The Kaaba (Arabic: أَلكَعْبَة al-kaʿbah IPA: [alˈkaʕba], "The Cube"), also referred as al-Kaʿbah al-Musharrafah (Arabic: أَلكَعْبَة أَلمُشَرَّفَة, the Holy Ka'bah), is a building at the center of Islam's most important mosque, Al-Masjid Al-Ḥarām (Arabic: أَلمَسْجِد أَلحَرَام, The Sacred Mosque), in the Hejazi city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the most sacred site in Islam. It is considered by Muslims to be the Bayṫ Allāh (Arabic: بَيْت الله, "House of God"), and has a similar role to the Tabernacle and Holy of Holies in Judaism. Its location determines the qiblah (Arabic: قِبْلَة, direction of prayer). Wherever they are in the world, Muslims are expected to face the Kaaba when performing Salah (Arabic: صَلاة, Islamic prayer).One of the Five Pillars of Islam requires every Muslim who is able to do so to perform the Hajj (Arabic: حَجّ, Greater Pilgrimage) at least once in their lifetime. Multiple parts of the hajj require pilgrims to make Tawaf (Arabic: طَوَاف, Circumambulation) seven times around the Kaaba in a counter-clockwise direction. Tawaf is also performed by pilgrims during the ‘Umrah (Arabic: عُمْرة, Lesser Pilgrimage). However, the most significant time is during the hajj, when millions of pilgrims gather to circle the building within a 5-day period. In 2017, the number of pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform hajj was officially reported as 1,752,014 and 600,108 Saudi Arabian residents bringing the total number of pilgrims to 2,352,122.
The Abraj Al-Bait (Arabic: ابراج البيت "Towers of the House (of God, i.e. the Kaaba)") is a government-owned megatall complex of seven skyscraper hotels in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. These towers are a part of the King Abdulaziz Endowment Project that strives to modernize the city in catering to its pilgrims. The central hotel tower, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower, A Fairmont Hotel, has the world's largest clock face and is the third-tallest building and fifth-tallest freestanding structure in the world. The building complex is metres away from the world's largest mosque and Islam's most sacred site, the Great Mosque of Mecca. The developer and contractor of the complex is the Saudi Binladin Group, the Kingdom's largest construction company. It is the world's most expensive building with the total cost of construction equaling US$15 billion. The complex was built after the demolition of the Ajyad Fortress, the 18th-century Ottoman citadel on top of a hill overlooking the Grand Mosque. The destruction of the historically significant site in 2002 by the Saudi government sparked international outcry and a strong response from Turkey.
The Great Mosque of Mecca, also called Al-Haram Mosque (Arabic: ٱلْـمَـسْـجِـد ٱلْـحَـرَام, translit. al-Masjid al-Ḥarām, "the Forbidden Mosque", "the Holy Mosque" or "the Sacred Mosque":471) or "Grand Mosque of Makkah", is the largest mosque in the world, and surrounds the Islamic Qiblah, that is the Ka‘bah in the Hejazi[8] city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Muslims face the Kaaba while praying. One of the Five Pillars of Islam requires every Muslim to perform the Ḥajj, one of the largest annual gatherings of people in the world, at least once in their lifetime when able to do so, including circumambulating the Kaaba. It is also the main phase for the ‘Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage that can be undertaken any time of the year. The Grand Mosque includes other important significant sites, including the Black Stone, the Zamzam Well, Maqam Ibrahim, and the hills Safa and Marwa. It is open, regardless of date or time. It has gone under major renovations by various caliphs, sultans and kings, and it is now under the control of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. It is in front of the tallest clock tower and fifth tallest freestanding structure in the world, the Abraj Al Bait, the construction of which has been surrounded by controversy concerning the destruction of early Islamic heritage sites by the Saudi government.
