JOURNEY OF FAITH : MEKKAH TOURS (HAJJ 2017)

Mekkah in 2012 (Umrah)

Areej Al Falah Hotel, where my group and I stayed during Umrah 2015. A 3-star accommodation located on Ibrahim Al Khalil Road in the Ash Shubaikah district, approximately 200-300 metres from Masjidilharam courtyards. 

During Umrah 2015

Mekkah in 2017 during Hajj Season.

ABOUT MEKKAH

Mekkah or Mecca (officially Mekkah al-Mukarramah) is the holliest city in Islam, located in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and the site where the Quran was first revealed to him. 

Every able-bodied Muslim is required to perform the Hajj pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime at Mekkah. Millions of visitors travel here annually for Hajj and the shorter Umrah pilgrimage.

MASJID AL-HARAM

Masjid al-Haram is the largest and most important mosque in the Islamic world. Located in Mekkah, it houses the Islam's holiest site, the Kaaba, the focal point (Qibla) for Muslim prayers globally,  and receives millions of pilgrims each year. 

As 2026, the Great Mosque is both the largest mosque in the world and the most expensive building in the world. It currently spans approximately 356,000 to 456,000 square metres and can accomodate between 1.2 and 2 million worshippers during peak times like Hajj dan Ramadan. 

Masjidilharam in 2012 (during Umrah)

Masjidilharam in 2015 (during Umrah)

Masjidilharam in 2017 (during Hajj Season)

KA'ABA

The Ka'aba also known as Baitullah, stand as a cubical structure at the heart of Masjid al-Haram in Mekkah. Considered the most sacred site in Islam, it is the focal point towards which Muslims orient themselves during each solat. It is also integral to the rite of Tawaf, where it is encircled by pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah. It was first built by Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) dan his son Ismail. 

The Sacred sites within the Ka'aba :

• Hajar Al-Aswad, the black stone marking the start of the Tawaf
• Maqam Ibrahim: a stone bearing the footprints of the Prophet Abraham (pbuh). 
• Zamzam well: a sacred water source located within the complex. 
• Safa and Marwa :  the two hills between which pilgrims perform the Sa'ie ritual. 
• Hijr Ismail (Hateem) : a semi-circular area considered part of the Ka'aba.

PROPHET MUHAMMAD S.A.W BIRTHPLACE

Prophet Muhammad s.a.w was born in Mekkah in 570 C.E.A significant historical landmarks located in the She'eb Abi Talib area, just a short walk from the Masjid al-Haram. 

The birthplace of Prophet Muhammad 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).

MIQAT QARN AL-MANAZIL

Miqat Qarn Al-Manazil, also known as As-Sayl al-Kabir, is one of the five principal stations (Miqat), designated for pilgrims to enter the state of Ihram before performing Hajj or Umrah. The Miqat is located 80 km northeast of Masjidilharam and 40 km from the city of Ta'if. 

Qarn al-Manazil serves as a Miqat for the people of Najd and for those from cities such as Ta’if and Riyadh. It is also a Miqat for individuals travelling from Gulf Countries such as the U.A.E and for pilgrims from further afield such as Pakistan, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore etc.

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, Ismail, running seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa.

The well is approximately 30.5 to 35 metres deep, the well pumps between 11 to 18.5 litres per second. During peak seasons like Hajj and Ramadan, it can supply up to 1.6 million litres daily. 

Scientists have noted that the water is naturally alkaline (pH 7.5-8.0) and is high in calcium fluoride 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)

Datuk Ir. Ts. Wan Nazri Hj Wan Aria and Hairul Nizam Baharudin are key Malaysian figures associated with the engineering and technical aspects of the Abraj Al Bait (Mekkah Royal Clock Tower Project). 

Datuk Wan Nazri was the Head Stuctural Engineer and a lead consultant for the Mekkah Royal Clock Tower. Working with the German architecture and Engineering firm SL Rasch GmbH, he is responsible for designing and analysing the complex steel structure and composite facade of the clock tower. 

Hairul Nizam Baharudin was part of the expert team from Premier Composite Technology, his work focused on the composite components of the tower. He was one of approximately 14 Malaysian experts involved in the intricate installation of these high-tech materials.

Together, their involvement highlights the significant role Malaysian engineering talent played in creating what is now the world's tallest clock tower and one of its most complex architectural structures. 

