Umrah Ziyarat in Mecca and Medina

Umrah is a good deed with greater significance which is undertaken by millions of Muslim pilgrims every year by visiting Masjid Al-Haram (mosque) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Muslim pilgrims can compensate for their sins by performing this holy pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia is very conservative and closed country and obtaining any category of visa for Saudi can be daunting for anyone. So, while you are in the country for Umrah, you can take advantage of this opportunity to explore Saudi Arabia more. There are several sacred as well as tourist spots in Saudi Arabia where you can visit after finishing your Umrah.

What else to visit in Mecca and Medina during Umrah?

1. Jannatul Mualla is a graveyard, located at a small distance from the grand mosque in Mecca. The near and dear of Prophet Muhammad, including his wife Hazrat Khadija, and Hazrat Abu Talib are buried here. The graveyard also houses Prophet’s grandfather and great grandfather. Pilgrims can pay their respect to these great personalities here.
2. Majid Aisha also holds a greater significance in Umrah because at this place, Hazrat Aisha entered into the state of Ihram. A lot of pilgrims visit this place for entering into their Ihram and start this sacred pilgrimage. This place is located at the distance of 8 km from the great mosque.
3. The Cave of Thawr is very popular among pilgrims because at this very place Prophet Muhammad took refuge while he was being chased by Kuffar. The Prophet Muhammad also revealed the Holy Quran here in the month of Ramadan.
4. Masjid Nabawi is the second most sacred mosque in the world after Al-Haram. This mosque was the dream of the Prophet, he purchased the land for this mosque with his own resources and even contributed into the labors of this building.
5. Masjid e Quba was established by the Prophet Muhammad himself. After establishment, the Prophet used to recite prayers here twice a day. This mosque is very popular among locals as well as among pilgrims for reciting two-rakat nafl.
6. Masjid e Ghamama is a mosque, where Prophet Muhammad use to conduct Eid prayers. Other than that he visited this place for praying for rain. That is why this place was named as Masjid e Ghamama, which means "clouds."
7. Jabal Uhud is a mountain which witness the battle between Muslims and Meccan forces. This mountain is also a graveyard of muslim martyrs who fought for the protection of Islam. The visitors are not allowed to visit the graves and pay respect to them personally. The graves are surrounded by enclosure and visitor can pray from afar.

All these sites are located within Mecca and Medina and you can visit them during your Umrah.

The increased number of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims has also multiplied the number of Umrah package providers. Now they can avail all types of Umrah packages including cheap Ramadan Umrah packages and customized Umrah packages. These agencies offer a lot of choices to pilgrims in terms of price and facilities. Also, if you are planning to visit other sites in Saudi Arabia, then you will have to ask your travel planner to apply for a visa according to it. An Umrah visa does not allow its holder to visit other places in Saudi except Mecca, Medina and Jeddah.

Pilgrims should also keep in mind that they purchase their Umrah package from an authorized or licensed Umrah operator. There are several travel agencies, who are offering Umrah packages but are not registered. An Umrah visa can only be applied through an authorized agent, otherwise it will be rejected immediately. This visa is also provided free of cost but the travel agencies charge for their services, if you will buy your Umrah package from an unauthorized agent, then you will have to pay a lot more. After receiving your visa you can explore a lot more in Mecca and Medina than Al-Haram.

I am travel guide. I organizes Islamic pilgrimage from India. I like to write article about Islamic pilgrimage to share my experience for the people of the world.