Plenty of times we have heard about Muslim religious events in what they call “Mecca.” However, not many of us have info about what Mecca is. In this article we will talk about Mecca, the meaning , the history and many other details regarding this focal point of muslim religion.
Mecca is located in the Hijaz region of western Saudi Arabia. The city lies inland 73 kilometers east of Jiddah, in the narrow, sandy Valley of Abraham. The Holy City is 277 meters (909 feet) above sea level. Each year, thousands of Muslims from around the world join in a pilgrimage to Mecca (the hajj), in fulfillment of one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The importance of Mecca for Muslims is inestimable. All Muslims, wherever they are on Earth, pray five times a day in the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca (located at 21° 25′ 24″ N and 39° 49′ 24″ E in DMS notation). The direction of prayer is known as the qibla.
Mecca, [Arabic Makkah and ancient Bakkah], is a city in western Saudi Arabia, located in the Sirat Mountains, inland from the Red Sea coast. It is the holiest of Muslim cities. Muhammad, the founder of Islam, was born in Mecca, and it is toward this religious centre that Muslims turn five times daily in prayer. All devout and able Muslims attempt a hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. Because it is sacred, only Muslims are allowed to enter the city. See extra details at History of Mecca.
Millions of muslims congregate in Mecca during the last month of the Muslim lunar year. They come from diverse countries such as Indonesia, Russia, India, Cuba, Fiji, the United States, Nigeria and others. Specific rules concerning going around the Kaaba are prescribed for pilgrims. They may also kiss, touch or approach the Kaaba during the pilgrimage as a sign of their respect and continued devotion. The Quran tells the story of Ibrahim’s sacrifice, who when commanded by God, agreed to sacrifice his son, Ismail. Muslims believe the Kaaba holds the black stone upon which Ibrahim was called to sacrifice Ismail.
Where to stay in Mecca ? Conrad Makkah: This hotel is located in the heart of the Holy City of Makkah and is just a step away from the Kaaba and the Holy Mosque. All rooms are designed with elegance and modernity in mind. They have state-of-the-art facilities to their event spaces, the Conrad Spa, and the 24-hour Fitness Center. While for their on-site restaurants, guests are welcome to dig into authentic Arabic specialties and international dishes from the set or a-la-carte menus. There’s the all-day dining restaurant, Al Mearaj, the Prime for meat-loving guests, and Al Kawthar Lounge, perfect for unwinding.
Mecca pilgrimage fact of the day : The hajj has turned into a major industry, as trips can often be pricey. Hajj packages from the U.S. oftentimes run upwards of $5,000 in U.S. currency. On average 14,500 American Muslims complete the hajj each year. Officials have been forced in recent years to limit the number of pilgrims, as more and more people have applied in recent years. More than 3.1 million people performed the hajj in 2013. To accommodate the crowd, Saudi authorities have sought to expand the Grand Mosque, which sits around Islam’s holiest site, the cube-like building called the Kaaba. You can find many more information, facts and details on meccamedina.net Source: https://meccamedina.net/.