The most Sacred mosques of Islamic Religion

Masjid-al-Haram remains the holiest mosque of Islam to exist on Earth. The reason being it has a great association with Islamic history and origin. In addition, millions of pilgrims arrive here every year for the holy rituals of Hajj and Umrah by best Hajj and Umrah travel Agents of Islamic Travel. Hajj tour is an obligatory sacred pilgrimage that Muslims undertake from the 8th to the 12th of Dhu-al-Hijjah; annually. On the other hand, Umrah is a sunnah pilgrimage of the Holy Prophet (SAWW), thus, performed voluntarily by a believer.  

In addition to the Holy Mosque of Makkah, there are a total of three sacred mosques of Islam present in this world. So, here’s a brief description of them. 

1. Masjid-al-Haram.

Masjid-al-Haram also known as the ‘Great Mosque of Makkah’ or ‘Makkah’s Grand Mosque’ remains the holiest mosque of the Islamic religion. Masjid-al-Haram reserves exceptional spiritual significance for Muslims. Holy Kaabah, Hajar-e-Aswad (the black stone), Maqam-e-Ibrahim, the hills of Safah and Marwah, as well as the well of Zamzam – all are present within n its premises. 

Masjid-al-Haram is located in the holy city of Makkah in Saudia Arabia that’s why it remains the true focal point of Islam for believers. Masjid-al-Haram (the holy Kaabah) remains the only Qibla of Islam. No matter where they reside in the world, Muslims offer their prayers facing its direction. That’s why Masjid-al-Haram also remains referred to as the ‘House of Allah Almighty; here Ibadah and Tawaf never stop!

As the fifth obligatory pillar of Islam, the largest annual religious gathering of pilgrims can be seen here during the time of Hajj pilgrimage; nearly 4 million people! Due to this reason, Masjid-al-Haram also remains the largest mosque in the world as well. 

2. Masjid-al-Nabawi.

Masjid-al-Nabawi (SAWW), also known as the Prophet’s Mosque, is present in the holy city of Madinah of Saudia Arabia. The mosque was initially established as well as built by Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) himself. In fact, the Roza-e-Rasool (SAWW) is also present here – Masjid-al-Nabawi is the resting place of our holy prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW). 

Though it originally remains the third mosque to be established in the history of Islam, it is considered the second holiest mosque of Islam because of its sanctity. Despite this, it’s also the second-largest mosque in the world as well i.e., after Masjid-al-Haram. 

Though none of the Hajj or Umrah rituals are associated with Masjid-al-Nabawi, millions of Muslim pilgrims visit this mosque and offer prayers there in their love and respect for the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW). 

3. Masjid-al-Aqsa.

Masjid-al-Aqsa is also known as ‘the Farthest Mosque’ and is the 3rd holiest Mosque of Islam that also served as the first Qibla. However then as per the will of Allah Almighty Qibla was changed from Masjid-al-Aqsa to Masjid-al-Haram i.e., Holy Kaabah during the times of Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW). 

Masjid-al-Aqsa is present in the Old City of Jerusalem. The entire area of Masjid-al-Aqsa consists of the famous ‘Dome of the Rock’; The Four Minarets, and the Seventeen Gates while the wider area being referred to as ‘Al-Haram-ash-Sharif (The Noble Sanctuary)’. 

These are some of the things to know about the three most sacred mosques of Islam.

Facts about the Zamzam water

 Among the many blessings of Allah Almighty that pilgrims of hajj and umrah enjoy, Zamzam water remains a prominent one. In fact, it’s among the rituals of the holy pilgrimages to drink Zamzam water! That’s why it’s advised for pilgrims arriving in the kingdom through December umrah packages Birmingham to drink and make the maximum use of Zamzam water, but at the same time, shouldn’t waste it. Pilgrims are also given canned Zamzam water to carry to their homes as a gift/souvenir for their loved ones.

1. Well of Zamzam.

The well of Zamzam is present inside Masjid-al-Haram. To be more specific, it remains located about 20 meters (66 feet) east of the Holy Kaabah. The supply of Zamzam water is available throughout the Haramain through various water stations but pilgrims cannot physically access the Zamzam well.

