Where is Mecca?

Every Muslim knows where Mecca is andseeks to get there at least once in life. It is a sacred city for the representatives of the Islamic faith. In this place the Prophet Muhammad was born, and here revelations from Heaven were sent to him. In this city he returned after moving to neighboring Medina.

The location of Mecca and the paths leading to it are described below.

Holy City

Mecca is a city located in the province with the same name in the west of Saudi Arabia. Get there from nearby cities by bus: planes and trains to Mecca do not go.

Near the Mecca there is Mount Hira. It is believed that the Shepherd Mohammed came to Hira with goats and sheep. Often he spent time alone with his thoughts. Once, when Muhammad was on the slopes of Hira alone, he received a revelation. He saw the angel of heaven, and at first did not believe, but the vision was repeated. So Muhammad realized his way as a prophet.

Muslims from all over the world revere Mecca. In their prayers (Namaz) they head to the Kaaba - the heart of Mecca.

Kaaba - a large building in the form of a cube in the openpart of the Forbidden Mosque. Why the Forbidden? Inside it, under the prohibition of war, murder - including animals. It is here, directly to the Kaaba, pilgrims are sent to the annual hajj. This is the greatest shrine of Islam.

Interesting fact: not everyone is allowed into the city. Representatives of non-Muslim faith can not get inside. But if you profess Islam, you can even buy a tour to Mecca.

More information on the faith of Muslims can be found in the article What is Islam.