Plenty of times we have heard 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 talk about Mecca, the meaning , the history and many other details regarding this focal point of muslim religion.
The most sacred place in Islam is the Ka’ba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Ka’ba is a mosque (built by Abraham according to Muslim tradition) constructed around a black stone. The prophet Muhammad designated Mecca as the holy city of Islam and the direction (qibla) in which all Muslims should offer their prayers. The Ka’ba is believed to be the first place that was created on earth and the place at which heavenly bliss and power touches the earth directly.
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 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. God rewarded Hajar for her patience and sent his angel Jibreel to reveal a spring, which today is known as “Zamzam Well.” Pilgrims drink water from the sacred well and may take some home for blessings. The hajj “climaxes” with a sojourn into the plains of Arafat near Mecca. There, pilgrims gather in tents, spend time with one another and perform prayers. Some pilgrims will ascend a hill known as the “Mount of Mercy,” where Prophet Muhammad delivered the farewell sermon toward the end of his life.
Where to stay in Mecca ? Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah: Boasting over 19 floors and 656 rooms, Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah situated in the heart of Makkah proves to be a premier hotel in Mecca. There are prayer areas for male and female guests at the parking level. It is one of the most loved hotels in Mecca because all rooms have refined and elegant furnishing, making you feel like royalty on your entire stay. Not to mention, they also have the Oasis, an all-day dining restaurant, the Al Forno where guests can devour on Italian cuisine, the Al Tekkeya, a Grab and Go market. Guests who want to work out can head over at the fitness center with quality equipment. A shopping gallery is also available at the Podium level if you chose to buy for souvenirs.
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 Author: https://meccamedina.net/.