Jannat al-Mu'alla
Makkah al Mukarramah
Jannat al-Mu'alla is a prominent Muslim cemetery located in Makkah al Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia, serving as the burial ground for many of the city's inhabitants from pre-Islamic times to the present day. Situated near the beginning of the Hajoon road, close to the Masjid al-Haram, it holds graves of significant Islamic personalities such as Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the wife of Prophet Muhammad, as well as other companions, scholars, and caliphs. The cemetery is on the slopes of Mount Hajoon, bordered by Mount Sulaymaniyah to the west and Mount Hajoon to the east, making it one of the highest points in Makkah. Historically, it was outside the urban boundary of Makkah until the Umayyad era. The site includes facilities for washing and shrouding the deceased, and it is managed by the municipality of the Holy Capital. Over centuries, the cemetery has maintained its religious significance, with graves often marked by inscribed stones bearing names, dates, and Quranic verses. Due to its age and environmental factors, restoration projects have been undertaken to preserve the graves and raise the cemetery's ground level. Jannat al-Mu'alla remains an active cemetery and a revered site reflecting Islamic heritage and the history of Makkah.
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Tip: Visitors seeking to pay respects should plan visits outside prayer times at Masjid al-Haram to avoid crowds. The cemetery is open continuously, but respectful conduct is essential. It is advisable to learn about the site's significance beforehand to appreciate its historical and religious context fully. No tickets are required, but visitors should observe local customs and dress modestly.
Interesting facts
- •Jannat al-Mu'alla is the burial site of Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the first wife of Prophet Muhammad.
- •The cemetery includes graves of several companions of the Prophet and notable Islamic scholars.
- •The site has been in continuous use since pre-Islamic times and is one of the oldest cemeteries in Makkah.
- •Graves are often marked with inscribed stones from local mountains, reused over centuries.
- •The cemetery's ground level has been raised in recent years to prevent damage from sewage water and flooding.
History
Jannat al-Mu'alla dates back to pre-Islamic times and has continuously served as the main cemetery for Makkah's residents.
It holds graves of the Prophet Muhammad's ancestors and companions, including his wife Khadijah bint Khuwaylid.
Historically, it was surrounded by a stone wall built in earlier centuries, which has been rebuilt multiple times, most recently in a modern reinforced style.
The cemetery was once outside the urban area of Makkah but became encompassed as the city expanded.
Restoration efforts have been made to address damage from sewage and ground subsidence, including raising the cemetery's floor level to protect the graves.
