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History of Makkah
Mentions the different aspects of Makkah, and records the important historical events that have direct effect on the establishment and sacredness of Makkah as well as its religious weight. This book highlights the sites that are important whenever Makkah is mentioned like the Black Stone and Zamzarn Well.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
About the author
Safiur Rahman Mubarakpuri
42 books775 followersSafiur Rahman Mubarakpuri (صفی الرحمن مبارکپوری; 6 June 1942 – 1 December 2006) was an Indian writer. Mubarakpuri was born in Husainabad, a village one mile deep to the north side of Mubarakpur, Azamgarh district, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Mubarakpuri began his studies at home with the Quran under the tutelage of his grandfather and uncle. He then began studies in Arabic and Persian after being admitted to Madrasa Arabia Dar-ut-Taleem. He later moved on to Madrasah Ihyaaul Uloom in Mubarakpur after being admitted there in 1954. Two years after that he joined Madrasa Faiz-e-Aam Maunath Bhanjan (Mau district) for further studies. Upon completion of his seven years of studies, he acquired the Fadilat degree and passed multiple exams to receive the Maulvi and Alim Certification. Mubarakpuri then went on to teach for the next 28 years in various universities, madrasas, and schools in India until he was offered a position at the Islamic University of Al Madinah al-Munawarah. He served several years at the Islamic University of Madinah.
Mubarakpuri began his studies at home with the Quran under the tutelage of his grandfather and uncle. He then began studies in Arabic and Persian after being admitted to Madrasa Arabia Dar-ut-Taleem. He later moved on to Madrasah Ihyaaul Uloom in Mubarakpur after being admitted there in 1954. Two years after that he joined Madrasa Faiz-e-Aam Maunath Bhanjan (Mau district) for further studies. Upon completion of his seven years of studies, he acquired the Fadilat degree and passed multiple exams to receive the Maulvi and Alim Certification. Mubarakpuri then went on to teach for the next 28 years in various universities, madrasas, and schools in India until he was offered a position at the Islamic University of Al Madinah al-Munawarah. He served several years at the Islamic University of Madinah.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 14, 2026
Yes, absolutely. **#3 works very well**, and it fits your review nicely because you emphasize **learning about Makkah and the Kaaba**. Good choice.
⭐⭐⭐ An Informative Look at Makkah and the Kaaba
Few places in the world carry the spiritual and historical weight of Makkah. For Muslims, it is the heart of the Islamic world and the site of the Kaaba, the direction toward which millions turn in prayer every day. History of Makkah by Saifur Rahman Mubarakpuri explores the story of this sacred city and its importance within Islamic history. I picked up this book during Ramadan while looking for something that would deepen my understanding of Makkah, especially since I hope to return there again this year. Reading about the city’s past while reflecting on its significance today made the experience particularly meaningful.
The book provides a wide range of historical details about Makkah, especially the early periods of Islamic history and the significance of the Kaaba. I appreciated the way it highlights the central role the city plays in the life of Muslims. The sections discussing Hajj and Umrah were especially enjoyable to read. As someone who hopes to perform Hajj in the future, those passages carried a personal weight and made the history feel more connected to the present. The book clearly reflects careful research and offers many interesting insights for readers who want to learn more about the sacred city.
At the same time, the book sometimes feels a bit disjointed. The narrative jumps between topics, and some locations or references are mentioned without much explanation. For readers who are not already familiar with the geography or history of Makkah, this can make certain sections harder to follow. The book also feels somewhat dated, particularly because Makkah has undergone enormous changes over the past two decades. In addition, while the early Islamic period receives significant attention, there is far less discussion of the city’s later history and development. Even so, I still found the book informative and worthwhile. It serves as a useful introduction to the historical importance of Makkah and the Kaaba, and it is a book I plan to revisit before my next visit to the city.
⭐⭐⭐ An Informative Look at Makkah and the Kaaba
Few places in the world carry the spiritual and historical weight of Makkah. For Muslims, it is the heart of the Islamic world and the site of the Kaaba, the direction toward which millions turn in prayer every day. History of Makkah by Saifur Rahman Mubarakpuri explores the story of this sacred city and its importance within Islamic history. I picked up this book during Ramadan while looking for something that would deepen my understanding of Makkah, especially since I hope to return there again this year. Reading about the city’s past while reflecting on its significance today made the experience particularly meaningful.
