Plenty of times we have read 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 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 on What is 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 ? 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 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 Author: https://meccamedina.net/.