The History of Makkah Mukarramah

سم الله الرحمان الرحيم
In the Name of Allah,
the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.



The Location of Makkah Mukarramah

Makkah Mukarramah is located in the west of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
It is situated at the foot of such a valley in the Hijaaz region that is completely
surrounded by mountains. The area that is low-lying and level is called
Bat'haa and the area to the east of the Masjid Haraam is known as Ma'laa
( higher ground ). The area to the west and the south is called Misfala ( lower
ground ). Rasulullaahصلى الله عليه وسلم was from amongst those who lived in
the Ma'laa area. He was born there and lived there until the time he migrated.
To enter Makkah Mukarramah, there are three principle routes, Ma'laa,
Misfala and Shubaykah.

The Virtues of Makkah Mukarramah

Allah Taála had selected this blessed city to be the location of His House.
It was also here that the final Rasul and guide of the worlds
Rasulullaahصلى الله عليه وسلم was born and here also did he begin to announce
his prophethood to the world. It is to this city that Allah Taála has made it
obligatory for His bondsmen to travel to fulfil certain rites. It is for this
reason that people of Imaan arrival in Makkah from all parts of the worlds
with their hearts filled with love and their appearances exuding humility and
submission. They are drawn to this blessed land with simple clothing, open
heads and free from worldly adornment.

The place has been blessed with such sancity and safety that anyone
entering it becomes safe and protected. Even if a person steeped in sin
heads there, he becomes cleansed like a new-born baby. There is no other
place on earth to which Islam has made the journey obligatory. Muslims
have been commanded to make Ta aaf ( circumambulate ) the House of
Allah Taála, something that has no example equal on earth. The Hajar Aswad
( Black Stone) and Rukn Yamaani can boast to have been kissed and
touched by none less than our noble master Rasulullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم.For
Muslims to emulate this is not only allowed in Islam, but highly recommended.

Makkah Mukarramah is that honoured city, the sancity of which Allah Ta'ala
Himself takes an oath on. This is found not once , but twice in the Qurán in
Surah Balad and Surah Teen. In Makkah Mukarramah that the Masjid
Haraam is situated, a Masjid in which the reward of a single salaah is multi-
plied by a hundred thousand.

The city is the location of the Qiblah, a direction towards which every person
performing salaah must face. It is that sacred direction which a person
relieving himself cannot face towards nor can he face his back towards it.
The city also has the privilege of being a place where even intending to do
evil attracts a grave warning of punishment from Allah Taála. The ill effects
and punishment for a sin in this holy place is also amplified.

This is that wonderful place that attracts hearts like a magnet. It is that sweet
fountain that although providing satisfaction, a person's heart cannot get
enough of it. The more a person visits it, the more his heart yearns to return.

The splendid city houses sites where duáas are readily acceppted, where
sins are forgiven and where difficulties are alleviated. The city also has the
honour of being a place of safety for carrying weapons is also forbidden. In
addition to this, no Kuffaar or Mushrikeen are allowed here. When Qiyaamah
draws near and strife will be tearing the world aparts, this special city will be
under the protection of the angels and Dajjaal will be unable to enter it.

The History of Makkah Mukarramah
by Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Abdul Ghani