Many times we have read about Muslim religious happenings in what they call “Mecca.” However, not many of us have info about what Mecca is. In this post we will discuss 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. Discover extra details on Pilgrimage to the 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 ? Swissotel Makkah: Overlooking the entire Masjid and a 5-minute walk in the Abraj Al bait complex is the Swissotel Makkah featuring modern accommodation and a great selection of sumptuous local and international cuisine. It was renovated in 2012, and the hotel now houses a beauty salon, a wellness area, and a barbershop. All rooms are completed with a flat-screen TV, working desk, and a spacious bathroom with toiletries. Some of the restaurants to check out are the Al Ruwad and the Cafe Swiss. The hotel is mostly the top choice of some business travelers, because of its fully equipped business center with high-speed internet access.
Mecca pilgrimage fact of the day : The Muslims have worked very hard, over the years, to keep the hajj a sacred event. Despite the devastations and financial constraints that the economy has imposed on the population, Muslims continue to allow their faith to drive them towards the bigger picture. As time goes on and modernity progresses, the Muslim community will need to dedicate their efforts towards maintaining the pureness of their life changing pilgrimage. You can find many more information, facts and details on meccamedina.net Visit: https://meccamedina.net/.
