Islam Concepts

I saw at Yahoo Answers, in comments or other social networks that many people want to know what is Mecca and it’s importance in Islam and for Muslims. If you are from any Muslim country then this looks like a very simple question but for those who want to know about Islam or they are planning to convert or those who just dig into Islam. They want to know more, so I decided to tell them briefly.

What is Mecca?

Actually Mecca also written as Makkah situated in Saudi Arabia and one of the holiest city in religion Islam. Name Kabah comes from the Arabic word meaning ‘cube’, it refers to the cube-shaped stone inside the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. The word “Mecca” is so popular that it is also added in English dictionary meaning something that is most important. Holy city laid near the coast of the Red Sea. and it has total population of 1,290,000.

Mecca History:

According to Islamic tradition, Mecca history was goes back to Prophet Abraham who built the Kaaba with His son, Prophet Ishmael in around 2000 BCE. Mecca is the place that links to many of the Prophets that Almighty Allah sent to us. So it is in news and history books from long time.

At first Masjid al-Haram constructed by Prophet Abraham which stands upright bearing evidence of various events which took place. The Holy Quran says that Mecca was attacked by the Ethiopians in the year when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) born.

Mecca in the ancient era was a major trade hub. There were Idols everywhere before Islam arrived. If we say that Prophet Muhammad open His eyes in Idol world, then it is not wrong. before emergence of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the city was under the rule of Banu-Quraish.

Why Mecca Important For Muslims:

As we talked earlier that it is a busy place and in history from thousands of years. But why Mecca is important for Muslims. Actually the thing is Islam started it’s ground level there. Mecca was the birthplace of Muslim’s last messenger Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He spent his earlier 40 years there. Then He went to Madina and after building authority, He came back as a victories and live rest of His life in Mecca as well.

Secondly, Holy Kaaba also present in Masjid al-Haram which present in Mecca. Millions of Muslim visited Masjid al-Haram to perform Hajj. It is also the world largest unity place for people, where millions of people gather from all races, community, countries without any difference and pray to their God. Every Muslim must need to perform Hajj at least once in life. So Mecca is every important.

There are many other things that are also rememberable for Muslims such as many Prophet Muhammad’s companions also buried in Mecca. Many Mosques that built with Prophet Muhammad hands. The Zamzam Well, the holy well which sprung into existence with Prophet Ishmael heels when He was rubbing them with thrust. It was also in Mecca, just next to Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram. There are also many other things that is why Mecca is important and so holiest for Muslims.

As mentioned earlier, kaaba built by Prophet Abraham. There is a large black stone inside it. Confirmed by Muslims/Christian historian that Angel Gabriel gave this to Prophet Abraham at Allah’s will. It is the focal point for worship during daily prayers, it unifies all Muslims, direction of every Muslims during prayers is towards Kaaba known as Qibla.

Hopefully you understand what is Mecca and it’s importance for Muslims. Write below if you still have any question or comment for me.

Yet another Ramadan gone, may Allah Almighty give us another chance to see next Ramadan. It’s time for people (who are going to Hajj) to make some Hajj mobilization. This is the time when people need guides to perform their best Hajj. But if they found those guides for free then that is really an occasion for them, Yes! I found something for all, who have plans to go to Hajj. Curtsey to SoundVision who wrote this really nice book on hajj. You can read complete book for free at Here . I’m sure you will find good information with this guide.

I also find another good resource for you people as I’m committed to provide quality to you. This is a diary of 21 days for the holy land by Prof. M. Ishaq Zahid, a creator of Islam101.com. He wrote his own story, how he spent his 21 days on holy land in the search of greatest Lord of all, how he tried to happy Allah Almighty and much more.

I highly recommended you to read these resources, if you are going to perform 5th pillar of faith, The HAJJ. Where you meat with thousands of people with no difference of name, cast, color, region. Allah said in Quran [22:27.8] “And proclaim that the people shall observe Hajj pilgrimage. They will come to you walking or riding on various exhausted (means of transportation). They will come from the farthest locations.” They have only one thing in common, THEY ARE MUSLIM. They come only for one purpose, TO PERSUADE ALLAH. As Allah said [ 2:199] You shall file together, with the rest of the people who file, and ask Allah for forgiveness. Allah is Forgiver, Most Merciful.