Umrah and Ziyarat: Combining Pilgrimage with Historical Site Visits
Visiting Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage involves visiting the holy sites and exploring Islamic history in the country. We all know the religious and historical significance of Saudi Arabia’s exceptional sites. Whenever Muslims visit the country for Hajj and Umrah, they try to make the most of their time and see most of the ziyarat sites. Combining pilgrimage with historical site visits makes the experience more enlightening and unforgettable.
If you are one of the Canadian Muslims going for an Umrah soon, you might want to know how you can combine Umrah and ziyarat to ensure you make the most of this golden opportunity to explore the birthplace of Islam. You will get to visit the sites that have been standing in all their glory since the early days of Islam. There are many mosques and sites here that are tainted with the footsteps of our beloved Prophet (SAW) and his companions. Who would want to miss out on this incredible chance? Here is how you can combine your pilgrimage and ziyarat this year.
Must-Visit Sites to Combine Pilgrimage With Historical Sites
The Holy Kaabah
The Holy Kaabah is where the pilgrimage begins and ends. It is undoubtedly the most sacred site in Islam, visited by millions of Muslims annually. If you want to experience the spirituality of this incredible landmark, get your hands on the Umrah Packages from Toronto and start planning your spiritual retreat. Booking these packages is the first step most Muslims take while planning their trip to the Holy Kaabah, so book them in advance and start counting the days until you can stand in front of the Kaabah.
The sight of this cubic structure makes Muslims emotional and feel closer to the Creator. Circumambulating around the Holy Kaabah is a faith-reviving and spiritual experience that creates a sense of unity among the Muslim Ummah. Therefore, this is the first site you will visit while you are in the country for the pilgrimage.
Masjid an-Nabwi
Whenever Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia for a pilgrimage, they add Masjid an-Nabwi to their itinerary. Even if they don’t have time to explore other historical and religious sites, pilgrims ensure they visit this beautiful mosque.
We all know this mosque as the last resting place of our beloved Prophet (SAW), and there is no place on earth that can be as peaceful for Muslims as this mosque. It is not just a pilgrimage site but also a historical one. So, this landmark promises you a historical retreat into the time of the Prophet (SAW), which is quite a spiritually and historically enlightening experience.
Cave Hira
Cave Hira is one of the most prominent ziyarat sites near Mecca. The Islamic history of this cave makes everyone want to visit it during their trip to Saudi Arabia. This cave is in Jabal al-Nour, where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was declared the last Prophet of Allah Almighty. The first few verses of the Holy Quran were revealed to the Prophet (SAW) while he was in this cave. Therefore, if you are curious about Islamic history, you will not want to miss out on this historic landmark.
Masjid Quba
Exploring the Islamic history in Saudi Arabia is incomplete without visiting Masjid Quba in Medina. Being the first mosque in Islam, this mosque indeed has a prominent place in history. You must also take time to pray at least two rakat prayers at this mosque. Do you know that this small prayer will give you the reward of performing the voluntary pilgrimage, Umrah? It is surprising and is something that you must not miss out on. So, add this mosque to your Saudi itinerary while you are in the country for the pilgrimage.
Mount Arafat
If you have performed a Hajj, you might know this pilgrimage site. Hajj pilgrims must visit this mountain for their mandatory Hajj ritual. As an Umrah pilgrim, you will not have to visit Mount Arafat, but you can still see it and experience its spirituality. This mountain is the site of many important historical events in Islamic history. Therefore, visiting it is an enlightening experience that takes you back and tells you much about Islamic history.
Jabal Thawr
This mountain was a refuge for the Prophet (SAW) in Islamic history. It is one of the mountains surrounding the sacred city of Mecca. Allah Almighty saved his beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his close companion miraculously from the pagans of Mecca while they took refuge at this mountain. The historical essence of this mountain makes it a prominent ziyarat site for Muslims who want to learn more about Islamic history during their pilgrimage.
Final Words
Do you plan to visit as many Islamic historical sites in the country as possible during your Umrah? If so, it is time to share your plans with an Islamic travel agency and avail yourself of the ideal Umrah deals. You will enjoy combining pilgrimage with historical site visits during your spiritual retreat. You can add the sites mentioned above to your itinerary. Still, there are countless other historical sites that you can visit in Mecca and Medina during your pilgrimage if you have time.
