Mecca

Mecca, which has a population of about 463,000, is the holiest city of the Islamic religion. The city is the birthplace of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam.

The Great Mosque, the center of worship for all Muslims, stands in the heart of Mecca. The outside of the mosque consists of an arcade, a series of arches supported by pillars. The arcade encloses a courtyard that is about 600 by 800 feet (180 by 240 meters). The Kaaba, a cube-shaped stone building, is in this area. The Kaaba contains the Black Stone, which Muslims believe was sent from heaven by Allah (God).

Excerpt adapted from the "Mecca" article, The World Book Encyclopedia © 1999