Mecca
Mecca or Makkah (Arabic: مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah), located in western Saudi Arabia, is the holiest city in Islam. During prayer times, streets near the Mosque may get crowded with mosque goers due to most Muslims having a preference for praying at the Sacred Mosque. Understand[edit]A pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and it is 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, and while not compulsory, they are strongly encouraged. This is also the place where Prophet Muhammad was born. Mecca also has a very rich history as it is a very old city which has been considered sacred since the early middle ages. It is also the birthplace of Islam and is the most sacred place for Muslim. Climate[edit]Mecca, much like the rest of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast a desert climate with very high summer temperatures. Mecca has no winter and the "coldest" part of the year features temperatures from 18°C (64°F) to 30°C (86°F), while 35°C (95°F) hittings aren't uncommon. The city has never recorded a temperature below 10°C (50°F). The very hot period lasts from April to October and peaks in July when the average high is 43.8°C (110.8°F). The city's distance from the sea and low altitude are the two contributionary factor to the very hot weather compared to nearby cities (e.g. Jeddah is a seaside port, while Medina has a high altitude). The heat though doesn't bother Saudi Arabians that much and neither does with most muslim tourists. The city receives low rainfall amounts measuring 111mm (4.4 inches). Get in[edit]
The government of Saudi Arabia issues special visas for those making the pilgrimage. Most pilgrims opt to use a specialist travel agency, which will handle the considerable paperwork for them, but detailed information on the strict requirements is available at the Ministry of Hajj. 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. Visas are assigned to countries on a quota basis according to the number of Muslims they have. Recently, those who have previously been to Mecca have had additional restrictions placed on their entry, in an effort to discourage overcrowding while still accommodating those who have not yet made the pilgrimage. If the applicant was not born a Muslim, they must present a certificate testifying so, which has been notarized by an Islamic center. Usually your mosque will be able to arrange this or at least point the way. By plane[edit]Jeddah is the gateway to Mecca. The Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport (IATA: JED), used only for the Hajj, is served mostly by charter flights, although there are some scheduled services. During Umrah, scheduled services use the airport's other terminals. By car[edit]There is an excellent modern multi-lane highway from Jeddah. 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 Mecca, there is a cutoff referred to as the "Christian bypass". Turn along this highway to drive another 50 miles out of the way to reach the lovely mountain town of Taif. Taif, at 5000 feet elevation, was the former summer palace of the Saudi Kings. On the highway towards Mecca you will notice green and red colour boxes on the blue highway signs. If you are a muslim follow the green sign. If you are not a muslim follow the red sign. There is a security check to ensure that only muslims are allowed in mecca. By bus[edit]SAPTCO runs services to Mecca from throughout the country, although most pilgrims arrive on privately chartered buses from Jeddah. There are two terminals: the main terminal outside city limits is open to all, but the city center terminal at the Haram al Sharif, used mainly by buses to Jeddah, is restricted to Muslims only. By train[edit]The Haramain High Speed Railway, which links Mecca with Jeddah and Medina. Note that Mecca station is located within the city limits, and is open to Muslims only. Get around[edit]Local buses, taxis, and micro-buses are widely available in Mecca and are inexpensive. The 18 km (11 mi) Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro. A total of 5 metro lines are planned to carry pilgrims to the religious sites. See[edit]Most visitors to Mecca follow the set itinerary of the Hajj. Major sites include:
In addition to Makkah, sites involving Hajj include
Do[edit]
Buy[edit]While in Makkah many pilgrims purchase trinkets to remember their time, and souvenirs to bring back to family and friends. Zamzam water is available free, to be consumed in Makkah or brought home as a souvenir. There are many shopping malls with local and International brands in Makkah! You really want to purchase the perfume oils known as Attars from many well known Arabian perfume brands. Besides this you could find local shops almost everywhere in the city from which you can buy Prayer Mats, Islamic hats, Abaya, Thawbs and much more! Eat[edit]There are many types of food from all over the world available in Mecca, from the Indian, Middle Eastern to Southeast Asian food. There are also American fast food chains such as Kentucky Fried Chicken and Dunkin Donuts. No type of pork, ham or any part of the pig is served in Saudi Arabia as forbidden by Islamic Law, since Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country and Mecca is the holiest city in Islam. Budget[edit]There are numerous budget eating places from Pakistani, Bengali, and Middle Eastern. There are also many Hawker centres located really near to the Holy Mosque! Mid-range[edit]You can find many international food chains like KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardees etc. The food served there is Halal (permissible). Splurge[edit]Drink[edit]Alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia. All intoxicants are forbidden. Zamzam Water- holy water from the Zamzam spring in Masjid al Haram believed to be divinely blessed is preferred among pilgrims to Mekkah. There are many tea shops that serve tea and cookies. Also many juice vendors right outside the Mosque that sell Apple, Mango and Strawberry juice for 1 SAR. Sleep[edit]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 world's greatest hotels are situated in Mecca, and are full year-round. Make sure to book early, as soon as you know your dates of travel.
Contact[edit]Stay safe[edit]Despite strict crowd control measures, overcrowding and stampedes are major hazards during the month of the Hajj, killing dozens of people. Mina, Jamrat, and the bridges leading to them are known to be particularly dangerous, although steps have been taken to alleviate this: there are now four parallel bridges and the route is now unidirectional. During the Hajj crowds 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. Most pilgrims also visit Medina, Islam's second holiest city. Get out[edit]
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