Ziyarat in Makkah

The mountain holding the cave where the Prophet ﷺ used to retreat, and where the first revelation came to him. Perhaps the most significant site in Makkah after the Haram itself.

Be realistic about the climb. It is a genuine mountain ascent of several hundred metres on rough steps, with little shade. People are taken ill on it every season, particularly in summer and particularly those who are older or unfit. There is no shame at all in viewing the mountain from the base — you lose nothing religiously by not reaching the cave.

If you do climb: go before Fajr or after Asr, carry two litres of water per person, wear real shoes, and turn back the moment you feel unwell.

The cave where the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) hid for three nights during the Hijrah, while the Quraysh searched for them.

Less visited than Jabal al-Nour and the climb is tougher. Most visitors view it from the road and reflect from there, which is entirely sufficient.

Makkah's historic cemetery. Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet's ﷺ first wife, is buried here, along with many of his family and early companions.

Visit as you would any cemetery: give the greeting of peace to the people of the graves, reflect on death, make dua for the deceased. Do not make dua to them, do not touch or kiss the graves, and do not circle them. Visiting hours are limited and access for women varies — check locally.

The nearest Miqat to Makkah, where Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) was instructed to enter Ihram. This is where people living in or staying in Makkah go to enter Ihram for an additional Umrah.

Has showers and changing facilities. Shared taxis run constantly between here and the Haram, so you rarely wait long.

Worth considering, though: many scholars hold that staying in the Haram to pray, recite and perform extra Tawaf is better than making repeated trips to Taneem for additional Umrahs. If your days are limited, that's a real choice to weigh.

Marks the place where a group of jinn are reported to have listened to the Prophet ﷺ reciting the Quran and believed — the event referred to in Surah al-Jinn.

A functioning mosque. Pray two rak'ah if you're there at the right time, and move on. Usually combined with Jannat al-Mu'alla, which is close by.

The three sites of Hajj. Outside the Hajj season they are quiet and open, and seeing them empty gives you a much clearer picture of what Hajj actually involves.

Normally done as one loop by car. You can climb the small hill at Arafat — easy, maybe fifteen minutes. The pillar on top is a marker, nothing more: don't touch it for blessing or write on it.

Where the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was signed and the Pledge of Ridwan was given beneath the tree. There is a mosque marking the site.

Further out and less visited, so usually only included if you've hired a car for the day. Also functions as a Miqat for those coming from that direction.

Two worthwhile indoor options, and a sensible plan for the hottest part of the day. The Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques Architecture holds original pieces — old doors of the Kaaba, sections of kiswah, the original minbar — and is genuinely remarkable.