Plenty of times we have heard about Muslim religious gatherings in what they call “Mecca.” However, not many of us have info about what Mecca is. In this article we will discuss 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 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 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. Many pilgrims spend the next few days repeating the stoning at Mina (at least six more times) and going around the Holy Kaaba in Mecca (at least once more). Pilgrims also start to put on their everyday clothes to indicate a transition to their worldly life.
Where to stay in Mecca ? Makkah Hotel: One of the things some travelers want when choosing accommodation is something to look forward to waking up, and the Makkah Hotel does not disappoint with incredible views of the Holy Haram and Kaaba. This 5-star hotel offers its guests inimitable hospitality and on-site recreational activities. All rooms are elegantly designed complemented with coffee/tea making facilities, working desk, TV, high-speed internet access, and a marble bathroom. For dining options, they have the Al Fayhaa serving Oriental and international buffet, and Al Andalus Restaurant if you want pizza and paninis. Now, for guests who want to taste authentic Arabic cuisine, the hotel also takes pride in their Lagenda Restaurant.
Mecca pilgrimage fact of the day : Those who perform the hajj are called hajjis, and sometime these individuals adopt the title in front of their name following their accomplishment of the ritual. The title is recognized highly of within the Muslim culture. During the pilgrimage, men are required to wrap themselves in two pieces of white sheet. Women remain in a hijab covering their hair and neck, but those who usually wear face coverings are not allowed to do so during the hajj. You can find many more information, facts and details on meccamedina.net Source: https://meccamedina.net/.