Volunteering in Makka: A 5-Day Itinerary

  • Day 1: Al-Masjid an-Nabawi
    10 minutes (2.2 km) from Madinah

    Madinah is the second-holiest city in Islam, and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is the second-largest mosque in the world after Masjid al-Haram in Makka. It is an excellent place to start the trip, and there are many opportunities to volunteer and serve the community here.

  • Day 2: Mount Uhud
    20 minutes (6.1 km) from Al-Masjid an-Nabawi

    Mount Uhud is the site of the Battle of Uhud, and there are several historical sites on the mountain, including the graves of the martyrs. There are also hiking trails and a park for visitors to enjoy, and opportunities for volunteering and engaging with the local community.

  • Day 3: Masjid al-Haram
    4 hours (456 km) from Mount Uhud

    Masjid al-Haram, also known as the Great Mosque of Makka, is the most sacred site in Islam. It is the largest mosque in the world and surrounds the Kaaba, which Muslims around the world face in prayer. There are many opportunities for volunteering and serving the community here.

  • Day 4: Arafat
    1 hour (21.4 km) from Masjid al-Haram

    Arafat is a plain about 20 kilometers southeast of Makka that is a key site during the Hajj pilgrimage. It is the site where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon, and it is a place of great spiritual significance for Muslims. There are several volunteer opportunities available for those who wish to serve the community.

  • Day 5: Jabal al-Noor
    2 hours (79.5 km) from Arafat

    Jabal al-Noor, or the Mountain of Light, is the site where the Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation from Allah. It is a popular hiking destination, and there are several caves and historical sites to explore. There are also opportunities for volunteering and engaging with the local community.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (1 hour, free)
  • Mount Uhud (2 hours, free)
  • Masjid al-Haram (3 hours, free)
  • Arafat (2 hours, free)
  • Jabal al-Noor (3 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $0

Transportation

Transportation during the trip will primarily be by car or taxi. There are also local buses and trains available for those who prefer public transportation. Estimated travel costs are approximately $50-100 USD for the entire trip, depending on mode of transportation and distance.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other holy sites such as Masjid al-Qiblatayn or Masjid al-Quba. If you have less time, consider breaking up the itinerary into two or three days instead of five. Don't forget to dress appropriately and bring a water bottle!

Airports

The closest airport to the itinerary is Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) in Madinah, approximately 16 km from the city center. From there, travelers can rent a car or take a taxi to reach the itinerary destinations.

0