Pilgrimage to Mecca info
Plenty of times we have heard about Muslim religious happenings in what they call “Mecca.” However, not many of us have info about what Mecca is. In this article 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 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. Find more details on 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. They then proceed to an open plain near Mecca, often a highlight of the journey for many pilgrims. Muslims believe that the spirit of God comes closer to Earth in this place at the time of the pilgrimage. As a scholar of global Islam, during my fieldwork I have interviewed those who have gone on the hajj. They have described to me their personal experiences.
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 : The Muslims have worked very hard, over the years, to keep the hajj a sacred event. Despite the devastations and financial constraints that the economy has imposed on the population, Muslims continue to allow their faith to drive them towards the bigger picture. As time goes on and modernity progresses, the Muslim community will need to dedicate their efforts towards maintaining the pureness of their life changing pilgrimage. You can find many more information, facts and details on meccamedina.net Visit: https://meccamedina.net/.