Assalamualaikum.
Our third day in Makkah will be a journey through the roots of our faith. We’ll board a tour bus to visit the historic sites of Jabal Thawr, Muzdalifah, and Mina, with dedicated stops to reflect at Jabal Rahmah (the Mount of Mercy) and Ja'aranah. We will also see the Jamarat and the majestic Jabal Nour as we trace the path of the Prophet (ﷺ) and the great traditions of Hajj.
The morning air was crisp and refreshing as my wife and I headed to the Grand Mosque at 4:40 am for Subuh prayer. With our departure for Madinah approaching, I took a few photos to hold onto these memories. As we walked, I whispered a quiet dua, full of hope that Allah SWT will invite us back to His house together and grants us the health and sustenance to return to Makkah again.
The courtyard praying sections for women.
The courtyard praying sections for men.
Masjidil Haram provides free plastic bag dispensers (Shuback) at entrances for carrying sandals and shoes inside to prevent loss, theft, or congestion. These bags allow worshippers to keep footwear with them, avoiding crowded shoe racks. While supplied, it is recommended to bring your own, as supply can be limited.
Beyond the gift of having extra time for Ibadah within the mosque, the greatest advantage of arriving early is the abundance of space. It allows us the luxury of choosing a truly comfortable spot to settle in before the crowds arrive. With the Masjidil Haram filling up so fast, being there an hour ahead means we can choose a quiet corner near a Zamzam station or a pillar for back support.
The post-Subuh rush that morning was surprisingly light. Unlike the typical surge of pilgrims, the flow was calm and manageable, making our walk back to the Makkah Towers quite pleasant and stress-free in a relaxed atmosphere, without the usual hustle of the morning rush.
A view of the men's courtyard prayer section and the Masjidil Haram.
Breakfast at at Al Fayhaa Restaurant, Level 6, Makkah Towers Hotel.
Our tour of the historical sites began at 7:30 am, with the group convening in the main lobby of the Makkah Towers Hotel. Ustaz Herman advised those intending to perform Umrah to prepare their Ihram attire; they had the choice of dressing at the hotel or changing at Masjid al-Ji’ranah (or Jaa'ranah)—a site of great historical importance that serves as a Miqat for entering the state of Ihram.
Boarding the bus to start our tour.
A Ziyarat tour of Makkah’s historic sites is a guided spiritual journey exploring key landmarks from early Islamic history and the Hajj pilgrimage. The tour is a spiritual journey that connect pilgrims to pivotal moments in the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the rituals of Hajj. Key stops include the caves of Jabal Nour (Hira) and Jabal Thawr, the Mount of Mercy (Jabal Rahmah) in Arafah, Muzdalifah, Mina, the Jamarat stoning area, and Ja'aranah, providing deep insights into the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) life.
Key Sites Visited on the Tour:
🔹Jabal Nour (Mount of Light) & Hira Cave: Where the Prophet (PBUH) received the first revelation of the Quran.
🔹Jabal Thawr (Cave of Refuge): The cave where the Prophet (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) hid during their Hijrah (migration) to Madinah.
🔹Jabal Rahmah (Mount of Mercy): Located in Arafah, this is where the Prophet (PBUH) delivered his final sermon.
🔹Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina: Crucial sites for Hajj, featuring the tent city of Mina, the plains of Arafah, and the, as well as the Jamarat bridge for the stoning ritual.
🔹Ja'aranah: A site for donning Ihram for Umrah, historically linked to the aftermath of the Battle of Hunayn.
Tour Details:
🔹Duration: Typically 3 to 5 hours, often in the morning, and can be arranged as private or group tours.
🔹Experience: These tours are designed for pilgrims and visitors seeking to understand the spiritual and historical context of these holy sites, featuring knowledgeable guides who explain the significance of each location.
🔹Accessibility: Most locations are easily accessible by car, though hiking to the caves requires good physical fitness.
Throughout the tour, to provide deeper context Ustaz Herman enriched our experience by sharing the Sirah (prophetic biographies) associated with each landmark, offering additional insights allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the history of the locations.
