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Ziyarah Guide
Historical and religious sites pilgrims commonly visit around Makkah and Madinah on an optional Ziyarah tour.
Beyond the rites of Umrah itself, many pilgrims spend part of their trip visiting sites with historical and religious significance around Makkah and Madinah — a practice commonly known as Ziyarah. This guide introduces the sites most often included on these tours, organised by city, so you know roughly what you’re looking at when your group stops there.
Ziyarah tours are optional and locally arranged
These sites are typically visited as an optional guided Ziyarah tour, often arranged by your Umrah agency or a local guide rather than something you organise on your own. Access, opening hours, and which areas are open to visitors at any given site can change and are set by local authorities — always confirm current access with your agency or guide on the day rather than assuming it matches what’s written here.
Around Makkah
Jabal al-Nour
Mount of Light — Cave of Hira
Jabal al-Nour ("Mountain of Light") rises on the outskirts of Makkah and is home to the Cave of Hira, a small cave near its summit. It is traditionally understood to be where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the first revelation of the Quran. Reaching the cave involves a steep climb of roughly two hours up a rocky trail, so it is a physically demanding stop reserved for pilgrims who are fit enough to make the ascent.
Jabal Thawr
Cave of Thawr
Jabal Thawr sits south of the Haram and contains the Cave of Thawr, commonly associated with the account of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) sheltering there for three nights during the migration (Hijrah) from Makkah to Madinah. The climb is even steeper and longer than Jabal al-Nour's, and many tour groups view the mountain from a distance rather than making the ascent.
Mina, Arafat & Muzdalifah
Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah are the three areas east of Makkah where the core rites of Hajj take place each year — the standing (Wuquf) at Arafat, the overnight stay at Muzdalifah, and the days spent at Mina. These sites are primarily significant during the Hajj season itself, but Umrah pilgrims visiting outside Hajj are often taken through the area on a general Ziyarah tour to see the plains and understand their role in Hajj.
Around Madinah
Quba Mosque
Masjid Quba
Quba Mosque, on the southern edge of Madinah, is widely described as the first mosque built in Islam, with its foundation traditionally linked to the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) arrival at Madinah during the Hijrah. It has since been rebuilt and expanded many times and today is a large, active mosque that welcomes visitors alongside its role as a regular place of worship for the local community.
Masjid al-Qiblatain
Mosque of the Two Qiblas
Masjid al-Qiblatain ("Mosque of the Two Qiblas") in Madinah is notable as the traditional site associated with the change in the direction of prayer (Qibla) from Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem to the Kaaba in Makkah. The mosque's design has historically referenced both directions, making it a popular stop for pilgrims interested in this well-known turning point in early Islamic history.
Mount Uhud
Mount Uhud lies just north of Madinah and is the site associated with the Battle of Uhud, fought in the early years of Islam. A cemetery at the foot of the mountain holds the graves of the martyrs of the battle, including Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet's uncle. Many Ziyarah tours stop here so pilgrims can view the site and reflect on its history, typically from outside the fenced cemetery area.
Al-Baqi Cemetery
Jannat al-Baqi
Al-Baqi is the historic cemetery adjoining Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, the resting place of many companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and members of his family. Public entry and specific practices at Al-Baqi can be restricted and vary over time, set by the local authorities who manage the site, so pilgrims typically view the cemetery respectfully from outside its walls rather than entering. Ask your group leader or agency about the current access rules on the day.
The Seven Mosques
Masajid Sab'ah
The Seven Mosques (Masajid Sab'ah) are a cluster of small, historic mosques in Madinah, commonly associated with the positions held by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions during the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq). Several of the original structures have been rebuilt over the centuries, and the cluster remains a popular short stop on Ziyarah tours for its connection to that period of early Islamic history.
Many Umrah packages already include a guided Ziyarah tour of these sites around Makkah and Madinah — check your package details, or browse verified agencies on this site if you’d like to confirm what’s included before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ziyarah a required part of Umrah?
No. Ziyarah — visiting these historical and religious sites — is not one of the required rites of Umrah. It's a popular optional activity that most agencies build into their itineraries, usually as a half-day guided tour around Makkah and a separate one around Madinah, but skipping it doesn't affect the validity of your Umrah.
Do I need to arrange Ziyarah tours myself?
Usually not. Most Umrah packages already include a guided Ziyarah tour, or your agency can arrange one locally with an approved guide and transport. Check your package details or ask your agency before assuming you'll need to organise transport yourself — many of the sites, like the mountain trails, aren't practical to reach without a guide who knows the current routes and rules.
Can I go inside Al-Baqi or climb Jabal al-Nour?
It depends, and it can change. Al-Baqi's public access and specific practices are set by the local authorities and vary over time, so most pilgrims view it respectfully from outside. The climb to the Cave of Hira on Jabal al-Nour is physically demanding — a steep, roughly two-hour ascent — and is only suitable for pilgrims who are fit enough for it. Confirm what's actually open and advisable with your agency or guide on the day rather than assuming.
How long does a full Ziyarah tour usually take?
It varies by agency and how many sites are included, but a single guided tour (Makkah sites or Madinah sites) commonly takes a half-day, since several sites involve travel time between them. Ask your agency for their specific itinerary and timing rather than assuming a fixed duration, as this isn't something we can state generally.
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This tool and its guidance are presented in general terms and are not affiliated with, or speaking on behalf of, any particular school of thought, sect, or organization. For a ruling specific to your own situation, please consult your Maulavi or a qualified religious scholar you trust.