Many times we have read about Muslim religious events in what they call “Mecca.” However, not many of us have info 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 Masjid al Haram (Sacred Mosque) is for Muslims the holiest mosque on Earth. Both the mosque and the city itself are strictly off limits to non-Muslims. Mecca or Makkah? For most English speakers, “Mecca” has long been the accepted transliteration of the original Arabic for the holy city. The word Mecca in English has gone on to refer to any center of activity sought by a group of people with a common interest. Las Vegas, for example, is considered the “gambling Mecca” (even though gambling is strictly prohibited by Islamic law). Many Muslims find these out-of-context uses offensive. In an effort to distinguish between the metaphorical and official references to the holy site, the Saudi Arabian government began promoting a new transliteration, Makkah al-Mukkaramah, in the 1980s. Many English-speaking Muslims now consider this the preferred spelling, and closer to the original Arabic. While this new usage has been officially adopted by the U.S. Department of State, its spread is still incipient among anglophones at large.
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 info 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 ? InterContinental Dar Al Tawhid: This 5- star hotel holds to its promise of luxury and lavish accommodation. It’s located in front of Al Masjid Al-Haram, with an overlooking of the Grand Mosque. They have spacious rooms ranging from classic, executive rooms, and suite, with modern amenities and necessities. Guests are free to choose from their three restaurants serving a wide array of international cuisine, one of which is the Al Rehab Restaurant. If guests are traveling with their kids, the hotel has a mini club and a playroom for free of use. A private limousine is also available for rent.
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 Source: https://meccamedina.net/.