Mecca

Mecca is the mother of all Islamic cities and the prime center of advent of Islam. Apart from its nobility and sanctity from the very beginning of creation and especially during the life time of the Prophet Ibrahim (a), it is the place where the first verses of the Holy Quran were revealed to the Prophet (s). It was the birthplace of the Prophet (s), Imam 'Ali (a), and Fatima (a).

Mecca stands at a height of 330 meters above the sea level while it is surrounded by several mountain ranges. The distance between Mecca and Jedda Port is about 80 kilometers whereas the temperature lies there between 18°C in winters and 47°C in summers.

Although this city has been known as a sacred place from thousands of years ago, but nothing is clear from its vast history except its beginning and end. According to the Holy Quran, Ibrahim (a) was the first who settled his family in this barren land. Later, groups of Amalek dominated this area. In 400 CE, due to the disruption in social and economic conditions of South Arabia, various groups of southern people migrated to other parts of the peninsula. A tribe known as Jurhum settled in Mecca and started to administer the city. Later, Khuza'a tribe dominated the area and by the beginning of sixth century, Qusayy b. Kilāb, the grand ancestor of the Prophet (s), brought the tribe of Quraysh] to Mecca who once inhabited the deserts and valleys outside it, took the administration of Mecca in hand and established Dar al-Nadwa there.

Dar al-Nadwa was the first and the only council all over the Arabian Peninsula. Later, it turned to form the house for Caliphs and Emirs. Gradually with time, the building was turned into ruins and finally became a part of the mosque and now there are no traces left of it.

References

• Makkah and Madinah: The Cities of Bounties & Blessings, Hajj and Ziarah Research Center