2. Historical significance.

The well of Zamzam sprung during the time of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). When his (AS) son Hazrat Ismail (AS) was crying because of thirst and hunger in the barren desert of Makkah with no help in sight; Allah Almighty, by his will, discovered the well of Zamzam for him. 

3. Purest Water.

The Zamzam eater is the purest water to ever exist on Earth. Researches have shown that the perfect ratio of bicarbonates found in Zamzam water is even higher than the total found in the famous ‘French Alps’ water.

No microorganisms.

Another surprising fact about Zamzam water is that it contains no harmful microorganisms i.e., germs and bacteria cannot survive in it. 

According to the research of Dr. Yahya Koshak, a series of tests were conducted using ultraviolet tech through Europe and Saudi Arabia, and Zamzam Water was found to be completely free of any harmful microorganisms at all times. The reason being its high levels of the ‘fluoride’ mineral as well as the rich contents of ‘Calcium’ and ‘Magnesium’.

4. A Treatment. 

It was narrated by Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) in a Hadith that the Zamzam water is good for whatever purpose it is drunk for. Therefore, it can be evidently said that Zamzam water has exceptional healing capabilities for a lot of different ailments.

5. The well of Zamzam has never dried.

As surprising as it may seem, the water of Zamzam well has never dried and to date, the origin of its water i.e., from where it flows/comes remains unknown. Its water has been flowing and being used by people for thousands of years till date but it never depletes. In fact, it will remain like this till the end of time because it surely is a miracle of Allah Almighty.

These are some of the most significant facts about the Zamzam water that everyone should know about. 

Spirituality of the month of Dhu-al-Hijjah

 Muslims have been blessed with a variety of sacred occasions in an Islamic year. Allah Almighty not only improves the spirituality of believers in this month but also the reward for it gets multiplied as per the will of Allah Almighty. Though as Muslims we know that every new day is like a blessing from Allah Almighty for believers, certain times are considered a bit more holy for a variety of reasons. Among those, the month of Dhu-al-Hijjah reserves great significance. It’s the 12th and last month of an Islamic lunar calendar that carries special status because the annual obligatory pilgrimage of Hajj is observed in it. Millions of Muslims flock to the city of Makkah through umrah packages deals and offer holy rituals together.

Here’s a brief description of the spirituality of the month of Dhu-al-Hijjah.

Importance of Fasting during first ten days.

Fasting on a daily basis during the first ten days of Dhu-al-Hijjah possesses exceptional significance. Especially fasting on the ‘Day of Arafah’ (which is the 9th of Dhu-al-Hijjah) is something Muslims all over the world observe.

It was narrated by Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) that fasting on the Day of Arafah is an expiation for all the sins committed in the previous year and an expiation for all the sins of the coming year as well.

Recitation of Dhikr and Takbir.

A believer must recite as much Takbir and Dhikr as he/she possibly can at this time of the year because it’s one of the greatest Sunnah of our Holy Prophet (SAWW).

It was narrated by Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) in a Hadith that there are no days on which good deeds are greater and more beloved to Allah Almighty but on these ten days of Dhu-al-Hijjah; recite Takbir, Tahmeed and Tahleel excessively.

The time for Hajj pilgrimage.

Hajj is observed every year by millions of Muslims in the month of Dhu-al-Hijjah. The rituals of Hajj are commenced from the 8th of Dhu-al-Hijjah and last till the 12th day. In this time period pilgrims gather in the holy city of Makkah; travel to a lot of different places and offer holy rituals there as specified in the sunnah of the Holy Prophet (SAWW).

Eid-al-Adha.

In the month of Dhu-al-Hijjah i.e., on the 10th; Muslims across the globe celebrate Eid-al-Adha and sacrifice animals. This celebration is done in the remembrance of the great Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) i.e. when he got ready to sacrifice his son Hazrat Ismail (AS) on the orders of Allah Almighty.

Hence Muslims slaughter goats, sheep, cows, camels during this festival and distribute its meat among three equal parts; for the needy, for their relatives as well as keeping for themselves.

That’s how important the month of Dhu-al-Hijjah remains for the Muslims in terms of its spirituality and association with Islamic history.