A lot 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 discuss about Mecca, the meaning , the history and many other details regarding this focal point of muslim religion.
The Religious Significance of Mecca: In addition to prayer, a pilgrimage to Mecca is required of every Muslim who can afford it as one of the Five Pillars of the faith. Every year about three million gather for the major pilgrimage, or Hajj, during the Muslim month of Dhu’l-Hijja, and many more perform the minor pilgrimage, or Umrah, at various times throughout the year. Few non-Muslims have ever seen the rites and rituals of the Hajj, as non-Muslims are strictly prohibited from entering Mecca and Medina. Roadblocks are stationed along roads leading to the city. The most famous incident of a non-Muslim visiting Mecca was the visit by the British explorer Sir Richard Burton in 1853. Burton disguised himself as an Afghani Muslim to visit and write Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al Madinah and Mecca.
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 places. 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. Find additional details on 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. They then proceed to follow Ibrahim in the act of sacrifice. The Quran says just as Ibrahim attempted to kill his son, God intervened and a ram was sacrificed in place of Ismail. In remembrance, Muslims all over the world sacrifice an animal on this day. The “festival of the sacrifice” is known as Eid al-Adha.
Where to stay in Mecca ? Hilton Suites Makkah: The Hilton Suites Makkah offers its guests easy access to the Holy Haram area and a short distance to major attractions. While the King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) is one hour away from the hotel, this place won’t disappoint you with their top-notch facilities and amenities. As for the rooms, they’re equipped with a dining area and kitchenette, a TV, comfy bed, and a bathroom with complete toiletries. Another exciting feature of the hotel is their restaurants offering a unique fusion of flavors of dishes, made with the freshest ingredients. For those planning a conference or events, the Hilton Suites Makkah has a 24-hour business center and meeting rooms with the lasts A/V equipment.
Mecca pilgrimage fact of the day : Many Muslims worldwide have criticized the Saudi government for commercializing and seeking to cash in on the pilgrimage. The Muslims believe the Saudi government is tainting an event that’s supposed to be purely holy and self-serving. Several of the primary rituals of the hajj involve the number seven. One of them, known as performing tawaf, involves circling the Kaab seven times. The Kaab is the holiest site in Islam. Pilgrims typically travel back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times. You can find many more information, facts and details on meccamedina.net Source: https://meccamedina.net/.