Plenty of 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 talk 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 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. See more details at Definition 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. Afterwards, pilgrims move to Mina, also known as the Tent City, about five kilometers from the holy city of Mecca. Here, they reenact another part of the story of Ibrahim’s test of faith in the sacrifice of his son. They recall how Satan tried to tempt Ibrahim to disobey God’s call to sacrifice Ismail. Ibrahim, however, remained unmoved and informed Ismail, who was willing to be sacrificed. To reenact Ibrahim’s rebuff of Satan’s temptation, pilgrims throw small stones at a stone pillar.
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 : Many Muslims worldwide have criticized the Saudi government for commercializing and seeking to cash in on the pilgrimage. The Muslims believe the Saudi government is tainting an event that’s supposed to be purely holy and self-serving. Several of the primary rituals of the hajj involve the number seven. One of them, known as performing tawaf, involves circling the Kaab seven times. The Kaab is the holiest site in Islam. Pilgrims typically travel back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times. You can find many more information, facts and details on meccamedina.net Visit: https://meccamedina.net/.