A lot of times we have read 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 focal point of Mecca is the Kaaba, the “House of God” believed by Muslims to have been built by Abraham and his son Ishmael, and which is covered in a gold-embroidered black fabric. Pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven times and may also try to touch or kiss its cornerstone, the Black Stone. Pilgrims may drink from the well of Zamzam. Its water of Zamzam is believed to have special properties. Few pilgrims return from the Hajj without a large plastic bottle of Zamzam water. During the Hajj pilgrims travel to Mina, a small village, where the Devil, symbolised by stone columns, is ritually stoned. They then proceed to the hill Arafat (sometimes called a mountain, but with a height of only 70 m), a site for prayers, where Muhammad is believed to have delivered his final sermon.
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. See additional info at 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. Pilgrims start by circling the “Holy Kaaba,” the black, cube-shaped house of God (at the center of the most sacred mosque in Mecca), seven times. The Kaaba occupies a central place in the lives of Muslims. In all parts of the world, Muslims are expected to turn toward the Kaaba when performing their daily prayers.
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 : There is no gender segregation while at the Grand Mosque during the hajj, unlike during many other Muslim rites. Men and women stand side by side in what some have said is meant to show everyone’s equality before God. However, after the hajj the gender segregation is again recognized. Muslims can visit Mecca and surrounding holy sites any time of the year, but the hajj falls during the eighth and the 12th of the month of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. The ritual at any other time of the year is called “umrah” Umrah means “to visit a populated place.” You can find many more information, facts and details on meccamedina.net Source: https://meccamedina.net/.