Ziyarat Journeys: Visiting Sacred Islamic Places Beyond Hajj and Umrah
Every year, millions of Muslims around the globe travel to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah to perform the obligatory pilgrimage of Hajj or the lesser pilgrimage known as Umrah. These are pivotal moments in a believer’s life, filled with spirituality, reflection, and submission to Allah. But beyond the rites of Hajj and Umrah lies another deeply enriching spiritual experience — Ziyarat.
Ziyarat refers to the act of visiting sacred places, often associated with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his family, companions, and significant historical Islamic events. These journeys are not obligatory like Hajj but are highly recommended and have immense spiritual benefits. In fact, many believers extend their Umrah trips to include Ziyarat to connect deeper with Islamic heritage.
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What is Ziyarat?
Derived from the Arabic root word “zaar,” meaning “to visit,” Ziyarat traditionally refers to visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah and his blessed grave. Over time, this term has expanded to encompass visits to other sacred Islamic sites across the Middle East and beyond.
Ziyarat is a Sunnah and holds great merit. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself said:
“Whoever visits me after my death, it is as if he visited me in my lifetime.”
— (Bayhaqi)
While Hajj and Umrah revolve around specific rituals, Ziyarat is more personal, allowing pilgrims to reflect on the lives of righteous figures, gain inspiration, and seek closeness to Allah through remembrance.
Importance of Ziyarat in Islamic Tradition
1. Spiritual Connection
Ziyarat journeys allow Muslims to physically walk through the pages of Islamic history — to stand where the Prophet ﷺ stood, to pray in mosques where his companions prayed, and to reflect on the sacrifices made for the faith. This emotional and spiritual connection is often transformative.
2. Reviving Islamic History
In today’s fast-paced world, many Muslims are detached from their roots. Visiting historical sites revives one’s connection to the Ummah and offers valuable lessons from the past. These places aren’t just historical monuments — they are reminders of resilience, faith, and the legacy of Islam.
3. Community and Unity
Ziyarat brings together Muslims from different parts of the world. Pilgrims often exchange stories, duas, and experiences, fostering a strong sense of brotherhood and shared identity.
Sacred Sites Beyond Makkah and Madinah
While Makkah and Madinah are undoubtedly the heart of Islamic pilgrimage, there are several other significant locations that hold immense historical and spiritual value.
1. Jerusalem – Al-Aqsa Mosque
Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem is the third holiest site in Islam. It was the first Qibla (direction of prayer) and the location of the Prophet’s miraculous Isra and Mi’raj night journey. Visiting Al-Aqsa is not just a spiritual endeavor but also a way to show solidarity with fellow Muslims.
“You should not undertake a special journey to visit any place other than the three mosques: Al-Masjid Al-Haram, the Mosque of the Messenger of Allah, and Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa.”
— (Bukhari & Muslim)
2. Karbala and Najaf – Iraq
For many Shia Muslims, Ziyarat includes visiting Karbala, where Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, was martyred. Nearby Najaf houses the shrine of Imam Ali (RA). These places are powerful symbols of courage, justice, and devotion.
3. Cairo – Egypt
Cairo is home to the Al-Hussein Mosque and the resting places of many revered scholars and Ahlul Bayt (family of the Prophet ﷺ). It also boasts Al-Azhar University, one of the oldest Islamic institutions in the world.
4. Istanbul – Turkey
Turkey, especially Istanbul, offers Ziyarat opportunities to visit the tombs of companions like Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari (RA), old mosques, and Islamic relics preserved in the Topkapi Palace.
Ziyarat Sites Within Saudi Arabia
Even within Saudi Arabia, there are many sacred places that often go unnoticed by those focused solely on Hajj or Umrah:
1. Jabal al-Noor
Located in Makkah, Jabal al-Noor (The Mountain of Light) is home to the Cave of Hira, where the first revelation was sent to the Prophet ﷺ. Climbing the mountain is a physically demanding but spiritually rewarding act.
2. Uhud Mountain
In Madinah, Mount Uhud is the site of the famous Battle of Uhud, where many companions, including Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib (RA), were martyred. Pilgrims often visit the graveyard of the martyrs to offer duas and reflect on their sacrifices.
3. Quba Mosque
The Quba Mosque in Madinah was the first mosque built by the Prophet ﷺ. Praying here carries the reward of an Umrah, as narrated in the Hadith.
“Whoever makes ablution in his house and then goes and prays in the Mosque of Quba, he will have a reward like that of Umrah.”
— (Tirmidhi)
Best Time to Plan a Ziyarat Journey
While Ziyarat can be undertaken at any time of the year, many pilgrims plan them alongside their Umrah trips for logistical ease. Travel agencies often offer Umrah Packages London that include organized Ziyarat tours, guides, and transportation — making the journey seamless and enriching.
Ramadan is a particularly blessed time, and combining Umrah and Ziyarat during this month carries multiplied rewards. However, visiting during off-peak months may offer a more serene and reflective atmosphere.
Preparing for a Ziyarat Journey
A Ziyarat journey, like any spiritual act, requires intention (niyyah), humility, and respect. Here are a few practical tips for those planning one:
1. Educate Yourself
Before visiting a sacred site, learn about its history, significance, and the etiquettes of visiting. This ensures you make the most of your experience spiritually and respectfully.
2. Travel with Intention
Approach Ziyarat not as a tourist but as a seeker. Keep your focus on remembrance, reflection, and connection to the Divine.
3. Dress Modestly
Always dress in accordance with Islamic guidelines, especially when visiting mosques and tombs.
4. Make Dua
These sites are full of spiritual energy. Use the opportunity to make heartfelt duas for yourself, your family, the Ummah, and the oppressed.
Misconceptions Around Ziyarat
Some people believe that visiting graves or historical sites equates to innovation (bid’ah) or shirk. It is important to clarify that as long as the intention is not to worship anyone besides Allah, but to honor the righteous and reflect on their lives, Ziyarat is a commendable practice in Islam.
Numerous scholars across different schools of thought have supported and encouraged Ziyarat as a means of increasing faith and spiritual awareness.
Modern-Day Ziyarat: A Growing Trend
With improved travel accessibility and increased awareness, more Muslims are incorporating Ziyarat into their spiritual routines. Tour packages now make it easier than ever to embark on these journeys, providing guided visits and historical insights.
Young Muslims, in particular, find Ziyarat trips a great way to reconnect with their faith, especially when guided by knowledgeable scholars who bring the stories of the past to life.
Final Thoughts
Ziyarat is not just about traveling to holy sites — it’s about embarking on a spiritual journey that deepens one’s connection to Allah, the Prophet ﷺ, and the legacy of Islam. Whether you’re walking in the footsteps of the Prophet in Madinah, standing at the battlefield of Uhud, or praying in Masjid Al-Aqsa, each step brings you closer to your faith.
If you’re planning your next spiritual journey, look beyond the rituals of Hajj and Umrah. Add Ziyarat to your itinerary and open your heart to a profound and enriching experience that transcends borders and eras.