Interesting Facts about Mecca and Medina

Do you know Muslims around the world pray facing which direction? It is towards the Kaaba in Mecca. The holiest city in Saudi Arabia, Mecca (also known as Makkah), is the spiritual heart of Islam. Around millions of Muslims visit these holy cities every year to take a pilgrimage. 

Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to tourists and people are now more interested in its attractions than ever. Be it the cultural powerhouse Diriyah, or the religious home Mecca, there is so much to see here. Mecca, located 275 meters above sea level, is not only the birthplace of the last Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) (founder of Islam), but also the spiritual center of Islam. It is the city that germinated the religion and cultivated the idea. The prophet spent over 50 years of his life in Mecca, but later migrated to Medina, which is another holy city. This guide uncovers the lesser-known facts about Mecca and Medina, further enriching our understanding of these holy cities. 

A. Facts about Mecca 

1. Oldest inhabited city

Established in the 18th century BCE and taken over by the founder of Islam, Mohammed, in 630 AD, Mecca remains to be a home for thousands of years now. With a population of 2 million people residing and working in Mecca, it is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Over the centuries, despite numerous challenges and transformations, Mecca has retained its status as a beacon of spiritual unity, drawing millions of Muslims each year who seek to fulfill their religious obligations and connect with their faith’s rich heritage.

2. The world’s largest mosque 

Al-Masjid al-Ḥarām, the Grand Mosque of Meccas, is the largest mosque in the world. It houses the sacred Kaaba, where a whopping number of Islamists come during Hajj and Umrah. Inspired and influenced by Islamic architecture, the Great Mosque was built by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail as a house of worship. The mosque boasts nine minarets, a Zamazam well, a lofty Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower and numerous domes. 

3. Six doors of Kaaba 

One of the interesting facts about Mecca is that over a span of 5000 years, the doors of Kaaba have seen a huge change. The earliest doors were made in the pre-Islamic era when it was the sanctuary for various tribes. In 605 CE, the Quraysh tribe, led by Prophet Muhammad, undertook a significant renovation of the Kaaba’s doors made by wood. In between the period, it also suffered damage and was rebuilt with gold and silver. Through the Abbasid and the Ottoman Era, the door was embellished with inscriptions and intricate designs. The modern door of Kaaba weighs approximately 280 kilograms and is adorned with Quranic verses and intricate patterns.

4. Never a part of the Islamic empire 

Although history has many Islamic conquerors, Mecca has never been the capital of their empires. It was never the administrative or political center of the Islamic empires that arose after the Prophet’s time. Mecca remained under the control of these empires but was not consolidated in their administrative framework. The rulers provided supplies and donations to maintain the city’s security. Today, it stands as a solid part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, established in 1932, and is managed as the most sacred city. 

5. The other names 

Mecca was also called as Bakkah, as mentioned in the Quran. Another name, Umm al-Qura, highlights Mecca’s importance as a central and foundational city in Islamic civilization. It means “Mother of all Settlements”. In other religious books, such as as Surah At-Tin, Mecca is called as Al-Balad al-Amin, and in Surah Al-Balad, it is referred to as Al-Balad. In present days it is called as  Makkah Al Mukarramah, translated to “Makkah The Honored.”

6. Biggest tourist influx 

Mecca and Medina are the biggest draws in the Middle East, especially during the Hajj. Umrah is performed throughout the year, but the Hajj is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, with 1.8 million people attending this year. The government of Saudi Arabia arranges complete facilities and security provisions for pilgrims to offer prayers without any disturbances. There is also a lot of improvements in Hajj and Umrah visa process. 

7. The world’s highest prayer room 

Nestled within the Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower, at 600 metres above ground level, Mecca is also home to the world’s highest prayer room. From here you can observe the splendid view of the Al-Masjid al-Haram and Kaaba. 

8. Black Stone was originally white 

The Black Stone, known as Al-Hajar al-Aswad in Arabic, is one of the most revered structure in Islam. It is believed to date back to the time of Adam and Eve. Islamic tradition holds that it was originally a white oval stone that turned black due to the sins of mankind. It is said that the stone was sent down from heaven and given to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) by the angel Jibril (Gabriel) to be placed in the Kaaba.

B. Facts about Medina 

After Mecca, Medina, the City of the Prophet, is the second holiest city in Islam. It is the city where Prophet Muhammad migrated to, and it is home to his mosque and tomb.

• Although Prophet Muhammad stayed for major part of his life in Mecca, he migrated to Medina in 622CE. That day marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. This event is of great historical and religious significance.
• The constitution (treaty) of Medina was drafted by Prophet Muhammad. 
• The Quba Mosque, located on the outskirts of Medina, is the first mosque ever built. 
• Before the emergence of Islam, Medina was known as Yathrib. The name was later changed to Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, reflecting its enlightened status in Islam.

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Conclusion 

Mecca and Medina stand as twin pillars of Islamic faith, each with a profound legacy that continues to inspire millions of Muslims worldwide. Mecca, the birthplace of Islam and home to the sacred Kaaba, serves as the focal point of daily prayers and the destination for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Its rich history, architectural marvels, and spiritual significance make it unparalleled in the Islamic world. Meanwhile, Medina, the city of the Prophet, is celebrated for its pivotal role in the early Islamic community and its status as the site of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, where Prophet Muhammad rests. Together, these cities embody the heart and soul of Islam, drawing believers from every corner of the globe to connect with their faith, heritage, and the timeless teachings of Prophet Muhammad. As centers of devotion, learning, and unity, Mecca and Medina remain eternal beacons of spiritual enlightenment and community for Muslims everywhere. So, check your Saudi Visa status and plan a peaceful pilgrimage to Mecca.

Tisca

A travel influencer, adventurer and blogger on a mision to dicover the hidden gems of this beautiful planet. For me traveling isn’t a hobby, but a way of living.