Umrah Family Package (12N-13D)

A Glimpse into the Past: The Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah

The Umrah pilgrimage, though shorter than the annual Hajj, holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. It involves visiting the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia, places steeped in centuries of Islamic history, spirituality, and devotion.

Makkah: The Heart of Islam Makkah, often referred to as the “Mother of Cities,” is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the site of the Kaaba, the most sacred building in Islam. The history of Makkah dates back to ancient times, long before the advent of Islam, as a prominent trading hub and a place of worship.
The Kaaba itself was, according to Islamic tradition, originally built by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Isma’il (Ishmael). Over centuries, it became a focal point for Arabian tribes, though it was later defiled with idols.
The pivotal moment in Makkah’s history arrived with Prophet Muhammad’s birth in 570 CE. It was here that he received the first revelations of the Quran. The city witnessed the early struggles of Islam, the persecution of Muslims, and the eventual migration (Hijra) of the Prophet and his companions to Madinah. The triumphant return of the Prophet to Makkah in 630 CE marked a turning point, leading to the cleansing of the Kaaba and the establishment of Makkah as the spiritual center of Islam.
Millions of pilgrims visit Makkah annually to perform Hajj and Umrah, circling the Kaaba (Tawaf), walking between Safa and Marwah (Sa’i), and offering prayers in the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). The historical sites around Makkah, such as Jabal al-Noor (where Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation) and Jabal Thawr (where he took refuge during the Hijra), stand as silent witnesses to these foundational events.

Madinah: The City of the Prophet Madinah, originally known as Yathrib, holds a special place in Islamic history as the city where Prophet Muhammad and his followers found refuge after their migration from Makkah. It was in Madinah that the first Islamic state was established, and the foundations of the Muslim community were laid.
Upon his arrival in 622 CE, Prophet Muhammad transformed Yathrib into Madinah (meaning “The City” or “The Illuminated City”). He built Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque), which became not only a place of worship but also a center for governance, education, and social life. The Prophet’s own house, adjacent to the mosque, also served as a meeting place and administrative hub. After his passing, he was buried within the mosque, making it a revered site for pilgrims.
Madinah is home to other significant historical sites, including Masjid Quba, the first mosque built by Prophet Muhammad upon his arrival, and Masjid Qiblatain, where the direction of prayer (Qibla) was changed from Jerusalem to Makkah. The Battle of Uhud, a crucial early battle in Islamic history, took place near Uhud Mountain, a site frequently visited by pilgrims.
Pilgrims visiting Madinah seek to pray in Masjid an-Nabawi, visit the Rawdah Shareef (the area between the Prophet’s grave and pulpit), and pay respects at Jannatul Baqi, the cemetery where many of the Prophet’s companions and family members are buried.

Together, Makkah and Madinah represent the cradle of Islam, offering pilgrims an immersive spiritual experience that connects them directly to the life and legacy of Prophet Muhammad and the rich history of the religion.