Origin and Meaning of Makkah

The place of the kaaba; a holy city in Islam

Origin: Arabic - The name Makkah is derived from the Arabic root ‘m-k-k,’ which means to crush or compress, referencing the geographical features of the region.

• Makkah is considered the holiest city in Islam and is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, making it a central pilgrimage destination for Muslims.
• Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world visit Makkah to perform Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which is mandatory at least once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able.
• The Kaaba, located in the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, is the most sacred site in Islam. Muslims face the Kaaba during their prayers regardless of their location in the world.
• Makkah has undergone significant modernization and expansion in the 21st century to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims, including the construction of the Abraj Al Bait Towers.
• Makkah is also spelled as Mecca in English, though it is preferable to use Makkah as it aligns with its original Arabic pronunciation.