Mecca

From Halal Explorer

Kaaba

Mecca or Makkah and the holiest city in Islam, is the place where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born and raised, and is believed by Muslims to have received the first revelations of the Quran. And this is where the Kaaba is — in the centre of Islam's most sacred mosque, Masjid al-Haram, which is the direction that all Muslims from all over the world face when performing Islamic ritualistic prayer (salat). Masjid al-Haram or The Grand and the Sacred Mosque and the largest mosque in the world, is visited by millions of Muslims throughout the year, especially during the last month of the Islamic calendar, to perform Hajj and the pilgrimage which is a mandatory religious duty for every Muslim who can afford it.

Makkah Halal Explorer

The pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj, is one of the Five Pillars of Sunni Islam and one of the ten Branches of Religion in Shi'a Islam, and thus obligatory for all Muslims with the physical and financial ability to make it. Over three million Muslims visit the city during the month of Dhu'l-Hijjah yearly. Visits outside this month are known as minor pilgrimages or Umrah, which are not compulsory but are strongly encouraged.

History of Makkah

Muslims believe that the history of Mecca goes back to Ibrahim who built the Kaaba with the help of his eldest son Ishmael around 2000 BCE. In 570 CE, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in Mecca. Since those days, Mecca's history and identity has been inextricably linked with Islam.

According to Muslim traditions, in 610, it was in Mecca (inside the Hira cave on the mountain of Jabal al-Nour) where Muhammad the age of 40 received his first revelation from Allah, through the Angel Gabriel. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) then begin preaching. In 622, Muhammad left Mecca for Yathrib (now called Medina) for fear of being assassinated by the local Quraysh ruling clan, who had declined to accept Muhammad and his beliefs and started persecuting followers of Islam. As Muhammad (PBUH) migrated to Medina and settled there, several armed conflicts followed between followers of Prophet Muhammad and local tribes of Mecca, particularly one during which the followers of Muhammad (PBUH) attempted to return to Mecca in 628 for pilgrimage but weren't allowed to enter the city. A peace treaty was eventually signed that allowed followers of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to return to Mecca. In 629, Prophet Muhammad along with thousands of his followers migrated back to Mecca from Medina (where he had lived for 13 years) for a Hajj, known as the first pilgrimage. According to Muslims and the peace treaty was to also include ceasefire for 10 years but after 2 years the Quraysh violated the truce by slaughtering a group of Muslims. Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers, companions and allies now much stronger in number, so instead of fighting back and they simply marched across the city of Mecca and thereby triggered the surrender of the Quraysh of Mecca. Eventually, Muhammad (PBUH) islamicized the city and made it the center of Muslim pilgrimage, Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.

Mecca has been ruled by various dynasties over the last 1500 years. Starting in 1517 CE, with only one short interruption, Mecca and the rest of the Hejaz were under the control and stewardship of the Islamic Ottoman Turkey|Turks and — since the 10th century — the local religious and temporal leadership of the Hashemite Emirs, who were relocated by United Kingdom|the British to serve as the rulers of Jordan|Transjordan and Iraq in the aftermath of the defeat of the Islamic Ottomans in World War I. In 1924, Mecca was conquered by the Saud family of modern-day Saudi Arabia following a short battle.

Travel to Makkah

Unless you're a national of Saudi Arabia or neighbouring GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates), everyone requires visa to enter Saudi Arabia. The diplomatic missions of Saudi Arabia issue special visas for those making the pilgrimage to Mecca, either Hajj or Umrah. Most pilgrims opt to use a specialist travel agency, which will handle the considerable paperwork for them. As usual in Saudi Arabia, women must travel together with a male guardian (Mahram), unless they are over 45, travelling with a group and have their guardian's signed consent.

Hajj visas are allocated on a quota system, based on the number of Muslims in a country. In some cases, those who have previously done Hajj have had additional restrictions placed on their next Hajj, in an effort to discourage overcrowding while still accommodating those who have not yet made the pilgrimage. Umrah visas can be obtained at any time of the year except during the Hajj season. If the applicant is not a national of a Muslim-majority country or was not born a Muslim, s/he must present a certificate notarized by an Islamic center testifying that s/he is a Muslim. Usually, your mosque will be able to arrange this or at least point the way.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Makkah

King Abdulaziz International Airport (IATA Flight Code: JED), in Jeddah is the gateway to Mecca. All regional airlines serve the airport throughout the year. The same airport can be used when coming for Umrah.

The Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport is used only during the Hajj season, and is served mostly by charter flights arranged by regional commercial airliners, although there are some scheduled services as well.

Another option is Ta’if Regional Airport in Taif which can also be used to get into Mecca; however only a few airlines operate here, particularly those of neighboring Gulf countries.

By car

Christian Bypass - Christian bypass

There is an excellent modern multi-lane highway from Jeddah named Highway # 40. The distance is around 100 kilometers and the journey takes an hour. During the Hajj pilgrimage season it is jammed with buses full of pilgrims. At any other time, traffic is extremely light for the size of the road.

A few miles outside of Mecca and there is a cutoff referred to as the "Christian bypass". Turn along this highway to drive another 50|mi kilometers out of the way to reach the lovely mountain town of Taif. Taif, at 5000|ft|m elevation, was the former summer palace of the Saudi Kings. If you remain on the main highway and there is a police checkpoint just after the exit, where non-Muslims can bypass the holy city.

Travel by train to Makkah

The new Haramain high-speed railway links Mecca with Medina via King Abdulaziz International Airport, King Abdullah Economic City and Jeddah, eight times per day. Service is expected to be increased to 12 daily departures in 2019. Travel duration from Jeddah is less then 30 minutes while the whole journey from Medina will take just under two hours. Mecca train station GPS 21.417716,39.789394 is located along the 3rd ring road, near Rusaiyfah.

Best way to travel in Makkah by a Taxi

Taxis can be hailed anywhere in Jeddah for Mecca around SR250 during normal season or about SR500 during Hajj and winters. At Jeddah Airport, you can also share a taxi with other pilgrims if you want to which would half the trip charges per person.

Travel on a Bus in Mecca

SAPTCO runs services to Mecca from throughout the nation, although most pilgrims when coming for Umrah or Hajj, arrive on privately chartered buses or cars from Jeddah.

There are two terminals: the main terminal outside city limits is open to all, but the downtown terminal at the Haram al Sharif, used mainly by buses to Jeddah, is restricted to Muslims only. One way trip cost SR15 and trip takes 1 hour. Buses leave throughout the day after interval time of 1-2 hours starting from early in the morning at 6 until midnight at 12.

How to get around in Makkah

Local buses, taxis, and micro-buses are widely available in Mecca and are affordable. The 18 kilometers Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro opened in November 2010. A total of 5 metro lines are planned to carry pilgrims to the religious sites.

What to see in Makkah

As pilgrims prepare to return to their homes, Saudi authorities begin to prep for next year's Hajj - Flickr - Al Jazeera English - View of the Grand Mosque and pilgrims Tawaf

  • Masjid al-Haram - Sacred Mosque - The holiest site in Mecca and Islam is Grand Mosque. The massive mosque is the world's largest mosque and can accommodate up to 2 million people at once. The mosque has been continuously expanded and still going through major expansion and renovation. This mosque is the focal point of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
  • Kaaba At the center of the grand mosque is the Kaaba, which according to Muslim traditions was built by the Prophet Abraham and his son and the Prophet Ishmael. Covered in black cloth, it is circled seven times by Muslim pilgrims and it is toward the Kaaba that Muslims face in the direction while performing Islamic prayers (Salat). The Black Stone set intact into the Kaaba's eastern cornerstone wall by Muhammad himself is an Islamic relic which, according to Muslim tradition, dates back to the time of Adam and Eve. Many Muslim pilgrims while doing Tawaf try to kiss and touch the sacred stone; however, this usually requires a lot of effort because of crowding.
  • Maqaam-e-Ibrahim Next to Kaaba is a crystal dome called Maqaam-e-Ibrahim, which contains a rock that is believed to have an imprint of Abraham's foot. Traditions held that Abraham while constructing the high walls of Kaaba stood on the rock which miraculously rose up and let Abraham continue building.
  • Al-Safa and Al-Marwah - These were the two small hills now well transformed into long galleries which are well-constructed with marble floor and equipped with air-conditions. Muslim traditions held that Hagar, wife of Abraham, ran back and forth between these two hills in search of water of her son Ismail. It is believed that she first climbed the hill of Al-Safa and later Al-Marwah. Today Muslim perform ritual walking here called Sa'ee involves walking between the two hills seven times. Each trip requires roughly 300 m of walking and roughly 2.1 kilometers in total.
  • Cave of Hira - Ghaar-e-Hira | The cave of Hira is an important site, since atop the mountain locally known as Jabal Al Noor is where Muslims believe Muhammed first had the Quran revealed to him from Allah through the angel Jebril. Pilgrims often climb the cave which stood at a height of 270 m to see the place where Muhammad is believed to have received the first revelation of the Quran.
  • Cave Thawr - Ghaar-e-Thawr | This is the cave in which Prophet Muhammed hid in as he made departure to Yathrib (now Medina) from Mecca while being pursued by Quraish of Mecca who were planning to harm him. According to traditions, once Muhammad and his companion made entrance into the cave and the entrance was blocked by a spider which had cast a web to cover it and gave the impression to members of Quraish that no one has made entrance inside the cave since a long time thus saved life of Muhammad. Today, many pilgrims climb up the 1,405 m high mountan to see the cave.
  • Jannat al-Mu'alla This is the cemetery in which companions and relatives of Prophet Muhammed are buried, including his first wife, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great great-grandfather.
  • Al-Haramain Museum - متحف الحرم شریف - This museum has a lot of historical artifacts from different eras.
  • Abraj Al Bait - Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel | This 601 m megatall building has become a modern symbol of Mecca. It is the third tallest building in the world and incorporates the world's largest clock face. The building houses a five star hotel, a large prayer area capable of accommodating 10,000 people, a 5-story grand shopping mall, and numerous eateries.

