Makkah al-Mukarramah: Mother of Cities and the Sacred House of Allah

Makkah al-Mukarramah: Mother of Cities and the Sacred House of Allah

Makkah al-Mukarramah is the holiest city in Islam, the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the place where revelation descended. It is the qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims in their prayers and their destination for Hajj.

History of Makkah al-Mukarramah

1. Building the Sacred Kaaba

It was built by Ibrahim and Ismail (peace be upon them) by the command of Allah Almighty, to be the first house established for people.

2. Birth of the Prophet (peace be upon him)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born in Makkah al-Mukarramah in the Year of the Elephant.

3. Descent of Revelation

Revelation began to descend upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) in the Cave of Hira in Makkah.

Virtues of Makkah al-Mukarramah

1. First House Established for People

Allah Almighty said: “Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah - blessed and a guidance for the worlds” (Al Imran: 96)

2. Sacred Sanctuary

Allah Almighty made it a sacred sanctuary where fighting and bloodshed are forbidden.

3. Multiplication of Good Deeds

Prayer in the Sacred Mosque equals one hundred thousand prayers elsewhere.

The Sacred Kaaba

1. Its History

It was built by Ibrahim and Ismail (peace be upon them), and the Quraysh rebuilt it before Islam.

2. The Black Stone

A stone from Paradise that descended with Adam (peace be upon him).

3. Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Abraham)

A stone upon which Ibrahim (peace be upon him) stood when building the Kaaba.

Hajj and Umrah

1. Obligation of Hajj

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, obligatory for every capable Muslim.

2. Umrah

Umrah is a confirmed Sunnah that can be performed at any time of the year.

3. Hajj Rituals

Include Tawaf (circumambulation), Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwa), standing at Arafat, and stoning the pillars.

The Sacred Mosque

1. Its Expansions

The Sacred Mosque has been expanded throughout history to accommodate millions of pilgrims.

2. Kaaba in its Center

The Sacred Kaaba is located in the center of the Sacred Mosque.

3. The Mataf

The courtyard surrounding the Kaaba where pilgrims and Umrah performers circumambulate.

Conclusion

Makkah al-Mukarramah is the heart of the Islamic world and its spiritual center. It is the city that gathers Muslims from all over the world during the Hajj season, affirming the unity of the Islamic Ummah.