11 Facts about Makkah you didn’t know

Makkah, the most sacred place on earth and the most beloved city to Muslims around the globe. Undoubtedly we know a lot of information about Makkah’s history, heritage, and location but amazingly enough, there are some facts about Makkah that are known by a few people. Let’s get to know these facts together.

Makkah is the oldest inhabited city in the world

As Zamzam well is believed to be around 4,000 years old.

The Black stone has not always been in Al-Haram Al-Sharif

In 930 AD, it was stolen by the Qarmatians, who took it with them to Eastern Arabia.

Makkah has some areas that don’t fall within Al-Haram boundaries

There are many neighborhoods of the city, like Sharaya, which falls outside the Haram boundary.

The city was never the capital of any Islamic empire.

However, Muslim rulers did regularly contribute to its upkeep.

In popular English usage, “Mecca” refers to any place that draws large numbers of people.

The city centers on the Masjid Al-Haram area, which is lower than most of the city.

This made it prone to flash floods in the past.

While Madinah is known as the city of the Prophet, it is Makkah where he spent much of his life.

The Prophet spent around 50 years of his life in Makkah

British newspaper The Telegraph listed Al Masjid Al Haram as the most expensive building in the world.

Its total cost of construction was $100 billion.

Makkah has the world’s highest prayer room.

This small prayer room that lies 600 meters above sea level and considered the world’s highest prayer room is located in Makkah Clock Royal Tower Hotel. It can take up to six people.  

Al Kaaba used to have two doors.

One was for entering and another for existing. It also had a window. Whereas now the modern Kaaba, only has one door and no windows.

Al Kaaba used to be multi-colored

We are used to the black protective cover with its gold strings. But many years ago Al Kaaba had many colored coverings among which was red.

Makkah is not just about thrilling events from the past. It is a place where Muslims from all around the world meet and become one with no difference in race, skin, or wealth. May Allah bless the holy city.