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Mecca, also known as Mecca, is a city in Saudi Arabia. Its full name is Mecca Al-Mukarramah, meaning "Honored Mecca." Less common Chinese translations include Mank, Macbeth, and Mok. Mecca is Islam's holiest city. Nestled in a narrow valley in the Salat Mountains of western Saudi Arabia, it covers an area of less than 760 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 1.79 million. The word "Mecca" in Arabic means "suck," a vivid description of the city's low terrain, high temperatures, and limited access to drinking water.
Mecca is renowned worldwide as the birthplace of Muhammad, the founder of Islam. It was in Mecca that Muhammad founded and spread Islam. In 630 AD, Muhammad led his army to capture Mecca and converted the holy temple into an Islamic mosque.
Mecca is a historic city surrounded by magnificent mountains, boasting numerous landmarks, including the Kaaba, the Osmos Spring, and the Grand Mosque. Every year during the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, devout Muslims from around the world journey thousands of miles to the Grand Mosque to pay homage to Allah and the Holy Stone, their holy site.
Mecca is relatively warm in winter and scorching hot in summer, with afternoon temperatures often exceeding 40°C. Abnormal weather patterns often occur throughout the year, such as sandstorms from the Arabian Peninsula or the North African desert in the summer.
Great Mosque
The Grand Mosque of Mecca, located in the heart of the city, is a renowned Islamic temple and the primary pilgrimage site for Muslims from around the world. According to the Quran, murder, robbery, and fighting are prohibited here, leading to its nickname, the Sacred Mosque.
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Mecca is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and the holiest city in Islam. It is home to the Kaaba, located in Masjid al-Haram, and is the focal point of Muslim prayer worldwide. Pilgrims from around the globe visit Mecca annually for Hajj and Umrah.
Mecca is located in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia. Visitors typically arrive via King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, then travel by taxi, bus, or private car to Mecca. Within the city, walking is common for pilgrims, especially around Masjid al-Haram.
The Masjid al-Haram is open 24 hours a day. The best times to visit are during Ramadan or Hajj for a deeply spiritual experience, but it is crowded. Non-peak times offer a less crowded visit.
There is no entrance fee to visit Masjid al-Haram or perform pilgrimage rituals. Accommodation, transport, and guided tours may require booking through authorized travel agencies.
For Hajj, registration through official Saudi authorities is mandatory, often months in advance. Umrah can be arranged through licensed travel agencies with shorter notice.
For Umrah rituals, 4–6 hours is typical. Hajj rituals take several days to complete. Additional time is needed to visit surrounding historical sites and markets.
Guided tours are available in Arabic and English through licensed agencies. Audio guides are less common but can be provided via apps or pilgrimage programs.
Masjid al-Haram is open 24/7, allowing night prayers. Special guided tours and spiritual programs may be arranged but light shows are not typical.
Masjid al-Haram is extremely crowded during Hajj and Ramadan. Weekdays outside these periods are less crowded.
The mosque has numerous restrooms, ablution areas, Zamzam water stations, prayer facilities, and surrounding shops for food and religious items.
Masjid al-Haram is wheelchair accessible, and ramps/elevators are available. Elderly and children are accommodated, but large crowds may pose challenges.
Cash, cards, and mobile payments are widely accepted in surrounding shops, hotels, and services.
Various restaurants, cafes, and fast-food outlets are available near Masjid al-Haram, serving local and international cuisine.
All food in Mecca is halal. Vegetarian options are available; vegan choices may be limited but can be requested at restaurants.
Many hotels of all classes are located near Masjid al-Haram, including luxury, mid-range, and budget options, some within walking distance.
Souvenir shops sell prayer beads, Quran copies, Islamic clothing, Zamzam water, and religious keepsakes.