LONDON, 2024-Oct-8 — /Travel PR News/ — Are you planning a group Umrah trip this year? It can be a life-changing experience for you. Umrah is a sacred opportunity, and when you are a part of a group, this holy trip becomes more interesting and cost-effective. Group Umrah packages take away all the hassle and provide everything you need. From accommodation to spiritual guidance, these deals cover all the logistics.
Though spiritual devotion is the primary goal of Umrah, wouldn’t it be amazing to discover the rich history and culture of the holy city during your sacred trip? Mecca is not just a place to perform rituals; it’s a treasure trove of historical landmarks that offer a glimpse of Islamic heritage. Group Umrah deals allow you to explore these places during your holy trip. Here are the top 3 attractions in Mecca that you must visit to make your trip worth remembering.
1- The Grand Mosque
No visit to Mecca is complete without spending ample time in Masjid Al-Haram. Surrounding the revered Kaaba, the Grand Mosque is perched in the Hijazi region of Saudi Arabia. It is an architectural marvel that has evolved over centuries. The mosque spans around 88.2 acres of land and can accommodate 4 million people during the Hajj season. It has 9 minarets, numerous domes, and spacious prayer halls. The floors are made with white marble, which keeps the area cool even in the intense heat of Mecca.
Why Masjid Al Haram is Important for Muslims?
It is the holiest site in Islam where countless Muslims gather to perform the sacred rites. Here are some of the reasons why this mosque holds great religious value for Muslims:
- Kaaba is the major highlight of Masjid Al-Haram. Set at the center of the mosque, it is a cube-shaped structure. It is covered with a black silk cloth called Kiswah. Muslims tawaf around it during Hajj and Umrah. They also offer the five daily prayers while facing the Holy Kaaba.
- The miraculous Zamzam Well is another major attraction of this mosque. According to Islamic teachings, this well erupted years ago when Hajra was searching for water for her son Ismail. Pilgrims drink from this sacred well as part of their pilgrimage rites.
- The Grand Mosque is home to the revered Maqam Ibrahim. It is a sacred stone associated with Prophet Ibrahim. Bearing the prophet’s footprints, this stone is located near the Holy Kaaba.
- Another major appeal of this place is the Black Stone. It is an ancient relic that pilgrims try to kiss or touch during Tawaf. This holiest stone is embedded in the eastern corner of the Kaaba.
- Sa’i is another major rite of Umrah. During this ritual, you have to run or walk briskly between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
- You can attend religious lectures or sessions held by Islamic scholars. Joining these sessions as a group can be a learning experience.
- At this mosque, you can drink water from the sacred Zamzam well and share it with your fellow pilgrims as well.
2- Cave of Hira
Perched on Jabal al-Nour, the historic Cave of Hira is just 4km northeast of the Holy Kaaba in Mecca. It is located at a height of 634m on the mountain. This cave is the sacred place where the Prophet (SAWW) received the first revelation of the Quran from the Angel Gabriel during the month of Ramadan in 510 CE. Ramadan Umrah packages allow you to visit this sacred cave with your fellow pilgrims.
This event marked the beginning of his prophethood and the foundation of Islam. Before the revelation, the Prophet used to visit this cave to meditate and seek solitude. Pilgrims must visit this sacred place to experience the peaceful environment and strengthen their faith.
You can take a taxi or a private car from Mecca to the base of Jabal al-Nour. Choose early morning or late evening times for your hiking trip. This will help you avoid crowd and midday heat.
Vital Tips for Pilgrims Traveling to the Cave of Hira
- Take a taxi or a private car from Mecca to the base of Jabal al-Nour.
- Choose early morning or late evening times for your hiking trip. This will help you avoid crowd and midday heat.
- Follow the marked trail to the cave. The hike can be 1-2 hours long, based on your pace and weather conditions. Don’t run or climb fast. It can cause exhaustion.
- Once you reach the top, you will find the sacred Cave of Hira. Take time to pray there and praise the historical value of the place.
- Wear comfortable and durable shoes for to navigate through the rocky path.
- Carry an adequate amount of water with you and stay hydrated during the climb.
- Have light snacks with you to maintain your energy level.
- If you have any medical issues consult with your doctor before hiking.
3- Nimrah Mosque
This iconic landmark is set in the plains of Arafat in Mecca. It is found in Wadi Uranah, a famous valley near Mount Arafat. This mosque spans over 110,000 sqm and can accommodate 350,000 worshippers. Nimrah Mosque is the place where the Prophet (SAWW) delivered his Farewell Sermon on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah in 632 CE. Focusing on equality, justice, and the value of the 5 Islamic pillars of Islam, this sermon is the cornerstone of Islamic teachings.
Unique Architectural Features of this Mosque
The mosque stands out for its unique building style. Here are some of the stunning architectural features of this place:
- Featuring a Hijazi design, the mosque has a large open area for worshippers.
- A large mihrab and a prominent mimbar are the distinctive elements of this famous mosque.
- Masjid Nimrah is adorned with six towering minarets and three large domes. These structures add more grace to the overall building style.
Why Group Umrah Pilgrims Should Visit Nimrah Mosque?
- Though primarily the mosque is associated with Hajj, visiting this place during Umrah allows pilgrims to understand pilgrimage rituals in detail.
- By visiting this mosque pilgrims find a serene and spiritual environment for prayer.
- Exploring Nimrah Mosque can be a learning experience for pilgrims. There they can learn about Islamic history and the life of the Prophet (SAWW). This can boost their spiritual journey.
- The stunning architectural beauty of this place is a must-see for pilgrims. It provides a deeper glimpse into the historical Islamic building styles.
So, don’t miss exploring these historical landmarks during your Umrah trip. Muslims Holy Travel, a leading travel agency in the UK, offers you group Umrah packages at affordable prices. With these deals, you can visit the sacred places of Mecca and learn about the Islamic heritage. Get these packages today and make your journey memorable.