Makkah

Makkah, the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and where the Quran was revealed, is a pivotal city in Islam. It hosts the annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, and welcomes millions for the Umrah pilgrimage year-round. Key sites include Al Masjid Al Haram, the largest mosque in the world, and the historic Masjid-e-Aisha. Beyond its spiritual significance, visitors can explore the Makkah Museum’s pre-Islamic artifacts or shop and play at Makkah Mall.

The Hira cave atop the Jabal al-Nur (“Mountain of Light”), just outside the city, is where Muslims believe the Quran was first revealed to Muhammad. Visiting Mecca for the Ḥajj is an obligation upon all able Muslims.

The Great Mosque of Makkah, known as the Masjid al-Haram, is home to the Ka’bah, believed by Muslims to have been built by Abraham and Ishmael. It is Islam’s holiest site and the direction of prayer (qibla) for all Muslims worldwide.