6 Most Visited Islamic Pilgrimage Sites In India

The second largest religion of India, and the world, Islam was introduced to the world by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Arabia. ‘Islam’ means “submission to the will of God”. The people who faithfully follow Islam are known as Muslims. The holy text of this religion is the Quran, which is believed to be the word of God, and is followed faithfully by all Muslims.

This monotheistic religion posits that, God sent messengers to spread his word over the world, the last of whom was Muhammad (SAW). Islam has five main principles which are upheld by Muslims – prayer, testimony, fasting, alms-giving, and pilgrimage. Every Muslim must undergo a pilgrimage (hajj) to the holy city of Mecca, at least once in their lifetime, if possible. Mecca is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and is also where he (SAW) received the revelation from God.

There are many Islamic pilgrimage sites in India too. The following are some of the most important sites, visited by millions of pilgrims and visitors every year.

# Dargah Hazratbal, Jammu & Kashmir

# The Hazratbal Shrine is located in the city of Srinagar of Jammu and Kashmir. The Urdu word hazrat means ‘respected’ and the Kashmiri world bal means ‘place’. Hence ‘Hazratbal’ means a place which garners respect and high regard.

Situated on the banks of the Dal Lake with a view of the surrounding mountains, Hazratbal is the holiest Muslim shrine in the state. The mosque is special because it contains a hair of Prophet Mohammad (SAW) himself, a cherished relic (Moi-e-Muqqadas). The lock of hair arrived in 1699 during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

This particular shrine is also different from all the other in Kashmir for another reason. It’s the only one with a domed ceiling unlike the rest which have roofs like pagodas. The Moi-e-Muqqadas is kept in a glass casket, and displayed on sacred days. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit the mosque. There are even colourful fairs held at the shrine throughout the year.

# Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Ajmer

The dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, also known as Dargah Sharif, Ajmer Dargah, Ajmer Sharif, is a shrine and tomb of the famous sufi saint, also referred to as Gharib Nawaz. Architecturally the shrine is famous for its gates.

The main gate is the Nizam Gate, built in 1915 by the last Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan. The second is the Shahjahani Gate, built by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor. These two are followed by Buland Darwaza, erected by Sultan Mahmood Khilji. The last gate hoists the urs flag, the death anniversary of the saint. Kalanders (walking sufi saints) walk all the way from Delhi to Ajmer during the urs each year.

# Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai

Located on an islet in the middle of the Arabian Sea, a mile off the coast of Mumbai, the Haji Ali Dargah is one of the most famous and frequented mosques in India. Dedicated to a Muslim merchant, Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who rejected all worldly possessions and went on a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Some believe that after his death, his casket floated back to the site of the dargah. It’s a busy moque, with over 40,000 pilgrims and visitors going there regularly. People of all faiths visit the darga. The structure is of white marble with an intricately carved door, built in 1431.

# Tomb of Salim Chishti, Fatehpur Sikri

One of the finest Mughal structures in India, the tomb was built by Emperor Akbar between 1580 and 1581, dedicated to the sufi saint Salim Chisti. He predicted the birth of Akbar’s son and successor Jahangir, who was named Salim in honour of the saint.

The tomb is located in Fatehpur Sikri, a city built by Akbar. Other than the pilgrims, the tomb is visited by tourists especially photographers, who admire the beauty of the tomb. The stunning portico, mother of pearl inlay mosaics, arabesque patterns, and marble screens make this tomb a unique pilgrimage site.

# Jama Masjid, Delhi

Situated in the capital of India, Delhi, the Jama Masjid was built between 1644 and 1656 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The Masjid-i Jahan-Numa (World – viewing mosque) is one of the largest in the country, and typical of the Mughal style of architecture.

The mosque is made of red sandstone with white marble work, and has two minarets, three large gates, and four towers. The courtyard of the mosque can hold upto 25,000 people and is visited by millions of people each year.

# Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad

One of the largest mosques in India, the Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad, Telangana is renowned for its association with the Islamic holy site, Mecca. The mosque was built in the 17th century by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. According to legends, the ruler commissioned bricks to be made from soil brought from the holy land, which were used in its construction. The hall can accommodate 10,000 people, and is 220 ft. long, 75 ft. high, and 180 ft. wide. The masjid receives visitors and pilgrims from all over the country.