Muslims in India visit many religious places. There are many religious shrines, mosques and holy places that are religiously significant for Indian Muslims. Some famous Muslim sites for pilgrimages are- Ajmer Sharif, that is the final resting place of Moinuddin Chishti or “Khwaja Gharib Nawaj” of Ajmer. Another popular place is Jama Masjid, located in Delhi. This marvelous mosque is very famous not only for its religious importance but its architectural significance. Located in sea’s middle is another mosque, Haji Ali in Mumbai. One cannot forget Fatehpur Sikri, where in search of famous Sufi mystic, Emperor Akbar came barefoot to seek his blessings.

Islam originated in India along with the invasion of Turks and Muslims during the mediaeval period. They took over the country’s administration in their hands and soon Islam came into existence here. Islam has had several impacts on India and natives. These impacts were social, religious, cultural, artistic, political and philosophical contributions in the heritage, history and life of Indians.

Since twelfth century, Islam gained a lot of prominence in the country. The Islam mystics, Sufi saints preaching and awe inspiring Mughal architecture visible in mosques and tombs are some of the important features of this religion.

Holy places and artifacts related to Islam are spread all over the country but the most important ones are located in Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Jaipur, Delhi and Ajmer regions.

Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb, Dargah of Nizamuddin Aulia, and Moti Masjid are some of the famous Muslim pilgrimage centers in Delhi. Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhoparan Mosque and Khawaja Moidudin Chisti Dargah are famous Muslim pilgrimage centers in Ajmer. People come here from faraway places to seek Khwaja’s blessings. Stunning Taj Mahal is another famous pilgrimage center for Muslims. Etmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb and Red Fort are other worth visiting places. Each and every monument has a story to share. A fascinating legend associated with these places make them more popular.

Spiritual senses enhances considerably when visiting these stunning places.

Muslim Beliefs and Practices

Though quite few in numbers, the Islamic rituals holds great significance. In Muslim faith, the five practices or “Five Pillars of Islam” are considered very significant by all sects. These five pillars of faith are-

Salat

Referring to prayers five times a day in a proper way;

Shahadah

Sincerely reciting faith’s Muslim profession;

Zakat

Needy and poor are given alms or charity as part of tax;

Hajj

Mecca Pilgrimage

Sawm

During the period of Ramadan moth, fasting by devout Muslims

Places to Visit

Agra

This city located in the state of Uttar Pradesh and is famous for the internationally renowned monument, the Taj Mahal. This city is also known for Itmad-ud Daulah's tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, Salim Chisti’s Dargah, Agra Fort, Chini Ka Roza and many more places. The city has a great history to share with erstwhile Mughal rulers, Akbar and Shah Jahan. In 1854, this city was made capital by a famous ruler Sikander Lodhi.

Ahmedabad

Located in Gujarat, this city is also famous for many historical monuments like Rani Rupmati Masjid at Mirzapur, famous shaking minarets at Sidi Bashir's Mosque; Rani Sipri Mosque, Teen Darwaza, Haibat Khan Mosque; Bhadra Fort, Ahmed Shah's Tomb; Three Gates, Kankaria Lake and many other worth visiting places associated with Mughal pilgrimage.

Ajmer

This city is famous for Sufi Saint, Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisthi’s Dargah. He came to India in 1192 AD from Persia. Humayun completed the construction of this shrine.

Aurangabad

This city is known for Bibi-ka-Maqbara. It was constructed between 1657-1661AD by Aurangzeb as a tribute to his wife, Begum Rabia Durani. Khuldabad.

All these places are famous for Muslim pilgrimages. Followers come from all parts of the world to pay their respects.