Birthplace of Muhammad

Mecca

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Although the Saudi authorities claim there is no evidence to confirm it, many Muslims believe this is the spot where the Prophet Muhammad was born in around AD 570. As a result this modest two-storey structure, which is now a library, is surrounded by signs warning against 'disapproved' devotional behaviour, but there's no information about the Prophet's birth. That hasn't stopped some pilgrims from inscribing their blessings and prayers on the walls.

The library is in the northwest, within the Holy Mosque's boundary.

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Nearby Mecca attractions

1. Al Masjid Al Haram

0.3 MILES

The focal point for every Muslim and the biggest mosque in the world, Al Masjid Al Haram is able to host a million worshippers and covers an area of 356…

2. Jannat Al Muallaa Cemetery

0.56 MILES

Many of the Prophet’s family are buried here, including his first wife, Khadija, his sons Qasim and Abdullah, his uncle, Abu Talib, and his grandfather,…

3. Makkah Museum

1.88 MILES

Formerly Al Zahir Palace, the 3435-sq-metre Makkah Museum has a collection ranging from images of Saudi Arabia’s important archaeological discoveries to…

4. Al Hukair Funland

1.99 MILES

This indoor amusement park popular with Saudi families is a heady mix of lights, sounds and children's rides. There are also trampolines, arcades, air…

5. Masjid Al Bay'ah

2.42 MILES

These remnants of Masjid Al Bay'ah mark the spot where tribal leaders pledged their allegiance to Muhammad in AD 621. Simple in design, an arched entrance…

6. Jabal Al Nour

2.96 MILES

The 640m-tall Jabal Al Nour is the location of the tiny Hira cave and one of the most important Islamic pilgrimage sites. According to Islamic tradition,…

7. Masjid Al Khayf

3.36 MILES

According to a hadith (Prophetic tradition) of Bin Abbas – a cousin of the Prophet and an early Islamic scholar – numerous prophets prayed here. It's…

8. Cave of Thor

3.65 MILES

This small mountain (761m) is where the Prophet hid for three days with his companion Abu Bakr from the Quraysh tribe. According to Islamic custom, an…