Maqām Ibrāhīm [Ibrahim's standing place] (Arabic: مقام ابراهیم ) is a stone where the footprint of Prophet Ibrahim is marked. The Qur'an has considered it among clear signs of God in Mecca and Muslims have been invited to perform prayer at this location. This stone is now placed in a golden cylinder located 13 meters away from the Ka'ba. In the views of Shi'a, the original location of Ibrahim's station is right next to the Ka'ba.Some jurists believe that obligatory tawaf should be made in the area between the Ka'ba and Ibrahim's station and the salat of tawaf is made behind it. According to narrations, after God ordered Prophet Ibrahim (a) to call people to hajj, he stood on a stone and did God's order and his footprint remained on the stone. In another narration, it is said that his footprint remained on this stone when he, standing on this stone, was constructing the top parts of wall of the Kaba.This stone and al-Hajar al-Aswad are considered among holy stones from the paradise and Ibrahim and Isma'il, when praying, placed this stone between themselves and the Kaba. The Prophet prayed the same while he was in Mecca.According to historical sources, until the time of the Second Caliph, this stone was on the ground. At his time, the flood called Umm Ashhal moved this stone a great distance and the caliph built a column for it in its previous place. In the 2nd/8th century, this stone which was broken from several points was glued together using silver and was plated with gold. Later, to protect it more, a dome with four iron windows was built upon it. Until 1967, a wooden structure in 3 by 6 meters existed over Maqam Ibrahim which made trouble for tawaf of the pilgrims. Saudi government wanted to move Maqam Ibrahim to a place near Bab Bani Shayba, but they did not do so due to public objection of Muslim scholars and a golden cylinder was place on it. Through the windows around this cylinder, the stone and the footprints which are now silver-plated can be seen. Ibrahim's station is 13 meters away from the Kaba.The present gold plated column which shelters Maqam Ibrahim Geographical direction of Qibla in the countries north-east of Mecca is such that Muslims stand for prayer facing toward Maqam Ibrahim.
Safa (Arabic: الصّفا, translit. Aṣ-Ṣafā) and Marwa (Arabic: المروة, translit. Al-Marwah) are two small hills now located in the Great Mosque of Mecca in Saudi Arabia named the Masjid Al-Haram. Muslims travel back and forth between them seven times, during the ritual pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah. The Great Mosque houses the Ka'bah, the focal point of prayer for all Muslims. Safa—from which the ritual walking or Sa'i begins—and Marwa are located approximately 100 m (330 ft) and 350 m (1,150 ft) from the Ka'bah respectively. The distance between Safa and Marwa is approximately 450 m (1,480 ft), so that seven trips amount to roughly 3.15 km (1.96 mi). The two points and the path between them are now inside a long gallery that forms part of the mosque.The two mounts are still in Mecca for memory of what Hajira and baby Ishmail had sacrificed for water supplies and food supplies.
The Black Stone (Arabic: ٱلْحَجَرُ ٱلْأَسْوَد, al-Ḥajaru al-Aswad, "Black Stone") is a rock set into the eastern corner of the Kaaba, the ancient building located in the center of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is revered by Muslims as an Islamic relic which, according to Muslim tradition, dates back to the time of Adam and Eve.The stone was venerated at the Kaaba in pre-Islamic pagan times. According to Islamic tradition, it was set intact into the Kaaba's wall by the prophet Muhammad in 605 CE, five years before his first revelation. Since then it has been broken into fragments and is now cemented into a silver frame in the side of the Kaaba. Its physical appearance is that of a fragmented dark rock, polished smooth by the hands of pilgrims. Islamic tradition holds that it fell from heaven as a guide for Adam and Eve to build an altar. It has often been described as a meteorite.Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba as a part of the tawaf ritual during the hajj and many try to stop and kiss the Black Stone, emulating the kiss that Islamic tradition records that it received from Muhammad. Muslims do not worship the Black Stone.
Mecca is considered the holiest city in Islam, and it holds great religious significance for Muslims worldwide. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Masjid al-Haram, which houses the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam. Respect for Islam and its practices is crucial when visiting Mecca.
When visiting Mecca, it is important to adhere to the dress code and dress modestly as a sign of respect. Men are expected to wear simple, conservative clothing, such as long robes or thobes. Women must cover their bodies with loose-fitting garments, including an abaya (a long black cloak) and a head covering known as a hijab. Both men and women must also remove their shoes before entering the Masjid al-Haram.
Mecca is a place of worship, and it is essential to respect the religious practices of Muslims. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the Masjid al-Haram or participate in Islamic prayers. It is important to observe the rituals and customs followed by Muslims during their daily prayers and pilgrimage to Mecca, known as Hajj.
When interacting with locals in Mecca, it is important to be respectful and courteous. It is customary to greet with the Islamic greeting "Assalamualaikum" (peace be upon you) and respond with "Waalaikumsalam" (and upon you be peace). It is also considered polite to avoid physical contact with members of the opposite sex unless they initiate it.
In conclusion, Mecca is a city of great religious significance where the utmost respect for Islam and its practices is expected. By following the dos and don'ts and being mindful of local customs, visitors can have a meaningful and respectful experience in this holy city.
صباح الخير! (Ṣabāḥ al-khayr) - Good morning!
مساء الخير! (Masāʾ al-khayr) - Good evening!
مساء الخير! (Masāʾ al-khayr) - Good evening!
مرحباً! (Marḥaban) - Hello!
وداعاً! (Wadāʿan) - Goodbye!
نعم. (Naʿam) - Yes.
لا. (Lā) - No.
شكراً! (Shukran) - Thank you!
من فضلك. (Min faḍlik) - Please.
عفواً. (ʿAfwan) - Excuse me / Sorry.
