JOURNEY OF FAITH : MEKKAH TOURS (HAJJ 2017)

PROPHET MUHAMMAD S.A.W BIRTHPLACE

A significant historical landmarks located in the She'eb Abi Talib area, just a short walk from the Masjid al-Haram. 

The birthplace is situated on Suq al-Layl Street, east of Masjid al-Haram. It is roughly 400 to 500 meters from the Mas'a (the area where pilgrims perform Sa'ie between Safa and Marwah). 

However the original house where the Prophet was born no longer exists in its 7th century form. The Saudi had transformed the site into a public library known as Maktabat Makkah al-Mukarramah (the Mecca Library).

ZAM ZAM WELL

The Zam Zam well is one of the most sacred sites in Mekkah, located within the Masjid al-Haram, approximately 20 meters east of Kaaba. While the well itself is no longer visible to the public, its history an the distribution of its water are central to the Hajj and Umrah experience. 

The story of the well dates back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hajar, and their son Ismail. According to Islamic tradition, the well sprang forth miraculously when Hajar was searching for water for her thirsty infant son, running seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa.

Scientists have noted that the water is high in calcium and magnesium salts, which contributes to its unique taste and its refreshing quality for tired pilgrims.

ABRAJ AL BAIT

Also known as Mekkah Royal Clock Tower, a massive government-owned complex located just steps away from the Masjid al-Haram. Completed in 2012, it was designed to modernise the city and provice world-class facilities for the millions of pilgrims who visit for Hajj and Umrah. 

At 601 meters, it is the tallest building in Saudi Arabia and one of the tallest structures in the world. It features the world's largest clock faces-four in total.

The complex consists of 7 towers : 

1. Makkah Royal Clock Tower (The central Fairmont hotel)
2. Hajar (Mövenpick Hotel)
3. Zamzam (Pullman Hotel)
4. Maqam (Swissôtel)
5. Qibla (Swissôtel Al Maqam)
6. Safa (Raffles Makkah Palace)
7. Marwah (Al Marwa Rayhaan)

JABAL AN NUR

During the 2017 Hajj season, Jabal an-Nuur (Mountain of Light) remained one of the most visited historical sites in Mekkah. Thousand of pilgrims made the trek daily to visit the Cave of Hira, where the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 

Reaching the summit involves ascending approximately 1,200 to 1,750 steps. At the Cave of Hira, many performed two units of prayers (Rakaat) in the spot where the revelation began. Prophet's elderly wife, Siti Khadijah r.a. was reportedly climbed the mountain daily to bring him food and water during his seclusion. 

JABAL RAHMAH

Jabal Rahmah (Mountain of Mercy) is the spiritual heart of the Hajj itself. Located on the Plain of Arafat, this small granite hill is where the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w delivered his Farewell Sermon and where tradition holds that Adam and Eve reunited on Earth. Being the plain of Arafat, it is a mandatory pillar of Hajj. 

On 9th of Zulhijjah (31 August 2017), millions of pilgrims gather here from noon until sunset. 

A prominent 4-meter white stone pillar sits at the summit. It serves as a landmark to help pilgrims identify the hill from a distance. 

Jabal Rahmah during Hajj 2017

Jabal Al-Rahmah during my Umrah in 2015

JABAL THUUR

Jabal Thuur is the mountain of refuge and migration. Jabal Thuur was widely considered the most difficult of the three mountains to summit. It is significantly higher and steeper that Jabal an-Nuur. 

Because the 2017 Hajj fell in late August, the heat on the exposed rock face was dangerous by mid-morning. Pilgrims typically began their ascent at 1:00 AM to reach the cave by dawn, as there was almost no shade on the route.

The destination is the small cave where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) hid for three days during the Hijrah (migration to Madinah) in 622 CE. It is here that tradition holds a spider spun a web and a dove laid eggs at the entrance, deceiving the Quraysh search party into thinking no one had entered.

