Mecca

Above: A pilgrim at the Al-Haram Mosque, Mecca. Photo: Ali Mansuri.

"We have rendered the shrine a focal point for the people, and a safe sanctuary. You may use Abraham's shrine as a prayer house. We commissioned Abraham and Ishmael: 'You shall purify My house for those who visit, those who live there, and those who bow and prostrate.'"
-- Quran 2:125

Mecca (officially spelled Makkah) is a city in western Saudi Arabia. It is located near the Red Sea in the narrow, sandy Valley of Abraham, 909 feet above sea level.

Mecca is the spiritual and geographical focal point for all Muslims. It was chosen by the Prophet Muhammad himself as the holy city of Islam and the direction (qibla) in which all Muslims should offer their prayers. Each year, during the Islamic month of Dhu'l-Hijja, thousands of Muslims from around the world join in a pilgrimage to Mecca (the Hajj), in fulfillment of one of the Five Pillars of Islam. For most Muslims, this is an event of a lifetime, full of meaning and spiritual renewal. Many also perform the minor Mecca pilgrimage, the Umrah, at various times throughout the year.

Mecca is unique from other cities profiled on this website in that non-Muslims are not permitted to visit the holy city at any time. We hope, therefore, that this section on Mecca will both help Muslims plan a pilgrimage or vacation to Mecca and non-Muslims to experience a bit of this fascinating sacred place through photos, maps and descriptions.

Mecca Satellite Map An interactive satellite view of Mecca, showing al-Haram Mosque. Mecca City Map Large, detailed street map showing mosques and other points of interest. Mecca Travel Forum Ask experienced travelers for advice on Mecca or browse previous discussions. Mecca Hotel Reviews Read candid traveler reviews, check ratings, and compare prices of hotels in Mecca. Book a Hotel in Mecca Check availability, see photos, and book the hotel of your choice at Expedia.com. Mecca Flight Search Compare airfares, find cheap deals and check availability for flights to Mecca.

Al-Masjid al-Haram (The Holy Mosque)   The holiest mosque in the world has been much expanded from its original 7th-century form. Today, it can accommodate up to 820,000 worshippers. The Ka'ba and Black Stone   The focal point of the al-Haram Mosque, the Hajj, and Muslim prayers worldwide, the cubical Ka'ba and its Black Stone have a fascinating history. The Hajj Learn the history, meaning and rituals of the Hajj, the major Islamic pilgrimage that brings thousands of Muslims to Mecca each year. The Umrah This "lesser pilgrimage" to Mecca can be performed at any time of the year. It is not as compulsory as the Hajj, but still highly recommended for all Muslims to undertake.

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