Although Saudi Arabia has seen a surge in record-breaking tourists in recent years, it still falls short of matching the number of religious tourists who visit the country annually. Being the hub of Islam and home to the main pilgrimage sites, Saudi Arabia hosts the biggest and most diverse crowds of pilgrims. Muslims come here for the ultimate spiritual reset. This piques everyone’s curiosity about the top religious landmarks in Saudi Arabia that every Muslim should visit, offering an enlightening experience.
Are you planning your spiritual retreat to Saudi Arabia soon? This might be the reason why you have come to this blog. Every year, thousands of UK citizens like yourself travel to the holy cities in Saudi Arabia to experience spirituality and have a faith-reviving retreat. We are here with some of the top religious landmarks in the country that you cannot miss if you want to have the most memorable time in Saudi Arabia.
Must-Visit Religious Landmarks in Saudi Arabia
Masjid al-Haram
You will feel a wave of emotions as soon as you enter this mosque and stand in front of the Ka’bah. There is nothing more mesmerising and spiritually uplifting than this beautiful experience for the Muslims. So, make sure that this Umrah, you spend most of your time at this mosque, performing the rituals and praying as much as you can. You must realise that you will be living the dream of many Muslims while you are standing in this mosque. This will make you feel more grateful and humble.
Masjid an-Nabwi
Another of the country’s religious landmarks that you cannot miss is Masjid an-Nabawi. This beautiful mosque is the ultimate gem of Madinah and one of the main reasons millions of Muslims visit the city every year. Although visiting this mosque is not part of the pilgrimage, pilgrims ensure they see it in Saudi Arabia. Muslims deeply revere this mosque as it houses the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
While you are at this mosque, you will experience an exceptional serenity and reap extraordinary rewards. Your heart will feel full knowing that you are so close to our beloved Prophet, Muhammad (SAW). This feeling is enough to attract countless religious tourists to the mosque.
Mount Arafat
We cannot overlook Mount Arafat when discussing the top religious landmarks in Saudi Arabia that every Muslim should visit. This religious site has been a prominent location for many significant events in Islamic history. From the grand sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to the famous last sermon of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), all these major historical events happened at this hill near Makkah.
Moreover, if you have any idea about the Hajj rituals, you might already know that there is a whole day dedicated to supplicating at this hill during the obligatory pilgrimage. This adds to the religious significance of this hill. Although you will not need to visit it for your Umrah rituals, you can still see Mount Arafat to experience its spirituality and learn more about this incredible landmark.
Cave Hira
Another one of the religious gems near Makkah, Cave Hira, offers a historic journey of its own. Being the site of the first revelation to Muhammad at Cave Hira, this journey takes you back to the earliest days of Islam. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) would often meditate in this cave, pondering the existence of the divine. This was when he was visited by Angel Jibrail, who brought the message of the Almighty.
This memorable historical event has made this cave a significant landmark in Islamic history. So, be sure to add this to your itinerary if you’re planning an Umrah soon. Visiting this cave is sure to be a faith-reviving experience that will deepen your connection to Islam.
Masjid Quba
Makkah and Madinah are full of glorious mosques that take you back in time. Masjid Quba is among the most historic mosques in Islam, mentioned not only in Islamic history but also in the Holy Quran and Hadith. This highlights the significance of this mosque, making it an unmissable religious landmark in the country.
As you might already know, Muslims weren’t safe in Makkah. They couldn’t pray properly. Therefore, when they migrated from Makkah to Madinah under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), they built this mosque near Madinah to practice their religion more openly. This makes it the first mosque in Islam.
Read more: Mecca | The Holiest City in Islam
Final Words
No doubt, Saudi Arabia is home to numerous religious landmarks. It is impossible to mention them all in a short blog or list. We have still mentioned some of the top religious landmarks in Saudi Arabia that every Muslim should visit. But there are countless more. You can visit all the sites in Makkah and Madinah with an Umrah visa. However, if you wish to explore other parts of the country, be sure to consult your travel agency and obtain the correct visa. You can also share your experiences on Travel Backpack to inspire others planning to visit Saudi Arabia soon.
