Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, one that has spread from Asia to Africa and Europe. It is a religion that is inseparable from the Arab world and its influence. Makkah is the heart of Islam: It is the birthplace of the religion and the site of the Ka'aba. Here are some of the most important sites in the city.

The Ka'aba

The Ka'aba is the most sacred site of Islam and the focus of a pilgrimage to Mecca and a place of intercession for the faithful. It is also a place of ritual cleansing. For example, Muslims must sprinkle holy water on themselves and their feet before entering the building, and pray there after coming out, before entering the city. The site is the largest single building in the world and has four minarets. It stands on the central pillar that was the center of the first temple in Mecca. At the time, it was considered as part of the sun god. The second al-Masjid al-Haram mosque was built in response to the expanding city's needs. However, it was rejected by most of the people. As a result, the current building, the third mosque of the Ka'aba, was built in its place.

The Well of Zamzam

It is the holiest well of Islam, the place where Mohammed bathed in the daylight of his seven years of fasting. During his first pilgrimage to Makkah, at age of 33, he sought relief from the heat and thirst. In his autobiography, Surah 86, Mohammed writes, "Many were waiting, each hoping to be the one who finally should have the privilege of drawing water from this well." In the time of Mohammed, camels and water were the main requirements of pilgrims. Hence, the pilgrims used to return from Makkah back to Mecca by car, loaded with water for their tents. Today, however, water is a much more expensive commodity. The main concern nowadays is the security of the Makkah region and the water sources in particular.

The Haram

The Great Mosque of Makkah is the main place of worship in the city. The Great Mosque, on the southern side of the holy sites, is the home of the two holy mosques (the Mahdi and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) and the main Islamic religious school in the Middle East. Architecture The Mosque is divided into a Central Courtyard and three Courtyards of prayer. The central courtyard is where the Grand Mosque is situated. It is a rectangular rectangular with a central dome. The dome is made of steel and glass and is the largest dome in the world. The walls, at around 15 meters (50 ft) high, are made of granite, which is one of the building material of the Islamic world. The walls feature a stone-carved design of two large animals, which are believed to be divine symbols for Islam.

The Ancient City of Jeddah

Jeddah is the oldest city in the Arabian Peninsula, founded in 799 by the prophet Muhammad's son, Ali. It was known as Madinat Al-Fakhra, and from the 8th century was the second most important port of the Arabian peninsula after Mecca. But these days Jeddah is known primarily for its seaport. "The city has some 250 miles of coastline and is a free trade port. The port here is the Middle East's most important commercial hub, linking global markets with the landlocked countries of Africa. This connection is one of the most important drivers of economic growth in Saudi Arabia," said Geraldine Tromp, an American writer and the author of a novel on Jeddah.