The Holy Masjid/Mosque in Makkah/Mecca: [ The Mother of Villages, The Sanctuary, The Hope of Millions, the Destiny of Diversity...] Makkah has held the pinnacle position in Islam as the birth place of Islam and the city of the Kabah. it is also the destination of the pilgrimage as well as the location of the most holy Muslim mosque. Join us in exploring this incredible merging point of culture and differences. The haram, or holy area of Makkah, is a sanctuary in which violence is not permitted. The word haram carries the dual meaning of forbidden and sacred. As a symbol of ritual purification and is the main Muslim shrine. http://saudicities.com/makkah.htm Credits--Pictures are taken from: http://islamicity.com/Culture/MOSQUES/default.htm http://info.uah.edu/msa/mosques.html http://saudicities.com/mmosque.htm http://www.sacredsites.com/2nd56/279.html http://www.al-ateeg.com/gift/index.htm http://moonsighting.com/qibla.html http://www.astrolabepictures.com/astrolabe/-mawp1.html http://www.anwary-islam.com/kabba-step.htm