Many times we have read about Muslim religious happenings in what they call “Mecca.” However, not many of us have knowledge 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.
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 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. Find more info 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. Pilgrims wear plain, white garments. Men drape seamless, unstitched clothing and women dress in plain white dresses and headscarves. The idea behind dressing simply is to mask any differences in wealth and status.
Where to stay in Mecca ? Makkah Hotel: One of the things some travelers want when choosing accommodation is something to look forward to waking up, and the Makkah Hotel does not disappoint with incredible views of the Holy Haram and Kaaba. This 5-star hotel offers its guests inimitable hospitality and on-site recreational activities. All rooms are elegantly designed complemented with coffee/tea making facilities, working desk, TV, high-speed internet access, and a marble bathroom. For dining options, they have the Al Fayhaa serving Oriental and international buffet, and Al Andalus Restaurant if you want pizza and paninis. Now, for guests who want to taste authentic Arabic cuisine, the hotel also takes pride in their Lagenda Restaurant.
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 Author: https://meccamedina.net/.