Muslim Pilgrimage Destinations in India

Islam is the second largest religion in the world. The word "Islam" means "submission," reflecting the religion's central tenet of submitting to the will of God. Islamic practices are defined by the Five Pillars of Islam: faith, prayer, fasting, pilgrimage and alms.

1. Ajmer Sharif Dargah Sharif' or 'Holy Dargah' is one of the most sacred Muslim shrines in the country. Situated in Jaipur, Rajasthan, it is venerated by both Hindus and Muslims. It is the tomb of Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti, a Sufi saint who came from Persia and devoted his life to the service and upliftment of the poor and downtrodden. The Dargah has a massive gate with silver doors built in several stages Dargah Shariff of Hazrat Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti is indeed an ornament to the city of Ajmer. The Khwaja Saheb, as a ‘living spirit’ of peace and harmony, enjoys universal respect and devotion ever since he set his holy feet on the soil of Hindustan. 

2. Fatepur Sikri Fatehpur Sikri is located 37 kms from Agra, a city predominantly in Red Sandstone.This town was built by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. Fatehpur Sikri is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and has designs, derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture.

3. Haji Ali Dargah was built in honor of the Muslim saint Haji Al. Haji Ali was a wealthy Muslim merchant, who renounced all his worldly belongings before embarking on a pilgrimage to Mecca. This mosque was built in the middle of the sea with only a narrow path leading to it giving it an ethereal look. The tomb itself is over eight hundred years old and linked to the mainland by a path that is annually submerged in the high monsoon tide. Inside the central shrine, throngs of worshipers stoop to press their heads against the richly brocaded red and green chaddor covering the tomb, which lies in an exquisite silver frame engraved with all the ninety-nine names of Allah. As per the Muslim traditions separate praying rooms for ladies and gents are provided here to pay their respects.

4. Jama Masjid Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India and the final architectural extravagance of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It's also known as 'Masjid-i-Jahan Numa', 'Jahan' means 'World' and Numa means 'Visible'. It is situated some quarter of a mile from the Red Fort. It was designed as Emperor Shahjahan's principal mosque. The sprawling esplanade, which separates it from the arterial road is a fascinating leisure ground.