Fact about the Holy City of Mecca
Makkah fact about
Mecca is the holiest city in Islam and is located in the Hijaz province in western Saudi Arabia. Mecca is a very important religious site for Muslims, as it is home to Islam greatest mosque, the Masjid al-Haram, and the Kaaba Sharif, which Muslims face during their prayers as the Qibla. Below are some details about Makkah:
Historical Importance of Makkah:
1. Kaaba Sharif:
Kaaba is the holiest place in Islam. It is located in the center of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.
It is believed that Adam (pbuh) first built the Kaaba and Ibrahim (pbuh) and his son Ishmael (pbuh) rebuilt it.
It is the Qibla for Muslims to pray and the main place for Tawaf (circling the Kaaba) during Hajj and Umrah.
2. Birthplace of the Holy Prophet (PBUH):
Makkah is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). He was born here in 570 AD and spent the first 40 years of Islam prophethood in this city.
From here he started preaching the call of Prophethood and later migrated to Madinah.
3. Life-Giving Zamzam Well:
The Well of Zamzam is a historical site in Mecca. According to Islamic belief, it was created as a miracle by God for Ishmael (pbuh). Muslims performing Hajj and Umrah drink Zamzam water and it is considered very holy and blessed.
Modern Importance of Mecca:
1. Hajj and Umrah:
Every year millions of Muslims from different countries of the world come to Mecca to perform Hajj and Umrah.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and performing it is an obligatory act of worship for Muslims who are physically and financially able.
Umrah is a shorter pilgrimage than Hajj, which can be performed throughout the year.
2. Masjid al-Haram:
Masjid al-Haram is the largest mosque in the world. It surrounds the Kaaba Sharif.
Millions of people can pray together here.
The mosque is being expanded every year to accommodate more Muslims performing Hajj and Umrah.
Geographical and Social Characteristics of Makkah:
1. Location:
Mecca is located in the western part of Saudi Arabia, which is about 70 km from the Red Sea.
It is located in a hilly area, and is surrounded by several mountains.
2. Weather:
Mecca climate is generally hot and dry. Temperatures here reach high temperatures in summer, and there is no rain for most of the year.
3. Economic Status:
The economy of Makkah is mainly based on Hajj and Umrah. Dependent on the arrival of tourism and religious pilgrims.
Here hotels, shops and other commercial establishments are centered on the pilgrimage of Muslims.
Some notable places in Makkah:
1. Kaaba Sharif and Tawaf:
The Kaaba Sharif is the center of Islam, and is the Qiblah for Muslims.
Tawaf is an important act of worship in Mecca, circumambulating the Kaaba seven times.
2. Zamzam Well:
The Zamzam well is located next to the Masjid al-Haram and its water is considered very auspicious.
3. Mina, Muzdalifa and Arafat Maidan:
These places are one of the most important parts of Hajj. During Hajj pilgrims stay and pray at Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat.
Pre-Islamic and Post-Islamic Location of Mecca:
1. Pre-Islamic Mecca:
Pre-Islamic Mecca was a commercial center and housed various idol worshipers around the Kaaba. Different Arab tribes lived here at that time.
2. Mecca after Islam:
After the advent of Islam, Mecca was established as the holiest place in Islam. Mecca was conquered in 630 AD under the leadership of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the Kaaba was freed from idols.
Importance of Makkah in brief:
- Islam holiest city.
- Kaaba and Masjid al-Haram are located.
- Center for Hajj and Umrah.
- The birthplace of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the primary center of propagation of Islam.
- Historical places like Zamzam well, Mina and Arafat.
- Mecca is a glorious city of Islamic history, which holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims.
