Mecca

The city of Mecca is the holiest city to the people of Islam. It resides in the country of Saudi Arabia. It was the place where the prophet Muhammad was born. Over 3 million people a year take the journey to pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the hajj. The most important shrine to the Muslim people of Mecca is the Kaaba. It is a cubical shrine that is draped in hand woven black silk. On it is embroidered Koranic verses in gold thread. The Muslims, who are expected to make this journey to Mecca, walk around the cube by the thousands. The Great Mosque now surrounds the Kaaba, now air conditioned. In one corner of the Kaaba is a black stone. It is said to be from Allah, God, himself. Others believe it to be a Meteorite. Those who can get close enough touch or kiss the stone. The stone is said to be black due to all of the sins committed in the world.Even before the birth of Muhammad in 570, Mecca was already a thriving city. It was an important crossroad in the Middle East. This oasis was governed by merchants. Because of this there was constant blood shed and feuds. Roaming nomadic tribes would often attack the city for its goods. The city's 'holiness' derives from the story of Abraham and his first son, Ishmael. Sarah, Abraham’s wife, was envious and banished Ishmael and his mother to exile. Allah saved them by creating an oasis or spring for them. It is said that Ishmael later came back and built a temple; it was to be God’s house on Earth, the Kaaba.