The Importance of Mecca - Essay Example

 In addition to the pilgrimage that has thus far been described, many Islamic rituals are associated with Mecca. First among these is circling the Ka’ba seven times and kissing its cornerstone. Further, there is a ritual stoning of the devil that takes place during the pilgrimage as well. Finally, almost every Muslim that goes to Mecca drinks from Zamzam's well, which is believed to have mystical properties. Finally, most pilgrims travel to Arafat, a small hill on which Muhammad is believed to have delivered his final sermon to his followers.

Instead of representing rituals only, Mecca is meant to be where Muslims draw upon their traditions and come to a more significant and profound determination of what sets them apart as a unique religious entity. In much the same way that Christians might travel to the Holy Land or Rome, Muslims consider their pilgrimage to Mecca as a defining element of their faith (Amur 11). Yet, beyond merely religious significance, Mecca is a place where Muslim families represent solidarity. There are cases in which single individuals attend Mecca and the Hajj; however, the broad and overarching theme is for entire families to go together. Although children are welcomed, it is traditionally observed that boys and girls attending their first Hajj should be at least in their early teens, not only so that they will remember it but so that it may have a lasting level of religious symbolism and importance to them.

Further, the city's orientation is very much fixated on the issues that have already been discussed. The entire town is positioned around tourism and the need to accommodate millions of individuals from around the globe and represent different cultural or linguistic differences. Partially, the Hajj and the supporting infrastructure is subsidized; so that individuals from poorer regions can attend without the added strain of being gouged by unreasonably high prices. Nonetheless, tourism defines the city with strict separation zones between Mecca's more religious aspects and sectors and those more for entertainment and/or recreation.