كيف حالك؟ (Kayfa ḥāluk?) - How are you?
أنا بخير. (Anā bikhayr) - I am fine.
أين ...؟ (Ayna ...) - Where is ... ?
أين يمكنني العثور على ...؟ (Ayna yumkinunī al-ʿṯūr ʿalā ...) - Where can I find ... ?
هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟ (Hal tatḥaddaṯ al-ʾinǧlīzīyah?) - Do you speak English?
هل يمكنني استخدام الواي فاي؟ (Hal yumkinunī istikhdām al-wāy-fāy?) - Can I use Wi-Fi?
كم سعره؟ (Kam saʿruh?) - How much does it cost?
هل يمكنك مساعدتي؟ (Hal yumkinuka musāʿadatī?) - Can you help me?
هل يمكنك أن تعطيني اقتراح؟ (Hal yumkinuka ʾan taʿṭīnī iqtrāḥ?) - Can you give me a suggestion?
طاولة من فضلك. (Ṭāwila min faḍlik) - A table, please.
من فضلك أرني القائمة. (Min faḍlik ʾurnī al-qāʾimah) - Please show me the menu.
أود أن أطلب ... . (ʾawadu ʾan ʾuṭlabu ...) - I would like to order ... .
بيرة واحدة من فضلك. (Bīrah wāḥidah min faḍlik) - One beer, please.
ماذا توصي؟ (Māḏā tūṣī?) - What do you recommend?
أنا جائع / عطشان. (ʾanā ǧāʾiʿ / ʿaṭšān) - I am hungry / thirsty.
ما هو المبلغ الإجمالي؟ (Mā huwa al-mablagh al-ʾijmālī?) - What is the total amount?
هل يوجد طعام نباتي؟ (Hal yūǧad ṭaʿām nabātī?) - Is there vegetarian food?
لقد ضللت الطريق. (Laqad ḍallalt al-ṭarīq) - I am lost.
إلى أين يجب أن أذهب؟ (ʾilā ʾayna yajib ʾan ʾaẓhab?) - Where should I go?
استدر يميناً. (Istadr yamīnan) - Turn right.
استدر شمالاً. (Istadr šamālan) - Turn left.
مباشرة إلى الأمام. (Mubāširah ʾilā al-ʾamām) - Straight ahead.
هل يمكنك أن تريني على الخريطة؟ (Hal yumkinuka ʾan tarīnī ʿalā al-ḫarīṭah?) - Can you show me on the map?
كيف أصل إلى ...؟ (Kayfa ʾaṣilu ʾilā ...) - How do I get to ... ?
أين يمكنني الحصول على سيارة أجرة؟ (Ayna yumkinunī al-ḥuṣūl ʿalā sayyārah ʾaǧrah?) - Where can I get a taxi?
النجدة! (Al-naǧdah) - Help!
لقد أصبت بجرح / مرض. (Laqad ʾaṣbaṭa biǧurḥ / maraḍ) - I am injured / sick.
اتصل بالشرطة / بسيارة الإسعاف. (Itaṣil bial-šurṭah / bisiyārat al-ʾisʿāf) - Call the police / ambulance.
أين أقرب مستشفى؟ (ʾAyna ʾaqrb mustašfa?) - Where is the nearest hospital?
لقد فقدت حقيبتي / جواز سفري. (Laqad faqadt ḥaqībatī / ǧawāz safarī) - I lost my bag / passport.
هل يمكنك أن ترشدني إلى صيدلية؟ (Hal yumkinuka ʾan taršidnī ʾilā ṣaydaliyah?) - Can you direct me to a pharmacy?
أنا لا أشعر بتحسن. (ʾAnā lā ʾašʿurru bi-taḥsin) - I'm not feeling well.
Mecca, located in the western region of Saudi Arabia, holds a unique and profound significance as the holiest city in Islam. As the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, Mecca draws millions of Muslims from around the world each year to embark on the spiritual journey of Hajj and Umrah.
Mecca's profound spiritual significance and its role as the epicenter of Islam's holiest rituals make it a destination of immense importance for Muslims worldwide. Whether you're fulfilling the obligations of Hajj or Umrah, seeking spiritual enlightenment, or embracing the historical legacy of the city, Mecca offers a transformative and deeply spiritual experience.
Savor Shawarma, a popular Middle Eastern dish made from thinly sliced marinated meat (usually chicken or beef) wrapped in Arabic bread and served with various condiments like tahini sauce, pickles, and vegetables.
Try Mandi, a traditional Saudi Arabian rice dish cooked with tender meat (usually chicken or lamb), aromatic spices, and served with a variety of sauces.
Experience Kabsa, a flavorful Saudi Arabian rice dish cooked with a mix of spices, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and sometimes garnished with nuts and raisins.
