Makkah Al-Mukarramah is a city with a history spanning thousands of years. It began as a small oasis surrounded by towering mountains, and its importance has increased over the ages until it became the beating heart of Islam and a global center for religious tourism

Ancient Beginnings: The Origins of Mecca

Ancient roots:

Mecca’s roots are believed to date back more than 2,000 years BC, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. In its early days, Mecca was a dry valley surrounded by mountains, with human settlement beginning with the discovery of the Zamzam Well during the time of the Prophets Abraham and Ishmael (peace be upon them)

Zamzam Well:
This well was a major focal point in the lives of the early inhabitants, attracting settlers and opening the door to history for a city that holds many secrets and lessons.

The location and geographical position of Mecca

Location: Mecca is located in the central western part of the Arabian Peninsula, approximately 75 km from the Red Sea coast (near Jeddah), and is approximately 300 meters above sea level.

Importance of place:
Thanks to its unique location, Mecca has become a center centered around the Grand Mosque and the Kaaba, toward which Muslims from all over the world turn in their prayers.

Mecca on the map

Tribal Transformations: From the Jurhum Tribe to the Khuza’a Tribe

The Jurhum tribe: It is said that the Jurhum tribe was the first to inhabit Mecca after the well of Zamzam burst forth, and they settled there permanently. However, certain actions, such as burying the well and seizing money donated to the Kaaba, led to their decline in status.

The Khuza’a Tribe:
At the end of the third century AD, the Khuza’a tribe was able to control the city and expel the Jurhum tribe, leading to religious and social changes, most notably the introduction of idol worship by their leader, Amr ibn Luhay.

Transfer of power to the Quraysh tribe and revival of heritage

The role of the Quraish tribe: The administration of Mecca was transferred to the Quraysh tribe under the leadership of Qusayy ibn Kilab, the fourth grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Qusayy established the Dar al-Nadwa, which was a platform for discussion.

City affairs and organization of the affairs of the Grand Mosque.

Re-drilling the Zamzam Well
Later, Abdul Muttalib ibn Hashim re-dug the Zamzam well after it had been covered over, thus strengthening Mecca’s status as a spiritual and religious center.

Residents of Mecca

The incident of Abraha the Abyssinian and the Year of the Elephant

The Year of the Elephant is a turning point in Islamic history. In this year, Abraha, the Abyssinian king of Yemen, attempted to destroy the Kaaba using an army of elephants, aiming to divert Arab attention to his church in Yemen. However, through divine intervention via the birds of Ababil, Abraha’s army was completely destroyed. This was also the year in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was born, imbuing Mecca with a profound spiritual and historical dimension.

Nature’s Challenges: Floods and Hazards

Over the ages, Mecca has faced numerous natural challenges, including floods that swept through the Grand Mosque and surrounding areas due to its mountainous geography. To protect the Kaaba and its surrounding facilities, the people of Mecca designed water drainage channels, which helped mitigate the impact of floods and secure the sanctuary.

Floods that hit the Grand Mosque

Over the ages, the Grand Mosque has been subjected to numerous floods that swept away its surroundings due to the geographical nature of Mecca, which is surrounded by mountains and whose valleys flow into the sanctuary. One of the most famous of these incidents was the great flood that swept through the Grand Mosque on a Friday in ancient times, submerging the courtyard of the Kaaba and reaching its gates. These floods sometimes caused damage to the Kaaba and surrounding buildings, prompting the people of Mecca to later build canals to drain the water and mitigate the impact of flooding on the Grand Mosque.

 

Mecca Today: A Center for Religious Tourism and Modern Technology

Over time, Mecca has become not only a religious center but also a global hub for religious tourism, receiving millions of pilgrims and Umrah performers annually. Thanks to technological advances, innovative solutions have been adopted to facilitate Hajj and Umrah services, making the management and organization of religious trips more efficient and seamless.

How does Safa Soft help you manage your religious tourism business?

If you are a pioneer in the religious tourism sector, Safa Soft offers advanced Hajj and Umrah management solutions:
Integrated Systems:
Provides comprehensive solutions for managing religious travel reservations with ease and convenience.
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Modern Technologies: Relies on the latest technologies to enhance the experience of pilgrims and Umrah performers and provide professional services.
Contact us today to discover how Safa Soft solutions can support and grow your business in the religious tourism sector.