Plenty of times we have heard about Muslim religious gatherings 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. Discover more info on Definition 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. The pilgrimage is considered the fifth pillar of Islamic practice (the other four being the profession of faith, five daily prayers, charity and the fast of Ramadan). In calling Muslims to perform the hajj, the Quran says.
Where to stay in Mecca ? Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah: Boasting over 19 floors and 656 rooms, Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah situated in the heart of Makkah proves to be a premier hotel in Mecca. There are prayer areas for male and female guests at the parking level. It is one of the most loved hotels in Mecca because all rooms have refined and elegant furnishing, making you feel like royalty on your entire stay. Not to mention, they also have the Oasis, an all-day dining restaurant, the Al Forno where guests can devour on Italian cuisine, the Al Tekkeya, a Grab and Go market. Guests who want to work out can head over at the fitness center with quality equipment. A shopping gallery is also available at the Podium level if you chose to buy for souvenirs.
Mecca pilgrimage fact of the day : The height of the hajj falls during the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha, a time when Muslims commemorate the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son. Nine percent of Muslims around the world said they made the pilgrimage to Mecca, according to a Pew poll. Those living closer to Mecca are more likely to have performed the hajj. 20% of Egyptian Muslims say they have completed the pilgrimage, while just 3% of Indonesian Muslims say they have. You can find many more information, facts and details on meccamedina.net Source: https://meccamedina.net/.
