Makkah and Madinah are the top sacred sites in Islam, having utmost importance for the Muslim Ummah. These holy cities are located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These are the points where millions of Muslims from all over the world gather and show respect for their religion by doing Umrah, Hajj and even by just visiting other religious places here. It is the symbol of unity which has an immense place in Islam. These places hold the history of Islam and act as a basis of Muslim identity. Muslims from all over the world dream of visiting these holy cities at least once in their life. Ramadan Umrah packages can help you embark on the spiritual pilgrimage of Umrah and visit these cities in the holy month of Ramadan.
Let’s discuss the significance of Makkah and Madinah for Muslims and learn about the Islamic background.
Makkah
Historical Background of Makkah
If you wonder about the place on our planet which is the most sacred for Muslims, it’s Makkah. You may think what makes it most important for the Muslims. The answer lies in the fact that this is not just an ordinary city but a place where the beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was born. He (SAW) is the last prophet after whom there is a full stop on the list of prophecy which is assured till Qiyamah. Makkah is a site of early Islamic revelations when Muhammad SAW received the message of Allah and decided to spread His message to others.
Besides, this city was inhabited by the Quraysh tribe at that time, who gave a tough time to the Prophet and His followers. Hazrat Muhammad SAW tried His best to teach them the message of Allah so that they know who their lord is. However, He (SAW) and His companions had to face numerous challenges and difficulties from these people. Instead of following the Prophet’s message, they decided to mock those who accepted Islam and made things much complicated for the messenger of Allah. Hence, Makkah is not only the birthplace of Islam but also a site of preservation of monotheism.
The Spiritual Centrality of the Kaaba
A cubic-shaped monument around which Muslims do tawaf during Umrah and Hajj is the Kaaba, which is located in Makkah. It is covered with a black cloth throughout the year. You can understand its significance by the fact that it is known as the House of Allah. Prophet Ibrahim had a dream in which Allah commanded Him to build His home as a symbol of monotheism. Following that dream, Hazrat Ibrahim built the House of Allah along with His son Ismail.
The Kaaba is not just a building but a Qibla or direction of prayer followed by Muslims all over the world. Moreover, it is a symbol of tawheed or the oneness of Allah.
Masjid al-Haram in Makkah
Masjid al-Haram is the biggest and most visited mosque in the world. It is the place that has the Kaaba in it. Hence, this makes it the mosque of utmost importance for the followers of Islam. This site allows the fulfilment of essential rituals including Tawaf by providing sufficient capacity to hold Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. Incorporating the essential Safa and Marwa hills in its vicinity, it allows Muslims to perform Sa’i by walking or rushing seven times between these hills. This specific area is known as Mas’aa, which is only specified for the pilgrims.
It also has a Zamzam well which is a source of the purest form of water on earth and a symbol of Hajar’s (Hazrat Ibrahim’s wife) effort to find water for her son Ismail. Praying here is considered a highly rewarding act that purifies one’s soul.
Hajj and Umrah
Another significance of Makkah is that it hosts the Hajj and Umrah pilgrims who visit the House of Allah from different corners of the world. Umrah is the sunnah of Hazrat Muhammad SAW, while Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and an obligation for those who are financially capable of doing so. Both pilgrimages involve circumambulating the Kaaba seven times, which is known as Tawaaf.
One can embark on the spiritual journey of Umrah at any time of the year by booking suitable deals like Ramadan Umrah packages. In this way, they can have the most comfortable and hassle-free pilgrimage, whether they are coming alone or with family.
While Umrah and Hajj both involve wearing Ihram after having Ghusl, doing Tawaf and Sa’i. Hajj involves additional steps at Muzdalifah, Arafat and Mina. Muzdalifah is a point where Hajj pilgrims spend their time praying in the afternoon and leave for Muzdalifah after sunset to collect pebbles and indulge themselves in praying. They collect these pebbles to perform the stoning ritual later in Mina to represent hate for the evil.
These two rituals are the perfect way to pray and ask Allah Almighty for forgiveness. Besides, it represents the equality of mankind and power in unity.
Madinah
Madinah as the City of the Prophet SAW
Madinah is the second most sacred place for the Muslim Ummah. This is the city of Hijrah, meaning the time when Hazrat Muhammad SAW migrated from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE after countless threats and complications by the Quryesh tribe. It is the city that turned into the first Islamic state after the Prophet SAW spread the knowledge of Islam among its hospitable and kind people. Hence, this was what built harmony between Muslims and non-Muslims at the initial stage.
Masjid e Quba and Masjid an-Nabawi
Do you know which was the first mosque in the world, who built it and where it is? The answer is Masjid e Quba which was built by Prophet Muhammad SAW and His companions shortly after migrating to Madinah. Today, Muslims from all over the world come here to pray due to its historical connection to Islam.
Masjid an-Nabawi was also built by the Prophet, which has immense importance. This is a place of worship as it hosts the tomb of Muhammad SAW. Rawdah is a region between His resting place and His pulpit, which is also known as the Garden of Paradise. This place has immense spiritual significance and Muslims come here to say blessings on Hazrat Muhammad SAW and pray from their true heart.
Brotherhood and Islamic Society in Madinah
Islamic history brims with numerous events of brotherhood in Madinah. The biggest example is that of Ansaar and Muhajirin. Muhajirin were those who migrated to Madinah with Hazrat Muhammad SAW, and Ansaar were those already residing in the city. These people offered shelter to Muhajirin who left everything behind in Makkah and focused only on spreading the true religion by helping the Prophet.
The relationship between Ansaar and Muhajirin became a symbol of unity. People of Madinah hosted them and helped them through charity. Subsequently, the circle of Islam began to increase by crossing borders. That’s why Muslims visit Madina to perform ziyarat and stay connected to the Islamic roots.
Emotional and Spiritual Attachment of Muslims
Makkah and Madinah are the cities that are very close to the hearts of Muslims. They direly wish to visit these amazing landmarks that have a strong connection to Islam at least once in their lives. Arriving here not only ends their longing to witness the Kaaba but also builds peace and closeness to Allah.
They see this as an opportunity to lighten their heavy hearts so they can let go of their worldly desires and prepare for eternal life. In this way, they build taqwa and spread the teachings of Huzrat Muhammad SAW to others.
Wrap Up
If you have reached here, now you are well-equipped with the knowledge about the significance of the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. You can also be among the luckiest ones to witness the history of Islam by choosing Ramadan Umrah packages or others, depending on the month of your travel and comfort demands. Choose Muslims Holy Travel to come across the divine experiences at Makkah and Madinah.