RELIGIOUS
Saudi Arabia is home of two of Islam’s holiest sanctuaries: Makkah the Honored and Madinah the Enlightened. Saudi Arabia views its caring for the holy cities of Makkah - the birthplace of Islam and the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), and Madinah - the Prophet’s burial place, as a sacred trust carried out on behalf of all Muslims. Recognizing the unique and historic tradition these holy sites represent, all Saudi kings since King Fahd bin Abdulaziz have adopted the official title: The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques – as an expression of their deep sense of responsibility towards Islam.
Al-Masjid Al-Haram
makkah
Makkah is the holiest city in Islam: the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the city where the Quran was first revealed to him. It’s also a fixture in observant Muslims’ daily lives, as they orient themselves toward the Ka’aba, which is located within the Sacred Mosque or Masjid al-Haram to pray five times a day. The annual Hajj pilgrimage to the city is one of the five pillars of the faith, but millions of people journey to the city year-round to perform the shorter Umrah pilgrimage as well.
Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi
madinah
Madinah is one of Islam’s two holiest cities, making it a key destination for millions of pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah. The city is centered around Al Masjid an Nabawi, also known as the Prophet’s Mosque, which was constructed by the Prophet himself (PBUH) and is also where he is buried.
For more information on Hajj and Umrah
Tomb of Hawa
jeddah
This cemetery in Jeddah is believed to house the grave of Hawa (Eve), the first woman created and the wife of Adam (A.S.). Hawa thus considered by many to be the grandmother of humanity, which may have influenced the name Jeddah, which means grandmother in Arabic.
12 Springs of Prophet Moses (A.S.)
tabuk
A historical landmark Located in the valley of Maqna in the Tabuk Province of Saudi Arabia, where the Prophet Moses (A.S.) came to drink water from one of these wells after he crossed the Red Sea and arrived in Maqna. The sprouting of crystal clear fresh water from several places and its flow against gravity in the middle of the desert through date palm farms is truly amazing!
Mada’in Saleh
al ula
An archaeological site located in Al-Ula and once home to the ancient civilization of Thamud, who lived in Hegra and who carved houses within the mountains. Mada’in Saleh is famous for the story mentioned several times in the Quran of the Prophet Saleh (A.S.) and his miracle camel, which was killed by the very people who demanded a miracle as a condition for their belief and despite being forbidden from bringing any harm to it. As a result, severe earthquakes destroyed the entire tribe. This site, is definitely a place for solemn reflection and contemplation of the consequences of the insistence of disbelief.