AL-SAFWA TOWERS

Al Safwa Towers is a prominent multi-tower hospitality and commercial complex located in the Ajyad district of Mekkah, Saudi Arabia. Situated directly opposite the King Abdulaziz Gate, it is one of the closest lodging option to the Masjidilharam and the Kaaba. 

The key Towers and Hotel:

1. Al Safwah First Tower (Tower 1): a 5-star hotel featuring 292 residential units across 22 floors. It is highly regarded for its panoramic views of the Holy Mosque and Kaaba. 
2. Al Safwah 3rd Floor : A luxury property offering unique view of Jabal Al Kaaba and Ajyad. 
3. Dar AL Ghufran: located within the Safwa Towers, this hotel is a distinguished property known for its elegant architecture and proximity to the Zamzam well. 

During my Hajj 2017, a well-known Malaysian restaurant and catering, Felda D'Saji operated at the outlet in Al Safwa Tower food court at level 2. For many Malaysian, this was considered the 'only' place in Mekkah to get a true taste of home. It was famous for serving authentic Malaysian fare include Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Teh Tarik, Mee Goreng etc...

The restaurant was closed in late 2020, however it was reopened in December 2022 and still operating as April 2026. 

Felda D'Saji in 2017 during Hajj

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) during the month of Ramadan.

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. 

1. Harian Metro : Jejak Jabal Nur
2. Harian Metro : Insaf di Jabal Nur

JABAL RAHMAH

Jabal Rahmah (Mountain of Mercy) or Mount Arafat, is the spiritual heart of the Hajj itself. Located on the Plain of Arafat, about 20 km from the center of Mekkah, 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 for Wuquf, a core pillar of Hajj,  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. 

1. Wikipedia: Day of Arafah
2. Hajj and Umrah Planner

Jabal Rahmah during Hajj 2017

Jabal Al-Rahmah during my Umrah in 2015

Jabal Rahmah during Umrah in 2012

JABAL THUUR

Jabal Thuur or Mount Thawr 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. Situated in the Al-Hijrah district, south of central Mekkah. 

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. This event is immortalized in the Quran (Surah Al-Tawbah 9:40). 

Reference : Jabal Thawr

Photo taken during Umrah in 2015

JABAL ABU QUBAIS

A mountain located on the eastern side of Masjid al-Haram, where the Prophet s.a.w is reported to have split the moon in half. Due to the ongoing expansion of Masjid al-Haram, only remnants of the mountain remain. 

Historically, a small mosque known as Masjid Bilal was located on its summit, though it is no longer exists today. 

Reference: 

1. Hajj and Umrah Planner
2. Wikipedia: Abu Qubays (Mountain)

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. 

Reference: Hajj Umrah Planner

Photo taken during Umrah in 2015.

WADI MUHASSIR

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 a sunnah to walk briskly through this area when crossing between the two sites. 

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

Wikipedia: Canal of 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

Wikipedia: Masjid al-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.

Ma'ala Cemetery as seen from the rooftop of Abraj Al-Janadriyyah in 2017

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. These boundaries cover a total area of approximately 560 sq km. 

If you are outside the Haram and heading to Makkah for Umrah/Hajj — Ihram must be worn before crossing the Haram border, i.e., at one of the Meeqats. If you are already in Makkah and want to perform a repeated Umrah, you exit outside the Haram border (usually to Tan'im), wear Ihram, and return.

For a pilgrim, especially reflecting on a 2017 Hajj experience, these borders are most visible through large highway markers and "Boundary Mosques."

1. Ziyarago: Mekkah's Haram Border - Map, Spiritual Significances and Connection to Miqats. 
2. What is Quran: History of Islam - The Boundaries of The Haram Land of Mecca.

GRAVE OF MAYMUNA BT AL-HARITH

The wife of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), located in Sarif, a town 20 km north of Makkah. It is located on the foute from Mekkah to Madinah, commonly referred to as Tareeq al-Hijrah. She was buried underneath the tree where she got married to the prophet s.a.w. 

Reference: Hajj Umrah Planner

ZAM ZAM RESTAURANT

In Mecca (Makkah), there are several dining options associated with the name Zamzam, ranging from casual local eateries to high-end hotel restaurants and cafes located near the Masjid al-Haram.

Zam Zam Restaurant located at Al Hajilah, Mekkah is known for Pakistani / Desi food like Haleem, mutton karahi and fresh Naan. Veru affordable with popular items like chicken grilled with rice and various pulses.

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

Updated: 22 April 2026: 3.11 p.m