The book provides a wide range of historical details about Makkah, especially the early periods of Islamic history and the significance of the Kaaba. I appreciated the way it highlights the central role the city plays in the life of Muslims. The sections discussing Hajj and Umrah were especially enjoyable to read. As someone who hopes to perform Hajj in the future, those passages carried a personal weight and made the history feel more connected to the present. The book clearly reflects careful research and offers many interesting insights for readers who want to learn more about the sacred city.
At the same time, the book sometimes feels a bit disjointed. The narrative jumps between topics, and some locations or references are mentioned without much explanation. For readers who are not already familiar with the geography or history of Makkah, this can make certain sections harder to follow. The book also feels somewhat dated, particularly because Makkah has undergone enormous changes over the past two decades. In addition, while the early Islamic period receives significant attention, there is far less discussion of the city’s later history and development. Even so, I still found the book informative and worthwhile. It serves as a useful introduction to the historical importance of Makkah and the Kaaba, and it is a book I plan to revisit before my next visit to the city.
February 2, 2019
This book sheds light on various aspects of the city of Makkah.
It begins with a discussion of
1. The sacred nature of Makkah Al-Mukarramah,
2. the boundaries of Haram (Sanctuary) and its sanctity
Then it discusses 3. The superiority of Makkah and narrates Ahadith to that effect.
It begins with a discussion of
1. The sacred nature of Makkah Al-Mukarramah,
2. the boundaries of Haram (Sanctuary) and its sanctity
Then it discusses 3. The superiority of Makkah and narrates Ahadith to that effect.
February 20, 2026
⭐⭐⭐ 7/10
After previously reading a book by Shaykh Al-Mubarakfuri about the history of the city of Madinah, this time I continued with the history of the city of Makkah. These two cities indeed hold a very special status in Islam, and it always feels like there is something new to learn each time we read about them.
In Makkah, everything began. In this city, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was born, received the first revelation, began his da‘wah in secret, and eventually Makkah was liberated in the event of the Conquest of Makkah (Fath Makkah). Since then, Makkah has been honored, and the polytheists have been forbidden from entering this sacred land until today.
This book discusses many aspects of the city of Makkah. It covers the virtue of praying in Masjid al-Haram, the prohibitions that must be observed within the sacred sanctuary, the rituals of Hajj and ‘Umrah, and important historical events such as the Year of the Elephant and the Conquest of Makkah. There is also an explanation of the sections of Masjid al-Haram and its history, including the place where Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) left Hajar and Isma‘il, as well as the location where Prophet Ibrahim laid the foundation of the Ka‘bah.
For me, reading this book makes Makkah feel more alive. There is a history of tawhid, obedience, and long struggle embedded within it. It is a reading that helps me see Makkah with a more complete understanding, as an essential part of the journey of Islam. May Allah grant us the opportunity to set foot in this noble city.
After previously reading a book by Shaykh Al-Mubarakfuri about the history of the city of Madinah, this time I continued with the history of the city of Makkah. These two cities indeed hold a very special status in Islam, and it always feels like there is something new to learn each time we read about them.
In Makkah, everything began. In this city, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was born, received the first revelation, began his da‘wah in secret, and eventually Makkah was liberated in the event of the Conquest of Makkah (Fath Makkah). Since then, Makkah has been honored, and the polytheists have been forbidden from entering this sacred land until today.
This book discusses many aspects of the city of Makkah. It covers the virtue of praying in Masjid al-Haram, the prohibitions that must be observed within the sacred sanctuary, the rituals of Hajj and ‘Umrah, and important historical events such as the Year of the Elephant and the Conquest of Makkah. There is also an explanation of the sections of Masjid al-Haram and its history, including the place where Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) left Hajar and Isma‘il, as well as the location where Prophet Ibrahim laid the foundation of the Ka‘bah.
For me, reading this book makes Makkah feel more alive. There is a history of tawhid, obedience, and long struggle embedded within it. It is a reading that helps me see Makkah with a more complete understanding, as an essential part of the journey of Islam. May Allah grant us the opportunity to set foot in this noble city.
December 11, 2025
Very good book. I recommend reading it if you’re going to Umrah; giving you a better insight to the history of the Kaabah and the expansion from the time of the salaf and how it was renovated throughout history. Includes great references like alraziqi who is a pioneer in the history of Makkah. Also talks about the virtues of Makkah and how blessed it is.
October 15, 2022
4/5 ⭐️
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews