17 Places in Mecca where prayers are to be accepted

Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, holds profound spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the site of the Kaaba, the most sacred structure in Islam. Every year, millions of Muslims embark on the pilgrimage of Hajj or Umrah, seeking forgiveness, spiritual renewal, and closeness to Allah. There are many places in Mecca, especially in Haram, where prayers are believed to be particularly potent. This blog post aims to guide Muslim pilgrims to these sacred places in Mecca and Masjid al-Haram and offer practical advice to enhance their pilgrimage experience.

Sacred Places in Mecca for Prayers

• Praying Inside the Kaaba

The Kaaba, or the House of Allah, stands at the center of the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Praying inside the Kaaba is an extraordinary privilege, believed to have immense spiritual benefits. Given its significance, access is restricted and typically allowed only to certain dignitaries and officials. However, praying nearby is an act of immense devotion.

• Mataf Area

The circular space around the Kaaba, known as the Mataf, is where pilgrims perform the Tawaf or the act of circumambulating the Kaaba seven times. The Mataf is always bustling with activity, and making prayers here is believed to be highly meritorious. According to the hadith Prophet PBUH said:

“…one prayer in Masjid al-Haram is better than one hundred thousand prayers elsewhere.” [Ahmed]

• Mas’a

The Mas’a is the walkway between the hills of Safa and Marwa. Pilgrims traverse this path seven times in a ritual called Sa’i. Prayers made during this ritual are believed to invoke divine mercy.

• Meezab e Rehmat

The golden spout on the roof of the Kaaba, known as Meezab e Rehmat, is where rainwater falls onto the Hateem. It symbolizes Allah’s mercy, and offering prayers here is believed to result in abundant blessings.

• Multazim

The area between the Black Stone (Hajr e Aswad) and the door of the Kaaba is called the Multazim. Embracing this part of the Kaaba and making heartfelt supplications is believed to lead to prayers being answered.

• Hateem

The semi-circular area adjacent to the Kaaba, known as the Hateem, is considered part of the Kaaba itself. Praying here holds great significance, and many try to offer at least two units of prayer in this sacred space.

• Rukn e Yamani (The Yamani Corner)

Touching the Rukn e Yamani, the southwestern corner of the Kaaba facing Yemen is a Sunnah act during Tawaf. It is an uncovered part of the Holy Kaaba. Supplications made here are believed to be especially effective. Abu Hurayra(may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:

“Seventy thousand angels are delegated at Rukn e yamani. Whoever supplicates, ‘O Allah, grant us good in this life and the hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Hellfire’, the angels will say, ‘Amin.”

• Zam Zam Water Well

The well of Zam Zam, a miraculous source of water, is one of the places in Mecca to visit. Drinking Zam Zam water and making duas (supplications) afterward is believed to bring healing and blessings. Nowadays, it is not permitted to reach the Zam Zam well, so making a prayer while drinking Zam Zam is a blessed experience.

• Top of Safa & Marwa

On reaching the top of Safa pilgrims are recommended to face toward Kaaba and raise their hands for prayers. Then move toward Marwa and repeat it. Making duas at the top of Safa and Marwa during Sa’i is recommended, as these locations commemorate the perseverance and faith of the wife of Prophet Ibrahim.

• Mina

The Tent City of Mina, one of the significant places in Mecca for pilgrims, where they stay during the days of Hajj, holds great spiritual importance. Prayers and supplications made here, especially during the Days of Tashreeq, are believed to be highly accepted.

• Plain of Arafat

Standing on the Plain of Arafat during Hajj on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah is one of the important rituals of Hajj pilgrimage. Prayers made here are considered the most potent, and it is said that Allah forgives the sins of those who sincerely repent on this day.

• Muzdalifah

After leaving Arafat, pilgrims spend the night in Muzdalifah. Collecting pebbles and making prayers here is part of the ritual, and it is believed to be a place where supplications are accepted.

• Hajr e Aswad (The Black Stone)

Kissing or touching the Black Stone is a Sunnah act during Tawaf. Prayers made in its vicinity are believed to carry special significance.

• Bab e Rehmat (Door of Kaaba)

The main door of the Kaaba, known as Bab e Rehmat, is a significant place for making duas, symbolizing entry into Allah’s mercy.

• Bab e Masdud

A door was built by Abdullah Bin Zubair on the directive of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) as Prophet PBUH desired to ease entry and exit for the Pilgrims. Later on, Hajjaj Bin Yusuf reconstructed the Kaaba and sealed this door but its legacy is still maintained. Making prayers here is believed to be beneficial.

• Maqam e Ibrahim

The Station of Abraham (Maqam e Ibrahim) is a stone near the Kaaba that bears the footprint of the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim). After completing Tawaf, it’s Sunnah to pray two units of prayer behind this stone.

• Mustajab: The Southern Wall of the Kaaba

The southern wall of the Kaaba is called Mustajab. It is located between Rukn e Yamani and Hajr al-Aswad. Dua between Rukn e Yamani and Hajr e Aswad is accepted. It is narrated in a hadith:

“Seventy thousand angels are appointed there and they proclaim ‘Amin’ to the supplications made there”

It is another significant location where prayers are believed to be readily accepted.

Practical Advice for Pilgrims

• Best Times to Visit: Early mornings and late nights are usually less crowded, offering a more conducive atmosphere for heartfelt prayers.

• Etiquettes to Observe: Maintain cleanliness, dress modestly, and approach each site with utmost respect and humility. Avoid pushing and shoving; patience is key.

• Plan Ahead: Given the crowds, especially during Hajj and Umrah in Ramadan, planning your visits to these sites can ensure you get quality time for prayers.

Conclusion

The journey of Hajj and Umrah is not just a physical pilgrimage but a deeply spiritual one. The sacred places in Mecca offer numerous opportunities for prayers to be accepted, providing pilgrims with moments of profound spiritual connection. As you embark on this holy journey, remember that the essence lies in sincere devotion and humility before Allah.

Ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime? Join our one-on-one session for a comprehensive Hajj guide. Safe travels and may your pilgrimage be blessed! May your prayers be accepted, and may you return spiritually enriched. Safe travels and blessed prayers!