Mecca: The Heart of Islamic Pilgrimage

• Helloمرحبا
  [Marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [Wadaa'an]
• Yesنعم
  [Na'am]
• Noلا
  [La]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [Min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا لك
  [Shukran lak]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [Aadhraan]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [Kayfa haluk?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [Bikhayr. Wa anta?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [Hal tatahadath al'injilia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [Ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [Areed an araa alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحوم
  [Ana la aakul al lahoom]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [Fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [Aood an adfaa, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [Alnjada!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [Ansarif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [Itsal bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [Itsal bialtabib!]
• I'm lostضاعت طريقي
  [Daa'at tariqi]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [Ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أود أن أشتري...
  [Aood an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [Ana faqat atofaraj]
• How much is it?بكم هذا؟
  [Bikam hadha?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [Hadha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [Hal yumkinuk khafd alsar?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [Kam alsaa'a?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [Alsaa'a alwahida]
• Half past (10)النصف بعد (عشرة)
  [Alnusuf ba'd ('ashara)]
• Morningالصباح
  [Alsubah]
• Afternoonالمساء
  [Almasa']
• Eveningالمساء
  [Almasa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [Ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [Alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [Ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [Wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [Ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [Thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [Arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [Khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [Sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [Sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [Thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [Tasia]
• 10عشرة
  ['Ashara]

• Where's a/the...?أين ...؟
  [Ayna ...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [Ma hu al'anaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [Hal yumkinuk 'an tureeni (ala alkhareeta)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [Mata yati alhafilat altaliya?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [Tazkirat (ila ...)]

Mecca is considered the holiest city in Islam as it is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad in 570 CE. Muhammad's early life and the subsequent revelations he received from Allah, which are recorded in the Quran, all began in this sacred city. The city plays a central role in Islamic history and spirituality.

The Kaaba, located at the center of the Masjid al-Haram mosque, is the most sacred site in Islam. According to Islamic tradition, it was originally built by Abraham and his son Ishmael. The structure has been rebuilt several times throughout history, most notably during the lifetime of Muhammad in the early 7th century.

In 622 CE, due to increasing persecution in Mecca, Muhammad and his followers migrated to Medina, an event known as the Hijra. This migration marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar. The significance of this event is profound, as it transformed the small group of believers into a structured community and laid the foundations for the Islamic state.

In 630 CE, after a series of conflicts and negotiations, Muhammad and his followers returned to Mecca. The city was peacefully conquered, and the idols in the Kaaba were destroyed, solidifying Mecca's status as the spiritual center of Islam. This event is considered a turning point in Islamic history.

From the early 16th century until the early 20th century, Mecca was part of the Ottoman Empire. During this period, the city saw significant developments, including the expansion and renovation of the Masjid al-Haram. The Ottomans played a crucial role in maintaining the city's status as a pilgrimage destination.

In the early 20th century, following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Mecca came under the control of the newly established Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Since then, the city has undergone extensive modernization to accommodate the millions of pilgrims who visit each year for the Hajj and Umrah. Infrastructure improvements, including expanded transportation and lodging facilities, have transformed Mecca into a bustling, modern city while preserving its historical and spiritual heritage.

Mecca is located in the Makkah Province of Saudi Arabia. The nearest international airport is King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, approximately 100 kilometers away. From Jeddah, you can take a taxi, bus, or private car to Mecca. The Haramain High-Speed Railway also connects Jeddah to Mecca, offering a fast and convenient option for travelers.

Mecca has a well-developed transportation network. Public buses operated by the Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) are available for local travel. Taxis are plentiful and can be hailed on the street or booked via ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem. For pilgrims, special shuttle buses are available to transport them between key religious sites. Walking is also a common mode of travel within the central area, particularly during the Hajj pilgrimage.

The official currency in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and in case you visit local markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, but make sure to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your card.

Mecca is generally a safe city for tourists, especially given its religious significance. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to remain vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The city has well-equipped hospitals and clinics, including the King Abdullah Medical City. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available. Always carry a copy of your identification and emergency contact information.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. Men should avoid wearing shorts, and women should wear an abaya in public. Religion: Do respect the religious customs and practices. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the Holy Mosque. Public Transport: Do be respectful and avoid loud conversations. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with 'As-Salamu Alaikum' (Peace be upon you). A handshake is common among men. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t eat, drink, or smoke in public during the holy month of Ramadan from dawn to sunset.

To experience Mecca like a local, visit the traditional markets (souks) such as Souk Al-Alawi to buy local goods and souvenirs. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share insights about their culture and religion. Try traditional Saudi cuisine at local eateries. For a unique experience, take a walk along the scenic pathways around the Holy Mosque during the early morning hours when it is less crowded.