Exploring Makkah and Madinah While on Umrah Tour

The Umrah pilgrimage entails a trip to the holy city of Makkah, which holds immense historical and religious significance for Muslims. It is a deeply spiritual and rewarding experience that sees millions of pilgrims from around the world making the journey each year. During Umrah, pilgrims perform a number of rituals to show their devotion to Allah (SWT) and seek his forgiveness for their past transgressions. 

In the course of performing this spiritual duty, many pilgrims additionally choose to embark on an Umrah tour, through which they get the opportunity to visit key religious sites in Makkah and Madinah. These sites played important roles in the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as he relayed Allah’s (SWT) commands to the people and founded Islam. If you are planning to undertake your pilgrimage with the help of an Umrah tour agency in Singapore, you should ask them for details about their Umrah tour packages to understand which sites you will be visiting during your journey. Most Umrah packages in Singapore will include a visit to one or more of the following sacred locations over the course of the Umrah tour.

Jabal Nur 

Known as the Mountain of Light, Jabal Nur is the site of the Hira Cave, where the Prophet (PBUH) spent time meditating and received the first revelations of the Holy Quran. This 642m-tall mountain is easily visible from the surrounding areas and its summit offers a breathtaking view of Makkah and the Masjid al-Haram, which is where the main phase of Umrah takes place.

Climbing the mountain can take up to three hours, depending on your physical condition. Additionally, this climb is often undertaken at dusk or dawn, when the sun and heat are not at their harshest. If your Umrah tour includes a trip to the summit, your operator will likely ensure that you are provided with the necessary equipment, such as adequate water supplies and a flashlight (if you are making the climb when it is dark).

Jabal Thawr

Jabal Thawr is a mountain located roughly eight kilometres from Makkah, and houses a cave known as Ghār Thawr, which is of great significance to Muslims. This is because Ghār Thawr is where the Prophet and his companion Abu Bakr (RA) sought refuge for three days during their journey to Madinah, when hiding from the Quraysh tribe of Makkah.

As Jabal Thawr is located some distance away from Makkah and the climb to its summit is somewhat steep, this site sees relatively fewer pilgrims visiting it. However, those who complete the climb can take in a panoramic view of the surroundings and have a look at this cave where Allah (SWT) intervened to protect the Prophet (PBUH) and his companion.

Masjid al-Hudaibiyah

This mosque on the outskirts of Makkah marks the location where the Treaty of Hudaibiyah was signed between the Prophet (PBUH) and the Quraysh tribe. This treaty allowed the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions to return the following year to perform the very first pilgrimage to Makkah. It is currently used as a Miqat for pilgrims undertaking Hajj and Umrah to enter the state of Ihram. 

Mount Arafat 

This hill is located around 20km southeast of Makkah and is a part of one of the most significant rites of Hajj, but you may choose to visit this location during an Umrah tour as well. This is where the Prophet (PBUH) delivered one of his last sermons during the final year of his life.

Uhud

This mountain, located north of Madinah, was the site of a critical battle between Muslims (Muhajireen and Ansar) and the Quraysh non-believers of Makkah. In this battle, known as the second most significant battle for Islam, the Muslims were initially victorious despite being severely outnumbered by their foes, but lost their position at the last minute due to archers not following the orders they were given by the Prophet (PBUH). However, the Muslims were able to make a safe retreat, making Uhud a reminder of the importance of following instructions as well as of Allah’s (SWT) mercy.

Masjid al-Qiblatain

Due to its historical significance, pilgrims frequently visit this mosque in Madinah. Masjid Qiblatain is where the Prophet (PBUH) received the revelation that the direction of prayer should be changed from Jerusalem to Makkah. This is one of the oldest mosques in Islam and can house up to 2,000 worshippers at a time. Until recently, Masjid al-Qiblatain housed a prayer niche that faced Jerusalem, and though this has since been removed, it speaks to how long this site has been used as a hall of prayer. 

Masjid Quba

Masjid Quba, located just outside the boundary of Madinah, is the very first mosque in Islamic history and the second-largest constructed. It was built almost a year after the migration of the Prophet (PBUH) to Madinah, and the Prophet (PBUH) himself laid the foundation stone of the mosque. Another reason why Masjid Quba is frequently visited by Muslim pilgrims in Madinah is because this is the mosque in which the first ever Salah prayer was held. 

Explore the Holy Sites with Umrah Tours from TM Fouzy Travel & Tours 

While it is not required that you visit all of the aforementioned sites when performing Umrah, any Muslim would value the chance to see these places and get a glimpse into the Prophet’s (PBUH) way of life. This is why TM Fouzy Travel & Tours, the top Muslim travel agency in Singapore, includes a visit to all the above locations in our Umrah tour packages. Having assisted countless pilgrims embark on Umrah from Singapore, we will ensure that you have a safe and comfortable journey, giving you the space to appreciate this spiritual experience.