Mecca

1. By Claire Brownstone Mecca

2. 2000 B.C.E: Abraham built the Ka’ba with the help of his son, Ishmael (according to Islamic tradition)  God told Abraham that he should proclaim the pilgrimage to mankind Not enough followers of Abraham, and soon the Ka’ba became a shrine devoted to idols Muhammad was born in Mecca 570, received divine revelations from God, and began to preach his form of monotheism to the pagans. Declared Mecca the holiest site in Islam, made the pilgrimage one of the Five Pillars, and barred non-Muslims from entering. Religious history

3. Cube-shaped building Muslims must face the Ka’ba no matter where they are during prayer. The mosque surrounding it is the Masjid al-Haram Part of the pilgrimage requires walking around the Ka’ba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. Ka’ba

4. The hills: Tradition states that Abraham’s wife ran between the two hills in the desert looking for water after Abraham left them to test their faith The well: When the wife (Hagar) returned to her infant, a spring had appeared by the baby. This spring is now called the ZemZem well. The pilgrimage requires Muslims to run between the hills and drink the water to commemorate Hagar’s search for water and God’s answer. Hills Safa and marwaZemZem well

5. Granite hill east of Mecca Where Muhammad gave the Farewell Sermon Pilgrims must spend the whole day (and sometimes night) praying to Allah to forgive their sins. After, pilgrims throw seven stones at pillars (now walls) where Abraham was tempted by the devil to not sacrifice his son. An animal is sacrificed in the pilgrim’s name and the meat is given to the poor Mount Arafat and Stoning