Makkah (Mecca), referred to in the Qur’an as Umm Al-Qura, is the holiest city in Islam, the Mother of all Cities. It is located in the Hijaz region of western Saudi Arabia, around a natural well called Zamzam, whose water is believed to be divinely blessed. Makkah has been revered as the center of monotheism and a pilgrimage city since ancient times. Its sacredness in Islam derives from the fact that it contains the Kaaba, which, according to the teachings of Islam, is the first structure that was ever built for the worship of Allah alone. It is said to have been first established by Prophet Adam and rebuilt by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Isma’il (Ishmael), peace be upon them all.
The Kaaba is surrounded by the courtyard of the Sacred Mosque, which is the greatest and holiest of all mosques. The Kaaba is regarded as the holiest site in Islam and functions as a focal point for Muslim prayer and pilgrimage.
Muslims pray in Arabic because it is the language of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. The use of Arabic maintains the authenticity and accuracy of reciting Allah’s revelations as stated in the Qur'an, which are believed to be pure and unaltered since over 1,400 years ago. Recitation in Arabic helps Muslims to better connect with their faith by instilling a sense of unity among global worshippers. It acts as a cohesive element that binds different communities who may speak different languages but can still communicate with one another through prayers.
Additionally, Quranic verses carry deep spiritual meanings that cannot be fully expressed in translation without losing some essence or subtlety. Therefore, Muslims pray in Arabic not just for ritualistic reasons but also for the transcendent experience it offers through meditative prayer practices embedded within Islamic spiritual faith.