9 Interesting Mecca Facts
- Mecca is regarded as the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and features at the top of the list of most visited places on Earth.
- Mecca is located in the heart of Sirat Mountains of Central Saudi Arabia.
- Only Muslims are permitted to enter Mecca.
- The central point of Mecca is the Ka’bah, or the ‘House of God’ and is covered in a gold-embroidered black fabric.
- The pilgrims have to circle the Ka’bah seven times.
- There is a ‘Well of Zamzam’ in Mecca, the water of which is believed to have special properties and health benefits.
- Ancient Mecca was an oasis on the caravan trade route that connected the Mediterranean world with South Arabia, East Africa, and South Asia.
- Pilgrimage to Mecca is known as ‘Haj.’ Haj pilgrimage is the fifth of the fundamental Muslim practices known as the ‘Five Pillars of Islam.’
- An interesting ritual known as the ‘Stoning of the Satan’ is practiced at Mecca in which the pilgrims throw stones at three different Haj pillars representing the Satan.
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