MASJID AL-HUDAIBIYYAH

The location where the Treaty of Hudaibiyyah was signed in 6 AH (628 AD). This landmark located on the outskirts of Mekkah along the old Jeddah Road, serves as both powerful historical monument and a functional Miqat Point for pilgrims. 

The Tready of Hudaibbiyah was a 10-year peace agreement between the Muslims and the Quraysh, which allowed Islam to flourish in the Arabian Peninsula. 

Hudaibiyyah is a key point of Miqat Station where pilgrims enter the state of Ihram, particularly those traveling from Jeddah or those already in Mekkah looking for a nearby Miqat. Located 24 km from the Masjid al-Haram, it is most conveniently reached via taxi or ride-sharing services from central Mekkah. 

WADI MUHASSIR

A narrow, dry valley located between the sacret sites of Muzdalifah and Mina, to the east of Mekkah in the Hijjaz region of western Arabia. It holds a significance within the Islamic tradition due to its association with the historical event of the failed Abyssinian campaign, led by Abrahah against the Kaaba in circa 570 CE. 

It is here according to tradition that Allah destroyed Abrahah and his army of elephants. This incident is mentioned in Surah al-Fil in AlQuran. 

AIN ZUBAIDAH

Ancient aqueduct and canal sytem build over 1,200 years ago by Queen Zubaidah binti Jaa'far, the wife of Caliph Harun al-Rashid. It was a massive humanitarian project designed to bring fresh water from the mountains to the parched pilgrims in Mekkah, Arafat and Mina. The canal runs about 35 km from the mountain of Taif to Mekkah. 

It is no longer the primary, its ruins are a major historical landmark. It is considered a "masterpiece of human creative genius," involving complex underground tunnels (qanats) and surface aqueducts.

MASJID NAMIRAH

The most critical landmarks of the Hajj pilgrimage. Located on the palin of Arafat, it marks the spot where the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w camped and delivered his Farewell Sermon (Khutbah al-Wida) in 632 CE. 

The front section is part of the mosque where the pulpit is located, is actually in Wadi Uranah, which is technically outside the boundaries of Arafat. The Imam will delivers the Annual Hajj Sermon from this mosque. 

MA'ALA CEMETERY

The Ma'ala Cemetery (properly known as Jannat al-Mu'alla) is the oldest and most important burial ground in Makkah. Located about 1 kilometer north of the Masjid al-Haram at the foot of Mount al-Hajun, it is a site of immense spiritual and historical weight for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. It is very close to Masjid al-Jinn and Masjid al-Shajarah. 

Jannat al-Mu'alla is revered as the "Garden of the Exalted". It served as the main burial ground for the people of Mekkah even before the advent of Islam. It sacredness comes from the notable figures interred there:

• Sayyidah Khadijah (RA): The first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the first person to embrace Islam. Her grave is the most visited site in the cemetery.
• Prophetic Family: The Prophet’s grandfather (Abdul Muttalib), his uncle (Abu Talib), and his mother (Aminah bint Wahb) are all traditionally believed to be buried here.
• Sons of the Prophet: His sons Qasim and Abdullah, who passed away in infancy, are resting here beside their mother.
• Companions (Sahabah): Many early Muslims and prominent companions, such as Asma bint Abi Bakr and her son Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr, are buried in this soil.

MEKKAH HARAM LAND BORDER

The Makkah Haram land border (known as Hudud al-Haram) is the sacred perimeter surrounding the city of Makkah. It defines the area where specific Islamic laws apply—such as the prohibition of hunting, cutting trees, or entry by non-Muslims.
For a pilgrim, especially reflecting on a 2017 Hajj experience, these borders are most visible through large highway markers and "Boundary Mosques."

There are many more interesting places to visit in Mecca that I didn't have time to visit, we can find them on the website about interesting and historical places in Mecca.

Compiled by

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Hajj 2017 pilgrim

30/12/2025: 8.16 p.m