Ji’ranah Mosque

An important mosque for prayers and Hajj/Umrah preparations, the expansive Masjid Al Ji’ranah has modern amenities, lofty interiors and an elegant courtyard. It is located about 20km from Makkah on the road to Taif.

This impressive mosque on the road to Taif is an important place for Muslims, especially those who are preparing for Hajj or Umrah. The Prophet (PBUH), after the Battle of Hunaian, stopped at Masjid Al Ji’ranah and entered Ihram here before continuing to the holy city. That is why Ji’ranah Mosque is a popular miqat station, especially for residents of Makkah.

Aqaba Mosque

The compact Bayah Mosque is located close to Mina, just east of Makkah. As the Stoning of the Devil ritual in Mina is part of Hajj and Umrah, many pilgrims stop by this elegant house of worship. It has been renovated several times, but the mosque’s graceful architecture, open courtyard and humble dimensions have remained intact throughout the centuries.

The site on Aqaba (Uqbah) Hill on which this mosque is built is sacred to Muslims. According to the traditional account, Mohamed (PBUH) met with tribal leaders from Yathrib (Madinah), who were on their way to the Kaaba. After The Prophet (PBUH) recited from the Quran and told them about Allah, they pledged their allegiance to Islam. Later, Caliph Abu Jafar Al Mansur built a mosque on this spot and named it Masjid Al Bayah (also written as “Biah”), which means “pledge.”

Masjid Al Jinn

Masjid Al Jinn is known by several names, including Masjid Haras, Masjid Bayah, the Mosque of Allegiance and the Mosque of Guards. It is just north of the Holy Mosque, next to Jannat Al Mu’alla, on Al Masjid Al Haram Road. Although worshiping at this mosque is not an obligatory part of Hajj, it is still thrilling to stand at the very spot where the Jinn tribe embraced Islam.

Scores of stories have been told about this curiously named mosque. The most famous of the accounts says that on this spot Mohamed (PBUH) recited the Quran to the Jinn tribe, who then embraced Islam and became believers.

The original Masjid Al Jinn was built in 1700 – and was originally underground. Recent additions to the historical mosque include angular architecture and a distinctly modern minaret.

Masjid Aisha

This massive mosque is about 10km north of Al Masjid Al Haram, on the highway to Madinah. It is a 20-minute taxi ride from Makkah city center, longer if traffic is heavy. As a miqat station, Masjid Aisha often has vendors that sell Ihram clothing and essentials like slippers and money belts.

Aisha Mosque, also known as Taneem Mosque (Masjid e Taneem), is a popular destination for pilgrims, especially locals who are beginning their Hajj or Umrah journeys. This is where Aisha (SAW), the beloved wife of Mohamed (PBUH), prepared to enter Ihram.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, “”Part of the worship of Hajj and Umrah is to travel in the way of Allah (SWT) and to go out of the city.”” Thus, this mosque serves as a miqat, or a place for adorning Ihram clothing. As such, Masjid e Taneem is equipped with a large number of washrooms and bathing facilities.

Jabal Al Nour

Jabal Al Nour is a short drive northwest of the Old City. As the sun and heat are intense during the day, most travelers and pilgrims attempt the summit at dawn, dusk or in the evening. Depending on your physical abilities, the climb takes anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours. Be sure to bring plenty of water and, if climbing when it’s dark, a flashlight.

After ascending about 1,200 steps, you will reach the summit and the Hira cave, marked by a sign painted on stone. Thankfully, the descent is not nearly as difficult.

Called the “Mountain of Light” or “Hill of Illumination,” Jabal Al Nour is famous for its Hira cave, where the Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) received the first of his many revelations. This rocky peak is visible for many kilometers around. Its significance in Islamic history, along with soaring views of Makkah and the Holy Mosque from its summit, make Jabal Al Nour a popular spot for pilgrims.

Jannat Al Mu’alla

Jannat Al Mu’alla, also called Al Hajun, lies 1km north of the Holy Mosque. It is a 15-minute walk. If driving or taking a taxi, the route is 9km but takes about the same amount of time.

A long white wall surrounds the site. As there are no longer any identification markers, most people simply pay their respects to the entire area. The cemetery is open all year, and there is no admission fee.

Not far from The Grand Mosque is the second most famous cemetery in the Islamic world. Jannat Al Mu’alla is where many of the Prophet (PBUH)’s ancestors are buried, notably his mother (Aminah), grandfather (Abdul Muttalib) and first wife (Khadijah). This ancient burial place was respected even before Mohamed (PBUH) was born, and remains so to this day.

Unfortunately, 1925 saw the destruction of many landmarks, including this cemetery. As a result, no domes, tombs or gravestones remain, though small piles of rocks mark where the bodies are interred.