Plenty of times we have heard about Muslim religious gatherings in what they call “Mecca.” However, not many of us have knowledge about what Mecca is. In this post 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. Find extra info 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. Many pilgrims spend the next few days repeating the stoning at Mina (at least six more times) and going around the Holy Kaaba in Mecca (at least once more). Pilgrims also start to put on their everyday clothes to indicate a transition to their worldly life.
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 goes hand-in-hand with Eid al-Adha, a major holiday for Muslims – including those not performing the pilgrimage. This holiday begins on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah. Muslims around the world with the financial means to do so traditionally slaughter a large animal, such as a cow, goat or sheep, on Eid al-Adha and distribute portions of the meat to the poor. Additionally, many American Muslims donate to organizations that slaughter animals and give meat to the poor overseas. The ritual sacrifice evokes the Quranic story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son for God. You can find many more information, facts and details on meccamedina.net Source: https://meccamedina.net/.
