A lot of times we have heard about Muslim religious events 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 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 more 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. 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 : 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 Author: https://meccamedina.net/.