Taste Mutabbaq, a delicious Arabian savory pastry stuffed with meat, vegetables, or cheese and folded into a triangular shape before being grilled or baked.
Indulge in Harees, a traditional Saudi Arabian dish made from ground wheat and meat (usually chicken or lamb), slow-cooked until it reaches a porridge-like consistency and seasoned with spices.
Sip on Arabic Coffee, also known as Qahwa, a traditional Middle Eastern coffee flavored with cardamom. It is often served as a welcoming gesture.
Enjoy Laban, a refreshing traditional Middle Eastern yogurt-based drink, usually served chilled. It can be plain or flavored with ingredients like mint or rosewater.
Quench your thirst with a variety of freshly squeezed fruit juices, including flavors like mango, watermelon, pomegranate, and more, available in local juice bars.
Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, is known for its religious significance, historical landmarks, and spiritual pilgrimage. Comprising various districts, each with its own unique character, the city offers a blend of devotion, cultural heritage, and sacred landmarks. Here, we delve into some key highlights of the districts in Mecca:
Synonymous with: Masjid al-Haram, Kaaba, religious pilgrimage.
Why visit: The Haram Area is the heart of Mecca and home to Masjid al-Haram, the holiest mosque in Islam, with the Kaaba at its center. Millions of Muslims from around the world gather here for pilgrimage (Hajj) and Umrah. Visitors can experience the spiritual intensity of the Grand Mosque, perform prayers, and witness the devotion of the faithful. The district's blend of reverence and unity creates a deeply profound and transformative atmosphere.
Synonymous with: Clock Tower, luxury hotels, modern amenities.
Why visit: Abraj Al-Bait is known for its iconic Clock Tower and luxury hotels that offer a view of Masjid al-Haram. Visitors can enjoy modern amenities, upscale shopping, and the convenience of being close to the Grand Mosque. The district's blend of spirituality and contemporary comfort creates a harmonious and accommodating urban experience.
Synonymous with: Residential neighborhoods, local markets, traditional ambiance.
Why visit: Al-Adl is characterized by its residential neighborhoods, local markets, and traditional ambiance. Visitors can experience the local way of life, explore bustling markets, and immerse themselves in the district's cultural authenticity. Al-Adl's blend of community spirit and heritage provides a genuine and immersive urban escape.
Synonymous with: Pilgrimage support, temporary accommodation, services.
Why visit: Aziziyah is known for providing accommodation and support to pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah. Visitors can find temporary housing, essential services, and convenience for their pilgrimage experience. The district's blend of pilgrimage support and communal solidarity offers a practical and integral aspect of the pilgrimage journey.
Synonymous with: Suburban charm, local eateries, community life.
Why visit: Al-Awali offers a suburban escape from the bustling center, featuring local eateries, community life, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy local cuisine, experience the residential charm, and interact with the local community. Al-Awali's blend of suburban tranquility and local vibrancy provides a refreshing and authentic urban experience.
Mecca's districts offer a profound journey of devotion, community, heritage, and spiritual reflection. Whether you're experiencing the spiritual intensity of the Haram Area, enjoying the modern comforts of Abraj Al-Bait, immersing yourself in local life at Al-Adl, finding support in Aziziyah, or experiencing the suburban charm of Al-Awali, Mecca promises an unforgettable and spiritually enriching city experience that captures the essence of Islam's holiest city and its significance to millions around the world.Mecca, the holiest city in Islam and a pilgrimage destination for millions, offers a deeply spiritual experience and a unique cultural environment. Here are the main modes of transportation available in Mecca:
Mecca's public bus system serves the city and its surrounding areas, providing an affordable way to travel between key sites, hotels, and residential districts.
Taxis are widely available in Mecca and provide convenient door-to-door transportation. They are suitable for reaching specific destinations and offer air-conditioned comfort.
Walking is a common way to move around Mecca, especially within the vicinity of the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Pilgrims often perform the Tawaf, the circumambulation of the Kaaba, on foot.
During the Hajj pilgrimage season, Mecca operates dedicated shuttle buses to transport pilgrims between various important sites, making it easier to perform the rituals.
Private transportation services, including car rentals and chauffeur-driven vehicles, are available for those who prefer more personalized travel options.
Many tour operators offer organized Umrah and Hajj packages that include transportation between sites, accommodations, and guidance on performing the religious rituals.
The Mecca Metro serves pilgrims and residents, connecting different areas of the city. It offers efficient transportation between important locations.
Mecca is equipped with facilities to assist elderly and disabled pilgrims. Wheelchairs and electric carts are available to facilitate movement within the Grand Mosque.
With its transportation options, getting around Mecca allows you to experience the spiritual heart of Islam, participate in sacred rituals, and connect with fellow pilgrims from around the world.