:strip_metadata()/https%3A%2F%2Ftr2storage.blob.core.windows.net%2Fthemes%2FRCb0QPOeys77KIoe4D-SzNzqtHrqMjpeg.jpeg)
Key Islamic places visitors can explore
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is home to some of the most important Islamic sites in the world, making it a central destination for Muslims seeking spiritual, historical, and cultural experiences.
Here’s a list of key Islamic places visitors can explore in Saudi Arabia:
Makkah (Mecca) – The Holiest City in Islam
1. Masjid al-Haram (The Grand Mosque)
Home to the Kaaba, the Qibla (direction of prayer) for all Muslims.Includes the Maqam Ibrahim, Zamzam Well, and Safa & Marwah hills.
2. Jabal al-Nour (Mountain of Light)
Where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received the first revelation from Jibreel (Gabriel) in Ghar Hira (Cave of Hira).
3. Jabal Thawr (Mount Thawr)
Site of the Cave of Thawr, where the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) hid during the Hijrah to Madinah.
4. Jannat al-Mu’alla (Mu’alla Cemetery)
Burial place of several relatives of the Prophet ﷺ including his wife Khadijah (RA).
Madinah (Medina) – The City of the Prophet ﷺ
1. Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque)
Second holiest mosque in Islam.Includes the Rawdah, a part of Paradise, and the tomb of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, along with Abu Bakr and Umar (RA).
2. Quba Mosque
The first mosque built in Islam. Performing two rak‘ahs here equals the reward of an ‘Umrah.
3. Masjid al-Qiblatain (Mosque of Two Qiblas)
Where the Qibla was changed from Jerusalem to Makkah during prayer.
4. Masjid al-Jumu’ah
Site where the Prophet ﷺ prayed the first Friday prayer after arriving in Madinah.
5. Jannat al-Baqi Cemetery
Burial place of many Sahabah (Companions), wives and family members of the Prophet ﷺ, including his daughter Fatimah (RA) and grandson Hasan (RA).
Other Islamic Sites in Saudi Arabia
1. Arafat (Mount Arafat)
Central to the Hajj pilgrimage, this is where the Prophet ﷺ gave his Farewell Sermon.
2. Mina
Where pilgrims stay in tents during Hajj and perform the stoning of the devil (Ramy al-Jamarat).
3. Muzdalifah
A sacred site between Mina and Arafat, where pilgrims collect pebbles for the stoning ritual.
4. Uhud Mountain (Jabal Uhud, Madinah)
Site of the famous Battle of Uhud.Visit the graves of the martyrs, including Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib (RA).
Optional Spiritual & Cultural Sites
1. Diriyah (near Riyadh)
Birthplace of the first Saudi state and a historical Islamic learning center.
2. AlUla (Madain Saleh)
Though not a place of worship, it's a Quranic site with ruins of the Thamud people (surah al-Hijr). Visitors are reminded to reflect and not dwell excessively.