Did You Know?

Did you know that Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the largest religious monument in the world? Built in the 12th century, this vast temple complex was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu but later transformed into a Buddhist site. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and an important pilgrimage destination for Buddhists.

Did you know that Mecca in Saudi Arabia is the holiest city in Islam? Muslims from around the world travel to Mecca for the Hajj pilgrimage, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The focal point of the pilgrimage is the Kaaba, a cube-shaped structure located within the Masjid al-Haram.

Did you know that Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia is a sacred site for the Indigenous Anangu people? This massive sandstone monolith holds great spiritual significance and is a symbol of ancestral beings and creation stories. Climbing Uluru is now discouraged out of respect for the Anangu people's cultural beliefs.

Did you know that Stonehenge in England is a mysterious ancient monument that has spiritual and astronomical significance? This prehistoric stone circle, dating back thousands of years, is aligned with celestial events such as the summer solstice. It is believed to have been a sacred site associated with rituals and ceremonies.

Did you know that Varanasi in India is considered one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and a significant religious center for Hindus? Located on the banks of the Ganges River, Varanasi is believed to be a place of spiritual liberation. It is a major pilgrimage site, and Hindus visit to perform religious rituals and cremate their loved ones.

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Mecca: The Spiritual Heart Of Islam

Panoramic view of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, showcasing the Kaaba and surrounding skyscrapers.

Deep in a narrow desert valley in the Hejazi region of Saudi Arabia lies the sacred city of Mecca (also spelled Makkah), the annual destination of devoted Muslim pilgrims the world over. Mecca is not accessible to non-Muslims, and those violating that law may be deported if found in the city.

Mecca, to non-religious persons, has become synonymous with “pinnacle”, indicating the top of the top, the ultimate. But for Muslims it is Islam’s holiest location. It is believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, and from there, the location where Islam originated. It is a beautiful city, a truly amazing sacred place, a spot that non-Muslims can only see by way of photographs; even those dazzle.

Central to Mecca and the annual pilgrimage — the Hajj — that attracts millions of devoted followers, is the great mosque, Masjid al-Haram (sacred mosque), erected in the 7th century. Within the mosque rests the Kaaba, a large black stone shaped more or less like a box. Muslims believe that this was a meteorite, and is their most sacred shrine; it is covered with a protective cloth.

Since Mecca is off limits to most of us, we’ll have to rely on books and videos to get a personal glimpse of this sacred city and mosque.