While on Umrah, most pilgrims remain confined to Madina and Makkah, spending time in the great mosques. While the two are the most important cities from a religious perspective, Saudi Arabia has much more to offer. One such city is Taif, which is often overlooked by pilgrims. Why is this city famous?
Well, the Holy Prophet (SAW) visited the city in the 7th century to invite the people towards Islam. The people rejected the Prophet’s (SAW) message, pelting him with stones. But Taif is not just known for this event alone. The city has numerous must-visit historical and religious places.
Therefore, ask your Umrah operator to include a visit to Taif as part of your itinerary. When performing Umrah through PFS Travel, we offer customised packages. In other words, we can easily integrate your request to visit Taif or any other religious place as part of your Umrah package.
Now, let’s explore the historical and religious places to visit in Taif in detail.
Must Visit Places in Taif
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Masjid Addas
Although it is a small mosque, its significance cannot be overstated. After the Prophet (SAW) was pelted with stones, a Christian slave offered him help. After talking to the Prophet (SAW), the slave converted to Islam. The small mosque stands as a testament to patience and faith.
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Masjid AlMadhoon
Just like Masjid Addas, this is a simple and small mosque. Its significance is that the Prophet (SAW) sought refuge here when rejected by the people of Taif. The mosque signifies the various trials which the Messenger of God faced when spreading the message of Islam.
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Abdullah Ibn Abbas Mosque
This is one of the most significant religious landmarks in all of Saudi Arabia. The mosque is named after Prophet’s (PBUH) cousin, Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA). He was a renowned Islamic scholar and popularly referred to as ‘The Scholar of the Ummah’. Interestingly, the mosque is located near his grave and provides insights into the spread of the Islamic knowledge.
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Shubra Palace
This palace was the residence of King Abdulaziz, but has now been converted into a museum. The palace offers a glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s rich past and unique architectural designs. Comparing this 20th century palace to modern Saudi buildings shows the extent to which the country has transformed itself in very little time.
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Al-Shafa and Al-Hada Mountains
Taif is widely referred to as the best summer place in Saudi Arabia because of its cool climate, lush green landscape, and stunning sceneries. This contrasts with rest of Saudi Arabia which is known for its dry and hot climate. These two areas are quite famous among tourists and locals. So, if you are performing Umrah, do take out some time to visit this heavenly place.
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Ancient Souks
A Souk is an open-air market and are quite common across Arabian cities. Taif has been a trade and cultural hub for centuries. Luckily, visitors can find numerous souks throughout Taif. However, we recommend visit the Souk Okaz specifically since it dates back to the pre-Islamic period. Moreover, you can witness cultural events, poetry contests, and more. If you wish to explore the literary history of Saudi Arabia, this is a must-visit place.
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Miqat Wadi Maharim
The miqat refers to the place where Muslims who are embarking on Umrah or Hajj to enter the state of Ihram. After doing so, Muslims are required to adhere to a certain set of rules. The restrictions only end once the Umrah or Hajj is completed. For the people coming from the eastern part of Saudi Arabia, they can enter into Ihram at Wadi Maharim. All required facilities are available at this place, including the changing rooms, ablution area, and more. Since it is only 90 km away from Makkah, pilgrims intending to perform another Umrah can opt for Taif for miqat.
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Grape Gardens
Due to its location high in the mountains and fertile soil, Taif is known for its high-quality grapes. You can explore the vineyards and if allowed by the owners, pick fresh grapes. Apart from the grapes, Taif provides an ideal environment to grown pomegranates and figs. You can also enjoy delicacies such as organic jams and freshly made juice.
Conclusion
This concludes our article on the top historical and religious places to visit in Taif during your Umrah. Speaking of Umrah, PFS Travel offers customised Umrah packages, including Umrah Ramadan 2025. With customised packages, visa processing, and more, we are a one-stop shop for all your Hajj and Umrah requirements. Reach out to us for more information:
+92 345 5755556
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