An Umrah in November Helps You Explore Prominent Mosques

by Safeena Rahman Travel Addict

Makkah experiences a hot desert climate with higher temperatures during summers that often exceed 40-Degree Celsius during the day. Winters are quite pleasant with daytime temperatures ranging from 18-Degree Celsius to 30-Degree Celsius. Between November and January, there can be small amounts of rain in the holy city, but the overall climate is pleasant during this time of the year and can be a good time for Muslims to perform their Umrah. Every year, many of the Muslims residing in different corners of the world visit the holy city of Makkah in this month to perform their Umrah, which is also called the 'lesser pilgrimage'.

An Umrah in November is chosen by many of the prospective pilgrims owing to the presence of pleasant weather in Makkah during this month. Some of them book packages for this purpose with their tour operator several months in advance to get a considerable amount of discount. However, before booking packages for the lesser pilgrimage in advance, they must first decide their date of departure from their place of residence and the number of days they intend to spend in the holy city. When they decide upon the dates months in advance, they can also book their desired package much earlier to get a big discount.

The amount saved can be utilised while getting around in the city and visiting the Islamic sites of great importance. One of them is Masjid-e-Taneem, which is located at a distance of about 5 miles from the Holy Kaabah. It is also called Masjid-e-Ayesha since Ayesha (peace be upon her), the wife of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), had entered the state of 'ihram' or the holy state at this place. This is a big mosque with some excellent facilities offered for changing, taking baths, and performing ablutions for pilgrims as well as individuals who arrive at this place for their regular prayers.

Pilgrims who are in the holy city of Makkah for their Umrah can also visit Masjid al-Khayf, which is one of the oldest mosques in this part of the world. It is located about 10 kilometres to the east of Masjid al-Haram and is close to one of the three walls used for 'stoning of the devil' ritual. During their stay in Mina, pilgrims offer their prayers in this mosque. This mosque can be reached with the help of the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro line. It is quite a large mosque that can accommodate more than 40,000 worshippers.

Another mosque among the oldest in Makkah is Masjid al-Jinn. The name translates as 'Mosque of the Jinn'. In Islamic traditions, the Jinn are creatures with supernatural powers. This mosque has been built at a place where a group of jinn had gathered after sunset to hear Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recite a portion of the Holy Quran. Later, they met the prophet and embraced Islam. This incident is mentioned in the 'al-Jinn' chapter of the Holy Quran. This mosque is also considered one of the most important mosques located in the holy city.