There are many sacred sites around the world, and each of them is special for a unique set of reasons. Mecca is the spiritual capital of the Muslim world, and this holy city is the home of the Ka’ba, or Kaaba, which is a mosque built around a black stone. This is located within the Great Mosque, where there is space for nearly a million worshipers. Prayers are said at the Great Mosque twenty-four hours a day.


According to Muslim tradition, the Ka’ba was the first place that was created on earth, and is a place where the joy of heaven touches the earth with its power. The Ka’ba is said to have been built by Abraham. 

Each day, Muslims pray five times – and each time, they face towards Mecca when they do it, no matter where in the world they might be.

In addition to daily prayer, the Muslim religion requires adherents to follow the Five Pillars of Faith, one of which includes a pilgrimage to Mecca, located in western Saudi Arabia, at some point in their lifetime, if they can afford it. A major pilgrimage, the Hajj, takes place each year during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, which falls on different dates each year. A lesser pilgrimage, the Umrah, is a pilgrimage taking place outside of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. There are rigid guidelines in place for both, as far as what can be worn, and for ritual behavior when in the Great Mosque of Mecca.

It is important to note that although Mecca is incredibly beautiful, and many outsiders are interested in seeing it for a variety of reasons, the holy city is closed to non-Muslims.

This is because of a passage in the Quran that prohibits entry by anyone who is not of the Islamic faith.

In addition, according to our Islam Expert, Huda, there is a reluctance to turn Mecca into a tourist attraction. She says, “Restricting access to Mecca… is intended to provide a place of peace and refuge for Muslim believers and preserve the sanctity of the holy cities. At this time, millions of Muslims visit the cities each year, and additional tourist traffic would simply add to the congestion and detract from the spirituality of the pilgrimage visit.”