Mecca, or Makkah, is one of Islam’s two holiest and most sacred cities, a land blessed by the divine, visited by millions each year, and truly unlike any other in the world. It is most famous for the Kaaba, a four-walled structure covered in gold-embroidered black fabric. Mecca is at the heart of the holy pilgrimage for devout Muslims, and it is incalculably important to the religion and faith. Mecca is a must-see pilgrimage destination for Muslims, located 73 kilometres east of Jeddah, a popular port city in Saudi Arabia’s Hijaz region.
The significance of Mecca
Mecca is Prophet Muhammad’s birthplace. Its significance in Islam is unequivocal and absolute. The term “electronic commerce” refers to the sale of electronic goods. The city is densely interspersed with religious and historical sites.
Mount Safa, Mount Marwa, Mina Ground, Arafat Hill, and Muzdalifah Ground are some of the sites relevant to Muslim pilgrimage – the Hajj – that are located in and around the city. Furthermore, Mecca is quickly becoming one of the world’s most glittering and awe-inspiring cities. Masjid-al-Haram, or “the Forbidding Mosque,” is the grand mosque complex that includes the Kaaba. Al-Haram, or ‘the forbidding place,’ refers to the area of Mecca that includes the grand mosque and other holy sites. Quarreling, fighting, and all forms of violence are divinely forbidden within the perimeter of al-Haram.
The Hajj
The Hajj is one of Islam’s five pillars and is required of every Muslim who is physically capable and can afford the costs. The Hajj is performed from the 8th to the 12th of the Islamic calendar’s last month.
The pilgrimage begins with staying at Arafat from dawn to dusk, Muzdalifah from dusk to dawn, pelting stone chips at the devil (denoted by large pillars) at Mina, running between Mount Safa and Mount Marwa, sacrificing an animal at Mina, and circling the Kaaba anticlockwise 7 times.
What You Need to Know About Mecca in Saudi Arabia
Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, is the holiest city in Islam. It is home to the world’s largest mosque, the world’s highest prayer room, and the world’s largest human gathering. With so many fascinating facts about this fascinating city to learn, here are some of the most fascinating facts about Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
If you are planning a trip to Mecca in Saudi Arabia or are simply curious about the country, here are 7 fascinating facts.
Mecca is in Saudi Arabia
Mecca, or Makkah in Arabic, is a city in western Saudi Arabia. It is situated in the Saraswat Mountains (Sarat), which run parallel to the Red Sea’s eastern coast. It is the Makkah Region’s capital. Mecca’s population is 2,078,766 as of 2021.
Mecca is considered the holiest city in Islam.
Muslims believe that the descendants of Ishmael were the first to inhabit Mecca (the first son of Abraham). Muhammad, the founder of Islam and the Qurn’s proponent, was born in Mecca in 570. Because Mecca is an Islamic city, strict laws are enforced, and the Saudi government forbids all non-Muslims from entering the holy city of Mecca.
The world’s largest mosque is located in Mecca.
The Grand Mosque of Mecca, also known as Al-Masjid al-arm (The Sacred Mosque), is the world’s largest mosque. The mosque has nine minarets and construction began during the reign of Caliph Omar Ibn al-Khattab (634-644). The mosque was designed to be built around the Kaaba (Ka’bah or Kabah). This shrine predates Islam, and Muslims believe it was built as a place of worship by the prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail.
The sacred Kaaba is located in Mecca.
The Kaaba is located near the Great Mosque’s centre. During prayer, Muslims face the direction of the Kaaba. The cube-shaped structure is made of grey stone and marble. It is positioned so that its four corners roughly correspond to the compass points. Inside, the roof is supported by three pillars, and silver and gold lanterns hang from the ceiling. For the majority of the year, a large black cloth known as the kiswah covers the Kaaba.
The largest human gathering on the planet
At least once in their lifetime, all devout and capable Muslims must attempt a Hajj (pilgrimage) to the Kaaba, the “House of God.” The annual Hajj to Mecca is the largest human gathering on the planet. The average attendance per year is 2,269,145, with the largest gathering, 3,161,573 pilgrims, taking place in 2012.
Mecca’s Black Stone was once white.
The Black Stone of Mecca is located in the Kaaba’s eastern corner. According to Muslim belief, Adam received the stone after falling from paradise. During Hajj (pilgrimage), Muslims attempt to touch and kiss the stone. According to legend, the Black Stone was originally white but turned black after absorbing the sins of the pilgrims who kissed and touched it.
Mecca is home to the world’s highest prayer room.
The Mecca Clock Royal Tower hotel houses the world’s highest musalla (prayer room). It is 600 metres above sea level and is housed within the world’s largest clock. It is also the musalla closest to the Ka’bah, which is only 500 metres away.