Passing through the city, we were struck by the engineering marvels of modern Makkah. Witnessing the monumental shifts in the city landscape across our seven Umrahs has been an experience in itself; each visit reveals new world-class hotels, sophisticated road networks, and tunnels.
These developments are a powerful testament to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) commitment to ensuring the comfort and safety of millions of Muslims arriving from all over the world to perform their Hajj and Umrah. It reflects the KSA’s dedication under Saudi Vision 2030 to enhancing the pilgrim experience for the global Muslim community with the unwavering mission to provide a seamless and comfortable journey for every guest of Allah.
Key Highlights of the Modernization:
🔹Mountain Infrastructure: Makkah is famous for having one of the highest concentrations of road tunnels in the world. These tunnels—like those through the Kudai and Ajyad mountains—drastically reduce travel time between hotels and the Masjid al-Haram.
🔹The "Masar" Transformation: By early 2026, the Masar Destination (formerly the King Abdulaziz Road project) has revolutionized the city's layout, providing a massive 3.65 km pedestrian boulevard and new underground road systems to separate vehicular traffic from pilgrims.
🔹Elevated Solutions: The elevated highways help bypass the high-density traffic of the central district, allowing buses and other vehicles to move from the airport directly into the heart of the city without getting bogged down in local street congestion.
🔹Infrastructure Expansion: Projects like the Masar Destination (King Abdulaziz Road) and the Haramain High-Speed Railway have revolutionized how pilgrims move through the city.
🔹Capacity Goals: These developments align with the Pilgrim Experience Program, which aims to host 30 million Umrah performers annually by 2030.
🔹Modern Amenities: Extensive tunnel networks, 24/7 municipal monitoring, and advanced cooling systems are all designed to manage extreme crowd density and heat.
To our right, we can see the historic Jabal Thawr. While we didn't stop here, this mountain holds a pivotal moment in Islamic history. It was in a small cave near the summit that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his loyal companion Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) sought refuge for three days and nights.
As they migrated to the blessed city of Madinah, they were protected here by Allah’s miracles—including a spider's web and a nesting bird—which hid them from the pursuing Quraysh. It stands today as a powerful symbol of divine protection and faith. It was here, in the face of danger, that the Prophet (PBUH) famously reassured his companion, saying, 'Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us'. Let this mountain remind us of the power of Tawakkul (trust in Allah).
As we look toward Jabal Thawr, situated just 4 km south of the Grand Mosque, we see a peak rising 458 meters above us. Reaching the famous Thawr Cave at the top is a rewarding but challenging climb that takes nearly two hours. Once at the summit, you’ll find the cave is a modest space, about 3.5 meters across and 1.25 meters high. While visitors today often use the larger eastern entrance for convenience, the western door remains the most significant, as it is the very path taken by the Prophet (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) during their hijrah.
Back when we were performing Hajj, there was an information board at the foot of Jabal Thawr with a statement as below:
"Brother In Islam! The prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) did not permit us to climb on this hill, not to pray there, not to touch its stones and tie knot on its trees and not to take anything from its soil, stones and trees.
The good deed is to follow the path of the prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him). So do not oppose that. Allah said "Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have a good example to follow for him." (Al Ahzab:21)"
Key Clarifications
🔹The Prohibitions: The board specifically warns against Bid'ah (innovation in religion). While the cave is historically significant, Saudi authorities and many scholars emphasize that visiting it is for historical reflection, not as a required ritual of Hajj or Umrah.
🔹The Verse: Surah Al-Ahzab 33:21 is used to remind pilgrims that the Prophet’s (PBUH) behavior is the gold standard for all acts of worship.
Marvel at the Aisha Al Rajhi Mosque—Makkah’s Ottoman-style masterpiece! Opened in 2013 in the Al-Naseem district, this 61,000 m² sanctuary hosts 48,000 worshippers. With its 48-meter high grand dome and twin minarets, it’s not just a place of prayer but a triumph of modern Islamic design. Truly a highlight of the Makkah architectural landscape!
Quick Note: While the mosque is a major landmark, please note it is located outside the Haram central area, about 10km away from the Kaaba.
To the left of the mosque is the Copthorne Makkah Al Naseem Hotel.
WELLCARE IMC - A medical center.
