Exploring the hidden gems of 黑料社区鈥檚 sacred heritage

Beyond the holy cities, other sacred destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. (Supplied/File photo)
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  • In the holy city of Makkah, pilgrims visit Jabal Al-Nour, whose name means 鈥淢ountain of Light鈥�

JEDDAH: As pilgrims complete the sacred rites of Hajj, many embark on a deeper spiritual journey by exploring historic Islamic sites across 黑料社区 to connect with the roots of their faith.

In the holy city of Makkah, pilgrims visit Jabal Al-Nour, whose name means 鈥淢ountain of Light.鈥� At its peak lies the Cave of Hira, where the first verses of the Qur鈥檃n were revealed through the Angel Jibreel.

The mountain鈥檚 distinctive camel-hump shape makes it a striking landmark, especially with the nearby Hira Cultural District, where the Revelation Gallery offers pilgrims to learn the story of divine revelation and history.




Beyond the holy cities, other sacred destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. (Supplied/File photo)

Ahmed Khan, a private tour guide said: 鈥淭here鈥檚 something unexplainable about standing where it all began. When I take pilgrims to Jabal al-Nour, many of them are moved to tears it鈥檚 not just a climb, but it鈥檚 a spiritual awakening.鈥�

To the south lies Jabal Thawr, the mountain that cradled the Prophet and his companion Abu Bakr as-Siddiq in its cave during their migration to Madinah. The story of divine protection, where a spider鈥檚 web and a dove鈥檚 nest concealed their presence from their pursuers, resonates deeply with pilgrims.

Another frequently visited site is Jabal Abu Qubays, believed in some traditions to be the first mountain placed on Earth. As the closest peak to the Grand Mosque, it resonates with the early public da鈥檞ah and the great spiritual responsibility.

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鈥� Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where revelation changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah, remains a must-visit site for pilgrims. 

鈥� Programs like 鈥楬ala,鈥� launched by Al-Bait Guests Co., are curating journeys for pilgrims to explore with knowledgeable guides. 

Nearby, the modest yet historically significant Al-Bay鈥檃h Mosque marks the location of the Pledge of Aqabah, where the Ansar of Madinah pledged allegiance to the Prophet Muhammad.

Built during the Abbasid era, it symbolizes early Muslim unity and commitment to the new faith. A short distance away in Al-Hajun district is Jabal Al-Sayyidah, at the base of which lies the revered Al-Ma鈥檒a Cemetery, resting place of Khadijah, the Prophet鈥檚 beloved wife. Her grave remains a focal point of deep reverence.

鈥淧ilgrims love visiting these places and it helps them to understand the sacrifices of the people who shaped Islam,鈥� Khan added.

Madinah has its own timeless legacy. Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where revelation changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah and marked a defining shift in Muslim identity and remains a must-visit site for pilgrims.

Hussain Rauff, regional director of Madinah Hotels at Elaf Al-Taqwa, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e planning to organize guided tours across Madinah to help pilgrims explore the city鈥檚 rich Islamic heritage. It鈥檚 a meaningful way to extend their spiritual journey beyond the rituals of Hajj.鈥�

Further west of the Prophet鈥檚 Mosque lies the cluster known as the Seven Mosques, each linked to events from the Battle of the Trench. Among them are Al-Fath Mosque and those named after figures such as Fatimah, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and Salman Al-Farsi. These mosques are rich in historical memory and serve as reminders of hardship during one of Islam鈥檚 critical battles.

Mount Uhud rises just north of Madinah city, its slopes reminds of the Battle of Uhud and the place where the Prophet鈥檚 uncle, Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib, and 70 companions were martyred. Today, pilgrims pause at the Uhud Martyrs Cemetery indicating the modesty found in victory and the strength drawn from loss.

Equally powerful is a visit to Baqi鈥� Al-Gharqad Cemetery, the resting place of many of the Prophet鈥檚 family members and companions. Located near the Prophet鈥檚 Mosque, the cemetery has long served as a site for prayer and remembrance, offering pilgrims a moment of intimate connection with those who stood beside the Prophet during Islam鈥檚 formative years.

Beyond the holy cities, other destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. Northwest of Madinah lies Khaybar, the site of a pivotal military campaign that showcases both the strategic and ethical dimensions of the Prophet鈥檚 leadership. Its volcanic terrain and ancient fortifications tell stories etched in stone.

Fatima Al-Mutairi, a pilgrim from Kuwait: 鈥淚 am planning to visit these places in Jeddah and Taif after my Hajj. I am planning to visit the Tomb of Hawa in Jeddah and in Taif, I look forward to visiting Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas, to pay tribute to one of the great scholars whose work in Qur鈥檃nic interpretation and Hadith continues to inspire many seekers of knowledge.鈥�

Recognizing the growing desire for such experiences, programs like 鈥淗ala,鈥� launched by Al-Bait Guests Co., are curating immersive journeys for pilgrims to explore these sacred sites with knowledgeable guides and spiritual context.

Mohammed Al-Shahrani, experience officer in Hajj and Umrah sector said: 鈥淥ur aim is to enrich the post-Hajj experience. We want pilgrims to understand that the journey of faith continues, and 黑料社区 is opening its heritage for those who wish to walk in the footsteps of the Prophet.鈥