Holy Makkah (Brief History, Geography & Hajj Guide)

Holy Makkah (Brief History, Geography & Hajj Guide) is a 152-page English guide by Safiur Rahman Mubarakpuri covering Makkah's history, geography, and religious significance, closing with a practical guide to the rites of Hajj. Softcover, 17 x 24cm, printed in color with maps and visual aids.

About the author

Safiur Rahman Mubarakpuri (1942-2006) is best known for Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum, translated as The Sealed Nectar, which won first prize at a Muslim World League seerah-writing competition held in Makkah in 1978. Holy Makkah applies the same historical approach to the city itself rather than to the Prophet's biography.

What this guide covers

The book traces Makkah's historical development and the reasons for its sanctity in Islamic tradition, with sections on landmarks including the Black Stone and the Zamzam Well, and the expansion of the Holy Ka'bah and the Grand Mosque from the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) onward. The closing section sets out the rites of Hajj step by step, explaining what each rite involves and its underlying purpose rather than listing steps without context.

Who this guide suits

Useful as a first read for anyone preparing for Hajj who wants the history and geography alongside the rites rather than a rituals-only checklist, and as a general-interest read for students of Islamic history. For a longer, step-by-step walkthrough of the rites themselves, see Hajj, Umrah and Ziyarah by Sheikh Ibn Baz, or the Atlas of Hajj and Umrah for a more visual, map-based guide. Readers researching the second holy city can pair this with History of Madinah Munawwarah.

Frequently asked questions

Is this book enough to prepare for Hajj on its own?

It covers the rites of Hajj at a guide level alongside the history and geography of Makkah, rather than as a standalone step-by-step manual. Pilgrims who want more procedural detail typically pair it with a dedicated rites guide such as Hajj, Umrah and Ziyarah.

What language is this edition in?

English. Darussalam also publishes a separate French-language title on Makkah's history, prepared under the same author's supervision, though it isn't a direct translation of this edition.

What historical landmarks does the book cover?

The Black Stone, the Zamzam Well, and the expansion of the Holy Ka'bah and the Grand Mosque from the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through later periods.

How is this different from the Atlas of Hajj and Umrah?

This is a text-based guide with supporting maps and visual aids. The Atlas of Hajj and Umrah is built around maps and diagrams as the primary format, with less running historical narrative.

Who wrote this book, and what else are they known for?

Safiur Rahman Mubarakpuri, an Indian Islamic scholar (1942-2006) best known for Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum (The Sealed Nectar), his biography of the Prophet Muhammad that won first prize at a Muslim World League seerah-writing competition in Makkah in 1978.

Is there a companion book on Madinah?

Yes, History of Madinah Munawwarah covers the second holy city in a similar format.

Do you ship across Saudi Arabia?

Yes, Darussalam Store ships nationwide across Saudi Arabia.