قصر الأمير سلطان - Prince Sultan Palace.
This is Umm Al-Qura University (UQU), a prominent public Islamic university in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, established in 1981 (formally originating from a 1950 Sharia college). It specializes in Islamic studies, Arabic language, and Hajj research, alongside engineering, medicine, and applied sciences for over 100,000 students, contributing significantly to Saudi Vision 2030.
After about 40 minutes we arrived at Jabal Rahmah (Mount of Mercy). Jabal Rahmah is a small hill on the plain of Arafah where the Prophet (PBUH) delivered his Farewell Sermon. It is also believed to be where Adam and Eve (AS) reunited on Earth.
This is Jabal Al Rahma Hospital, a crucial, specialized medical facility located near the Mount of Mercy (Jabal Al-Rahmah) in Arafat, Saudi Arabia, designed to serve pilgrims during the annual Hajj season. It provides 24/7 emergency care, specialized intensive care (ICU), and heat exhaustion units for pilgrims.
Jabal Rahmah (Mount of Mercy) is a 70-meter-high granite hill in the plain of Arafat, 20 km southeast of Mecca, crucial to the Hajj pilgrimage. On the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims gather there for prayer and repentance, marking the spot where Prophet Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon.
Ustaz Herman shared deep insights and spiritual guidance into the significance of Jabal Al Rahma, providing our group with a truly immersive and reflective experience.
A memorable keepsake, treasuring this moment at Jabal Al Rahma with my better half.
A special photo with our guide, Ustaz Herman. We cannot thank him enough for his incredible guidance during this Umrah journey—he truly went above and beyond. Thank you, Ustaz, for your endless patience and for being our pillar of support. May Allah SWT reward your sincerity and kindness with the highest of blessings. Jazakallahu Khairan, Ustaz.
Jabal Rahmah, also known as the Mount of Mercy, is a significant historical and religious granite hill located on the eastern side of the Plain of Arafat, approximately 20 kilometres southeast of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Physical Attributes
🔹Height: The hill rises approximately 70 metres (230 feet) above the surrounding plain.
🔹Elevation: Its highest point reaches an elevation of roughly 454 metres above sea level.
🔹The Pillar: A prominent seven-metre-high white pillar stands at the summit, serving as a landmark and a reminder of the historical events associated with the site.
🔹Composition: It is primarily composed of granodiorite rock, featuring large, hard, black stones.
Religious & Historical Significance
Jabal Rahmah is deeply revered in Islamic tradition for several major reasons:
🔹The Farewell Sermon: It is the site where Prophet Muhammad delivered his historic Farewell Sermon (Khutbat al-Wada) to over 100,000 companions during his final Hajj in 10 AH (632 CE) marking the perfection of Islam.
🔹Reunion of Adam and Eve: According to Islamic tradition, it is believed to be the location where Prophet Adam and Hawwa (Eve) were reunited on Earth and where their repentance was accepted by Allah after descending from Jannah.
🔹Completion of Islam: Many scholars believe the final verse of the Quran (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:3), declaring the perfection of the religion, was revealed at this site during the Prophet's final pilgrimage.
Role in Hajj
🔹The Pinnacle of Hajj: Gathering on the Plain of Arafat (known as Wuquf) on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah is the most essential ritual of Hajj. The Prophet stated, "Hajj is Arafah," meaning the pilgrimage is invalid if this ritual is missed.
🔹Day of Supplication: Millions of pilgrims gather on and around the mountain from noon until sunset to seek forgiveness, engage in intense prayer, and perform supplications.
🔹Climbing: While many pilgrims choose to climb the hill via its southern stairs for a symbolic experience, climbing is not a mandatory requirement of Hajj; standing anywhere within the boundaries of Arafat is sufficient.
🔹"Mount of Mercy": The name comes from the belief that it is a place where divine mercy descends, especially for the forgiveness of sins.
🔹Safety and Surroundings: Saudi authorities provide extensive facilities, including medical services, for the massive crowds that gather there annually.
What is being displayed on the pillar is a notice prohibiting superstitious practices at Jabal Rahmah. Below photo was captured during our 2017 Umrah.
