj is performed in Makkah during the holy month of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic Calander. Hajj takes place between the 8th Dhul Hijjah and lasts till 13th Dhul Hijjah. Hajj which is performed today was taught by Prophet Muhammed. Though it has its own unique rituals it does share some similarities with rituals of Umrah. This sacred pilgrimage consists of a period of 5 to 6 days and is performed across various locations of Makkah – Tent Settlement of Mina, Mount Arafah and Muzdalifah.
The 19 Steps Of Hajj At A Glance
1. Preparation and Intention
2. Enter state of Ihram
3. Tawaf x7
4. Safa and Marwa
5. Clip/Shave Hair (Umrah ends)
6. Resting and Praying
7. Enter state of Ihram
8. Arrive at Mina
9. Day of ‘Arafah
10. Muzdalifah (under the night sky)
11. Rami (stoning of the devil)
12. Hady
13. Shaving of the Head
14. Tawaf al-Ifadha
15. Saai’
16. Rami (stoning of the devil)
17. Spend night at Mina
18. Rami (stoning of the devil)
19. Farewell Tawaf al-Wida
Major Sites to Visit in Makkah:
1. Mount Arafat
2. Jabal Al Nour
3. Elephant Rock
4. Abraj Al Bait Tower
Mosques to Visit in Makkah:
1. Majid Al Haram
2. Aisha Mosque
3. Nimra Mosque
4. Al Khayf Mosque
Major Eateries in Makkah:
1. Al Baik Restaurant
2. Al Tazaj
3. Al Deyafa Restaurant
4. Simit Sarayi
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Medina is the second holiest city after Makkah, making it the next pilgrimage spot after Makkah, many pilgrims travelling visit Medina after Hajj or Umrah. The city is centered around the Prophet’s Mosque – Majid An Nabawi which was constructed by the Prophet himself and where he was laid to rest. Although the city’s name is usually written as Medina in English, its full name is Al Medina Al Munawwarah, meaning “the Enlightened City.” Because of the city’s pivotal role in the Prophet Muhammad’s life. The city’s main attraction include Majid An Nabawi, Al Baqi, Quba Mosque and Mount Uhud.
Major Sites to Visit in Medina:
1. Mount Uhud
2. The Desert of Saleh
3. Dar Al Medina Museum
4. Jannatul Baqi
Mosques to Visit in Medina:
1. Al Masjid An Nabawi
2. Masjid Quba
3. Masjid Al Qiblatayn
4. Dhul Hulaifah Miqat Mosque
Major Eateries in Medina:
1. Arabesque Restaurant
2. Town Pour
3. Swiss House
4. Al Baik Restaurant
In the beginning, Makkah was traditionally a prominent trade spot for traders travelling around Red Sea, this was especially important given the merchant culture of Arabia; became wealthy because of its position on major trade routes. Once this source of wealth was no longer available, its designation as a pilgrimage site for Muslims gave Makkah a new source of income. With the added infrastructure and technological developments, enhancement of its transportation and other facilities, it has boomed its economy, created easier means for the pilgrims and is moving towards the sustainable development through proper indicators. Though, they are the two holiest cities in Islam, and major site of Pilgrimage for Muslims around the globe, they are the site of peace and prosperity, the blessed land filled with harmony and tranquility.
