Saudi Arabia is very important to Muslims because of its close association with Islam. As the holy sites are located here, Muslims from all over the world visit the Kingdom all year for Hajj, Umrah, and other Zayaraat. Most of Saudi Arabia’s tourism depends on religious pilgrimages and visits.
Almost three million Muslims visit Makkah for Hajj in Dhu-al-Hajj. While approximately two million Muslims visit the holy places for Umrah in the sacred month of Ramadan. Many UK citizens and Muslims worldwide avail of cheap Umrah packages 2023 from the UK during Ramadan due to the increased rewards.
Saudi Arabia is also known for its delectable cuisine, rich cultural heritage, and diverse landscape. Here is a list of places to visit and things to do in this diverse country with a great religious association.
Must-Visit Places and Things to Do in Saudi Arabia
This Middle Eastern country attracts pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and photography lovers. Once you have availed of cheap Umrah packages in the UK, you will start looking for places to visit when you are not offering the obligatory pillars of Hajj and Umrah. Let’s discuss some must-visit places and things that you should do once you are in the Kingdom.
1. Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah
Makkah and Madinah are two cities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the two holy mosques that are a vital part of Islam and Muslim history. Masjid-al-Haram is the largest mosque in the world, also called the Great Mosque. The importance of this mosque can be explained by the fact that it is nearest to the house of Allah or the Kaaba. Pilgrims arrive at this mosque to offer Hajj and Umrah.
Masjid an-Nabwi is the second largest one. This mosque is the last resting place of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and two close companions. It was established by the last Prophet (SAW) himself. Once you have availed of cheap Umrah packages in the UK, you will surely visit these mosques.
2. Makkah Museum
If you want to know more about Islamic history and culture, the best way is through the Makkah Museum. It is a historical museum depicting Islamic history through various exhibits. Moreover, its architectural style reflects typical Islamic architecture and the history of the Kaaba and the Great Mosque.
In addition, this stunning museum preserves Islamic culture, values, and history in the best possible way. This is why Muslims try to surely visit the Makkah Museum on their visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
3. Jabal al-Nour
Jabal a;-Nour is the mountain where Gar-e-Hira is located. This cave or gar has great significance in Islamic history because this is a place where the Holy Prophet (SAW) received his first revelation through the angel Jibrael.
Therefore, people who visit Saudi Arabia for Umrah or Hajj also try to take time to visit this cave because of its historical significance. It is one of the most visited Zyaraat in the country.
4. Jannat-al-Mua’lla
Jannat al-Mua’lla is the resting place of many ancestors and relatives of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). This cemetery is located almost a kilometre north of the Masjid Al-Haram. You can easily cover this distance on foot in approximately 15 minutes.
People visit Jannat al-Mua’lla to pay their respects to the deceased of the holy family. Therefore, it is considered a must-visit place in Saudi Arabia. The visit to this cemetery is not included in the cheap Umrah packages in the UK, and you will have to plan it all on your own.
5. Maktaba Makkah-al-Mukarramah
Maktaba Makkah-al-Mukarramah is located in She’eb Banu Hashim in Makkah. This is the place where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was born. Even though this place was a mountain back then, now it has been converted into a library.
Due to its close association with religious history, pilgrims visiting the Kingdom for Umrah or Hajj like to visit this library. It contains rare books and manuscripts on Islamic history.
6. Masjid-al-Quba
Masjid-al-Quba is the oldest mosque in the history of Islam. It is situated in Madinah. Most people who visit Saudi Arabia for Umrah surely visit this holy mosque. The mosque has exceptional footfall yearly because of its historical and religious significance.
Moreover, Masjid-al-Quba is the second largest mosque in the holy city of Madinah. Therefore, its significance makes it a must-visit place in Saudi Arabia. Also, you can ask a reliable Islamic travel agency to tell you about the places to visit in the country.
Final Words
The importance of Saudi Arabia in Islamic history cannot be denied. Many pilgrims set on a spiritual journey to this country every year. You can contact an Islamic travel agency to get cheap Umrah packages UK and visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as soon as possible.
Moreover, there are many places you can visit and things you can do when you are not performing Hajj or Umrah once you are in the country. Some places and things are mentioned above, but there is much more to them. Ask your Islamic travel agency to tell you about these places, or do a little research yourself.