Most people that go for Umrah spend the majority of their time either in the Haram or in their hotel. Not many people know that both Makkah and Madinah offer experiences outside of the Haram that are rich in Islamic history.
Here are 7 things to consider adding to your trip:
Sahl ibn Hunayf reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever purifies himself in his house, then comes to the mosque of Quba and prays in it, he will have a reward like the Umrah pilgrimage.” (Sunan Ibn Mājah 1412)
Masjid Qubaa' is one of the most important Masajid in Islamic history and the first Masjid that the Messenger ﷺ established.
Masjid Qiblatain has unique significance in our history as it’s the Masjid in which the Qibla was changed from Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem to the Ka’bah in Makkah.
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) prayed facing Baitul-Maqdis for sixteen or seventeen months but he loved to face the Ka`ba (at Mecca) so Allah revealed: "Verily, We have seen the turning of your face to the heaven!" (2:144) So the Prophet (ﷺ) faced the Ka`ba and the fools amongst the people namely "the Jews" said, "What has turned them from their Qibla (Baitul-Maqdis) which they formerly observed"" (Allah revealed): "Say: 'To Allah belongs the East and the West. He guides whom he will to a straight path'." (2:142) A man prayed with the Prophet (facing the Ka`ba) and went out. He saw some of the Ansar praying the `Asr prayer with their faces towards Baitul-Maqdis, he said, "I bear witness that I prayed with Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) facing the Ka`ba." So all the people turned their faces towards the Ka`ba. (Sahih al-Bukhari 399)
The museum of the Prophets Mosque is located towards the South of Masjid An-Nabawi right outside the courtyard.
They regularly have tour guides in both English and Arabic that will take you through the museum and explain significant events in the life of the Messenger ﷺ.
Mount Uhud is a deeply significant site where the Battle of Uhud took place, a key event in Islamic history.
Standing here allows you to reflect on the sacrifices of the companions and the lessons from this historic battle.
Al-Baqee’ is the burial ground of many of the Prophet’s ﷺ family members and companions in Madinah, including his beloved daughters, wives, and close companions.
Although it's primarily associated with Hajj, Arafah is an excellent site to visit even during Umrah. Especially because there is virtually no one there outside of the Hajj season.
Similar to Arafah, Mina is usually packed to the brim during the Hajj season and virtually empty throughout the rest of the year. So when going for Umrah, it's an excellent opportunity to see the tents of Mina and how the Hujjaj live during the days of Hajj.