Hajj sites

  • Mina Mina is a neighborhood of Mecca. It has the nick name of Tent City, as there are hundred of thousands of air-conditioned tents in the area, which act as temporary accommodations for pilgrims during Hajj time. The pedestrian-only Jamaraat Bridge, where the symbolic ritual of Stoning of the Devil is done and is located here.
  • Hill of Arafat - Jabal Rahma | 70m (230 ft) high Hill of Arafat is a granite hill in the outskirts of Mecca is the site where Prophet Muhammad stood and delivered the Farewell Sermon to the Muslims during the last day of his life. During Hajj, pilgrims spend the whole day on and around this hill doing prayers.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Makkah

Covering the mountain - Flickr - Al Jazeera English - Pilgrims at Mount Arafat

  • Hike the Mountains of Mecca
  • Visit Ghar Hira, where the first verse of the Quran was revealed to the Muslim prophet Muhammad.
  • Pray and read the Quran in the Masjid al Haram, of course if you're Muslim.
  • Shopping in the city is widely available. Bargaining is always an option when shopping locally.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Makkah

While in Mecca, many pilgrims purchase trinkets to remember their time and souvenirs to bring back to family and friends. Zamzam water is available free. It is consumed in Mecca and brought home as a souvenir.

Other items to buy in and around Mecca are: prayer mats and hats, prayer beads and perfume.

Halal Restaurants in Makkah

Zamzamwill - Near the Zamzam well.

There are many types of food from all over the world available in Mecca, from the Middle Eastern Arab food to Southeast Asian food. There are also Western fast food chains such as Kentucky Fried Chicken and Dunkin Donuts. No type of Beef, ham or any part of the pig is served in Saudi Arabia as forbidden by Islamic Law.

There is an Al-Baik Restaurant adjacent to the Sacred Mosque.

Zamzam Water- holy water from the Zamzam spring in Masjid al Haram believed to be divinely blessed is preferred among pilgrims to Mecca.

There are many tea shops that serve tea and cookies. There are also many juice vendors right outside the Mosque, who sell apple, mango and strawberry juices for SR1.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Mecca

Mecca - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Mecca, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Mecca. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Mecca and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Mecca. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Mecca. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMecca: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Mecca.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Mecca: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Mecca, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Mecca.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Mecca, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Mecca, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Mecca and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Mecca, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Mecca, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Mecca without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Mecca is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Mecca.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Mecca is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Mecca, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Mecca Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Makkah

Mecca is full of hotels, from the Hilton to unknown hotels with various facilities. The price varies according to the hotel's distance from the Holy Mosque. Some of the [https://ecca&&.Zza81ebce589144c82a6acc45-206204 world's greatest hotels are situated in Mecca and are full year-round. Make sure to [https://ecca&&.Zza81ebce589144c82a6acc45-206204 book early, as soon as you know your dates of travel.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Makkah

During the Hajj, pickpockets are not uncommon. Avoid having any valuables on your person when traversing through the crowds. In other words, be on the safe side and don't take chances.

Go next

Most pilgrims also visit Medina, Islam's second holiest city.


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