Jabal Al-Rahma has been known as Mount Arafat since the fifth century AH, named so for the blessings witnessed on the day of Arafat. It was known by several names in the past, such as Mount Alal, Mount Arafat, Mount Al-Qurayn, Mount Al-Nabit, and Moun Ad-Duaa.
This is the Mount of Mercy Exhibition Hall; an exhibition marquee related to Hajj and development projects in Saudi Arabia.
The structure features several logos and names associated with Saudi development and pilgrim services:
🔹Kidana Development Company: The "Kidana" logo identifies the subsidiary of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. Kidana focuses on developing the Holy Sites (Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat) and enhancing services for pilgrims.
🔹Hadiyah (Hajj & Mutamir's Gift Association): The logo with the palm tree and star, labeled "Hadiyah" (Gift), belongs to the association that provides voluntary and charitable services to pilgrims.
🔹Jabal al-Rahmah Exhibition: The Arabic text above the entrance translates to "Jabal al-Rahmah Exhibition," referring to the historic "Mount of Mercy" in Arafat.
Kidana and Hadiyah frequently participate in exhibitions to showcase development projects and services aimed at improving the Hajj experience. For example:
🔹Development Projects: Kidana uses these platforms to present initiatives that enhance emergency, first-aid systems, and crowd management within the Holy Sites.
🔹Pilgrim Services: Hadiyah participates in events like the "Nusuk-Pilgrim Gift Expo" to offer products and support that add value to the pilgrims' experience.
🔹The structure itself is a polygon marquee, a type of rapid-deployment event structure often used for large-scale exhibitions, trade shows, or temporary government forums due to its ability to be built quickly in open spaces.
This is Ain Zubaidah, a historic, 9th-century, 35-km-long water canal system (qanat) built to relieve water shortages for pilgrims in Mecca. Commissioned by Queen Zubaidah bint Ja'far around 801 CE, it transported water from Wadi Numan and Hunayn to Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina. It functioned for over 1,200 years.
📘Key Features and History:
🔹Engineering Marvel: The system used covered aqueducts and underground channels, designed to overcome mountainous terrain to bring water to the Holy Sites.
🔹The Founder: Named after Queen Zubaydah bint Ja'far, wife of Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid, who funded the project following a severe drought, reportedly stating it should be completed regardless of cost.
🔹Inspiration: During her pilgrimage (Hajj) in 809 CE, the Queen witnessed a severe drought where water was selling for as much as 10 silver dirhams. She famously ordered the project to proceed "even if every stroke of a pickaxe cost a dinar".
🔹Engineering: The system is a qanat (covered aqueduct) that uses gravity to transport water. It features a precise gradient of approximately 1 in 3,000, a level of accuracy that remains impressive by modern standards.
🔹Capacity: At its peak, the canal provided up to 40,000 cubic meters of water daily.
🔹Decline: The system suffered from neglect and increased water demand, drying up by approximately 1980.
🔹Preservation: The Saudi government has undertaken efforts to restore and preserve the remnants of this significant Islamic heritage site.
🔹Components: The system included inspection chambers (132 along the route), underground tanks (bazanat), and stone faucets for pilgrims.
📘Infrastructure and Maintenance
🔹Access Shafts: The canal includes over 130 inspection chambers (Kharazah) spaced every 50 meters to allow for cleaning and maintenance.
🔹Construction Materials: It was built using stone-lined channels and reinforced with a specialized lime mortar that prevented water absorption.
🔹Legacy: The system remained functional for over a millennium, carrying up to 40,000 cubic meters of water daily, until it was rendered defunct in 1974 due to urban expansion and declining water tables.
📘Modern Status
Today, the remnants of Ain Zubaidah are protected as an archaeological site. Visitors can see sections of the ancient masonry near Mount Rahmah and in the Al-Aziziyah district of Mecca. The Saudi government has undertaken several initiatives to preserve the canal as a cultural heritage site, including plans for a museum and visitor center.
Following a 30-minute visit to the historic Jabal Al Rahma, we continued our journey to the next landmark, the historic tent city of Mina.
To be continued.
Till the next coming entry, inshaAllah. Meanwhile do take care.
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