Many times we have found 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 talk 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 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. Read more details at History of 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. It is believed that a proper performance of the hajj can absolve Muslim pilgrims of any previous sins. However, Muslims also believe that just undertaking the pilgrimage is not enough: It is up to God to judge the pilgrimage as acceptable or not.
Where to stay in Mecca ? Hilton Suites Makkah: The Hilton Suites Makkah offers its guests easy access to the Holy Haram area and a short distance to major attractions. While the King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) is one hour away from the hotel, this place won’t disappoint you with their top-notch facilities and amenities. As for the rooms, they’re equipped with a dining area and kitchenette, a TV, comfy bed, and a bathroom with complete toiletries. Another exciting feature of the hotel is their restaurants offering a unique fusion of flavors of dishes, made with the freshest ingredients. For those planning a conference or events, the Hilton Suites Makkah has a 24-hour business center and meeting rooms with the lasts A/V equipment.
Mecca pilgrimage fact of the day : The hajj has turned into a major industry, as trips can often be pricey. Hajj packages from the U.S. oftentimes run upwards of $5,000 in U.S. currency. On average 14,500 American Muslims complete the hajj each year. Officials have been forced in recent years to limit the number of pilgrims, as more and more people have applied in recent years. More than 3.1 million people performed the hajj in 2013. To accommodate the crowd, Saudi authorities have sought to expand the Grand Mosque, which sits around Islam’s holiest site, the cube-like building called the Kaaba. You can find many more information, facts and details on meccamedina.net Source: https://meccamedina.net/.