10 Things to Do in Jabal Al-Qalam, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Jabal Al-Qalam, or the Mountain of the Pen, is a sacred mountain located in the heart of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the most important sites in the Islamic world, as it is believed to be the place where the angel Gabriel gave the Prophet Muhammad the first verses of the Quran. It is also the place where the Prophet Muhammad was born and where he received his first revelation.
For those looking to experience the spiritual and cultural significance of Jabal Al-Qalam, Makkah has plenty to offer. Here are 10 things to do in Jabal Al-Qalam, Makkah.
1. Visit the Sacred Mosque: The Sacred Mosque, also known as the Grand Mosque, is the largest mosque in the world and is located at the base of Jabal Al-Qalam. The mosque is a holy site for Muslims and contains the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam. Visitors can take part in the five daily prayers, observe the pilgrims performing the Hajj, and explore the many historical artifacts and monuments within the mosque.
2. Explore the Cave of Hira: Located on the summit of Jabal Al-Qalam, the Cave of Hira is the place where the Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation from the angel Gabriel. It is said that the angel Gabriel appeared to the Prophet Muhammad in the cave and told him to “Recite in the name of your Lord.” The cave is open to visitors and is a popular pilgrimage site for Muslims.
3. Climb Jabal Al-Qalam: For those looking for a more physical activity, climbing Jabal Al-Qalam is a great way to experience the spiritual significance of the mountain. The climb is not easy, but it is worth it for the stunning views of Makkah and the surrounding area.
4. Visit the Well of Zamzam: Located at the base of Jabal Al-Qalam, the Well of Zamzam is a holy site for Muslims. It is believed to be the place where the angel Gabriel provided water for the Prophet Muhammad and his family during their journey in the desert. Visitors can take part in the ritual of drinking Zamzam water, which is believed to have healing properties.
5. Visit the Museum of Islamic Art: Located near the base of Jabal Al-Qalam, the Museum of Islamic Art is home to a variety of artifacts and works of art from the Islamic world. The museum also hosts exhibitions and lectures, making it a great place to learn more about the history and culture of Islam.
6. Visit the Maqam Ibrahim: Located near the base of Jabal Al-Qalam, the Maqam Ibrahim is a stone structure believed to have been built by the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismael. The stone is said to contain the footprints of the Prophet Ibrahim, and visitors can take part in the ritual of touching the stone and praying for blessings.
7. Visit the Kaaba: Located at the center of the Sacred Mosque, the Kaaba is the holiest site in Islam. It is believed to have been built by the Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismael, and it is the direction that Muslims face when they pray. Visitors can take part in the ritual of walking around the Kaaba seven times, known as the tawaf.
8. Visit the Jabal Al-Nur: Located near the summit of Jabal Al-Qalam, the Jabal Al-Nur is a mountain believed to have been the place where the Prophet Muhammad received the first verses of the Quran from the angel Gabriel. It is also the place where the Prophet Muhammad’s first revelation was revealed. Visitors can take part in the ritual of climbing the mountain and praying at the peak.
9. Visit the Makkah Museum: Located near the base of Jabal Al-Qalam, the Makkah Museum is home to a variety of artifacts and works of art from the Islamic world. The museum also hosts exhibitions and lectures, making it a great place to learn more about the history and culture of Islam.
10. Visit the Mina Valley: Located near the base of Jabal Al-Qalam, the Mina Valley is a holy site for Muslims. It is the place where the Prophet Muhammad and his followers camped during the Hajj pilgrimage. Visitors can take part in the ritual of throwing stones at the pillars of Mina, known as the stoning of the devil.
Jabal Al-Qalam is a spiritual and cultural hub in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. For those looking to experience the spiritual and cultural significance of the mountain, these 10 things to do in Jabal Al-Qalam, Makkah, Saudi Arabia are a great place to start.