In the past, Makkah was called Bakkah, Umm Al-Qura, and Al-Balad Al-Amin, and its mountains witnessed the first revelation. Its visitors witness the honorable Kaaba, the qiblah for Muslims from all over the world, in the middle of Masjid Al-Haram, surrounded by thousands of worshipers at all times. Makkah welcomes millions of Muslims who go to Hajj or Umrah every single year. It is the purest spot on Earth, and the holiest Islamic destination in the world, and it includes historical destinations that reveal immortal stories that left their mark in Islamic history. It was also an important commercial station for mobile trade caravans between the north and south, and an area rich in literary forums, and seasonal markets that highlighted its cultural and commercial status. Makkah receives guests from all over the world but entry to the Haram area is for Muslims only.
A brief introduction to the rich history of Makkah to demonstrate its role in Umrah and Hajj
Makkah is the Sacred City as well as the holiest and the absolute most honorable place on earth. The most truthful sources from which one can take news about its history are the Noble Quran and the authentic prophetic narrations in this regard, and from these we can ascertain its ancient history as well as how it was prior the message and prophet hood of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم. After the advent of Islam, Muslim scholars and historians have endeavoured to record chronicles of Makkah in general history books as well as books concerned with the biographies of the Muslim scholars who lived in it.
‘Haram’ or Sanctuary refers to a unique area where certain activities, usually permitted elsewhere, are disallowed out of profound respect and reverence for God, who set these rules. God said that those who respect these sanctified sites would be rewarded. God selected this land as sacred, with specific rules differing from other locations. It possesses exclusive merits not found anywhere else, and its sanctity dates back to the dawn of the universe.
God declared this land a Sanctuary on the day the universe was created, a status that will endure till the end of time. As the Prophet said: “From the day He created the heavens and the earth, God declared this town a sanctuary. It remains a sanctuary by God’s decree till the end of time.”
You are now in a place that was distinguished and sanctified by God before the creation of humans. It’s the location where God instructed Ibrahim to lay the foundations of the House (Kabah), even before a single soul lived in Makkah. It was chosen to be the Qiblah and guidance for all. In this place, rewards for good deeds are amplified, and sins hold more significance than elsewhere.
God entrusted His noblest humans, Ibrahim and Ismail, and then Muhammad, with the responsibility of purifying, building, and taking care of the Kabah.
In the past, Makkah was called Bakkah, Umm Al-Qura, and Al-Balad Al-Amin, and its mountains witnessed the first revelation. Its visitors witness the honorable Kaaba, the qiblah for Muslims from all over the world, in the middle of Masjid Al-Haram, surrounded by thousands of worshipers at all times. Makkah welcomes millions of Muslims who go to Hajj or Umrah every single year. It is the purest spot on Earth, and the holiest Islamic destination in the world, and it includes historical destinations that reveal immortal stories that left their mark in Islamic history. It was also an important commercial station for mobile trade caravans between the north and south, and an area rich in literary forums, and seasonal markets that highlighted its cultural and commercial status. Makkah receives guests from all over the world but entry to the Haram area is for Muslims only.
To travel to Makkah, you have the option of either going by road or by air, depending on your location. Many people choose to fly to Jeddah, which is the closest city to Makkah. The distance between Jeddah and Makkah is approximately 89 km via the 40/route road. From Jeddah, you can then make your way to Makkah.
If you’re coming from another country, it is recommended to obtain a tourist visa to visit the other cities in Saudi Arabia during your Umrah trip. In the past, pilgrims were only allowed to visit Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, but now you can explore other cities as well with a tourist visa.
To obtain a Hajj visa, you need to follow a specific process. First, you should start the application well in advance to allow for any potential delays. After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the visa approval. The processing time can vary, so it’s best to stay in touch with the authorities or your travel agency for updates on your visa status.
Makkah has many traditional food restaurants with various delicious dishes and recipes of mothers and grandmothers inherited throughout the generations.
Al Faiha Restaurant is one of the best buffet restaurants in Makkah overlooking Al Masjid Al Haram. The restaurant is clean and tidy. The dishes are inspired by internatinal as well as Asian cusine. They have rice, fried chicken, salads and many items to eat. They have desserts like cake, jelly, pudding, and many more. The buffet is incredible and the staff are very helpful. The seating area is nice and comfy. Al Faiha is located in Al Safwah Hotel – Tower One overlookingn the King Abdul Aziz Gate of the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
Open Hours:
BREAKFAST: 06:00 AM to 10:00 AM
LUNCH: 12:30 PM to 03:00 PM
DINNER: 07:00 PM to 10:00PM
A brief introduction to the rich history of Makkah to demonstrate its role in Umrah and Hajj
Makkah is the Sacred City as well as the holiest and the absolute most honorable place on earth. The most truthful sources from which one can take news about its history are the Noble Quran and the authentic prophetic narrations in this regard, and from these we can ascertain its ancient history as well as how it was prior the message and prophet hood of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم. After the advent of Islam, Muslim scholars and historians have endeavoured to record chronicles of Makkah in general history books as well as books concerned with the biographies of the Muslim scholars who lived in it.
‘Haram’ or Sanctuary refers to a unique area where certain activities, usually permitted elsewhere, are disallowed out of profound respect and reverence for God, who set these rules. God said that those who respect these sanctified sites would be rewarded. God selected this land as sacred, with specific rules differing from other locations. It possesses exclusive merits not found anywhere else, and its sanctity dates back to the dawn of the universe.
God declared this land a Sanctuary on the day the universe was created, a status that will endure till the end of time. As the Prophet said: “From the day He created the heavens and the earth, God declared this town a sanctuary. It remains a sanctuary by God’s decree till the end of time.”
You are now in a place that was distinguished and sanctified by God before the creation of humans. It’s the location where God instructed Ibrahim to lay the foundations of the House (Kabah), even before a single soul lived in Makkah. It was chosen to be the Qiblah and guidance for all. In this place, rewards for good deeds are amplified, and sins hold more significance than elsewhere.
God entrusted His noblest humans, Ibrahim and Ismail, and then Muhammad, with the responsibility of purifying, building, and taking care of the Kabah.