A pilgrim is posing for a photoshoot outside the Quba Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia. According to historical accounts, Quba Mosque was the initial mosque constructed by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) after his migration (hijra) from Mecca. Consequently, this mosque holds great significance and is a must-visit site during the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages.

Umrah Pilgrimage and the Saudis

The Umrah is a shorter version of Hajj pilgrimage. It’s one of the most important worshipping rituals, and holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. Every year, millions of Muslims from around the globe gather in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia to embark on this sacred journey.

Beyond its religious importance, the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimage is an integral part of the cultural and social fabric of Saudi Arabia, forging a profound connection between the Saudi people and their faith.

The Umrah pilgrimage is not just a religious obligation but also a cultural and social cornerstone for the Saudi people. It strengthens their connection to Islam, fosters cultural unity, and contributes significantly to the nation’s economy.

The hospitality and generosity extended to pilgrims reflect the values of kindness and charity at the core of Islamic teachings.

As millions of Muslims continue to converge on Mecca for this sacred journey, the bond between the Saudi people and the Umrah pilgrimage remains unbreakable, transcending time and borders.

Tawaf, being a vital component of the rituals during Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages.

The beauty of the interior of Mosque al-Haram (Masjidil Haram) ini Mecca.

Busy traffic in Mecca.

Hotels in Medina, where pilgrims stay during the pilgrimage period.

Pilgrims are hurrying to the “raudhah” zone within the Nabawi Mosque in Medina, as it is believed that offering prayers in this area carries numerous virtues and advantages.

Personnels are working on regular maintenance at Nabawi (The Prophet) Mosque. During the Hajj season, the total operational cost of the Prophet’s Mosque in the city of Madinah Al Munawaroh, Saudi Arabia, reaches millions of dollar per day. These costs do not vary significantly outside the Hajj season.

Jabal Uhud, also known as the Hills of Uhud, holds significant historical importance in Islam and is among the most frequented sites during the pilgrimage.

Flow of people from all around the globe, after Friday Prayer at The Prophet’s Mosque. The mosque can accommodate up to one million worshippers both inside the building and on the mosque’s courtyard.

The tahallul (shaving) is part of the rituals during Umrah or Hajj pilgrimage. Tahallul has the wisdom of cleansing oneself, leaving impure thoughts, abandoning unproductive matters, and so on.

With the assistance of God and their strong determination, pilgrims who have physical disabilities are diligently and enthusiastically participating in all the rituals.

With eagle eyes, the Sharia Police is monitoring situation at Masjidil Haram, Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This Sharia police is actually a team for promoting good and forbidding wrong, established by the authorities of the two holy mosques in Saudi Arabia. They are mainly responsible for reminding Hajj pilgrims from various countries not to engage in acts of polytheism when they arrive at the Masjidil Haram or the Masjid Nabawi.

The Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, often referred to as the Grand Mosque, has undergone significant development and construction projects over the years to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims who visit the holy site for Hajj and Umrah. These projects aim to expand the capacity of the mosque and enhance the overall experience for worshippers.

Worshippers are walking through an isle at The Prophet’s Mosque, Medina.

Traffic at a junction, near Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.

Shops located in the vicinity of the Prophet’s Mosque that offer a wide variety of Arabic souvenirs and food items.

The Dates Garden is a popular destination for pilgrim-tourists, offering a wide selection of Arabic and Middle Eastern dates, including some rare varieties that can be found and purchased.

(This photo and six photos below) The pilgrimage to Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal ar-Rahmah (the Hill of Compassion) in Arabic, is situated approximately 20 kilometers to the southeast of Mecca, within the province of the same name in Saudi Arabia. It’s important to note that this pilgrimage isn’t a formal component of the Umrah rituals (but a must for Hajj). Nevertheless, many Umrah pilgrims choose to visit this sacred site to offer prayers for their personal well-being and to seek blessings for finding a suitable life partner.

Street vendor at Mount Arafat site.

Hudaibiyah, which is located just outside the city of Mecca, on the way to Jeddah, is indeed one of its own attractions for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from various countries to see camels up close and also to drink their milk.

Typical view of hotels in Mecca and Medina.

Pigeons of Mecca (this photo and below).

Pigeons of Medina.