Makkah and the sacred sites around it: facts and a 5-question quiz

The sacred geography of Makkah and its surroundings: five places every pilgrim hears about. This is a map-tap quiz with 5 questions, each worth more points as the questions get harder.

Play the quiz: Makkah and the sacred sites around it

What this quiz covers

Era: early Islam. Region: Arabia. The 5 questions are about the following, with a short fact for each. Read them first if you want a head start, or skip to the quiz and read afterwards.

Facts behind the questions (spoilers)

• Mecca: Muhammad ﷺ was born in Mecca into the Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh.
• Jabal al-Nour (Cave of Hira): Muhammad ﷺ used to retreat to the Cave of Hira on Jabal al-Nour to reflect.
• Jabal Thawr: On leaving Mecca the two travellers hid in a cave on Jabal Thawr while the Quraysh searched for them, then set out for Yathrib with a guide.
• Mount Arafat: The standing at Arafat is the central rite of the Hajj.
• Mina: The two Pledges of al-Aqaba were made by people of Yathrib (later Medina) before the Hijra: a first small group of about twelve in 621 and a larger group of about 73 men and two women in 622 (sources differ slightly on the numbers).

Quick answers

What should I know about Mecca? Muhammad ﷺ was born in Mecca into the Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh.

What should I know about Jabal al-Nour (Cave of Hira)? Muhammad ﷺ used to retreat to the Cave of Hira on Jabal al-Nour to reflect.

What should I know about Jabal Thawr? On leaving Mecca the two travellers hid in a cave on Jabal Thawr while the Quraysh searched for them, then set out for Yathrib with a guide.

Ready to test yourself?

Play the Makkah and the sacred sites around it quiz now. Your score is based on how close your answers are, and you can share your result without spoiling the answers.

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