If you are looking for Hajj Umrah packages, you are among those thousands of religious Muslims who love to go on pilgrimages and immerse themselves in the bliss of Makkah. Anyone who can financially and physically afford to for Hajj or Umrah trip should undertake the journey for spiritual reasons. A true pilgrim travels to Makkah not to ask for materialistic gains but for Allah and Allah alone.

Circumambulation of the Ka’aba is an important rite for Hajj and Umrah. And do you know the actual story of this revered structure? Let’s go back a little into history to appreciate its beauty.

Makkah is an old town in the province of Hejaz that lies in western region of Arabian Peninsula. It is now a part modern Saudi Arabia. Ka’aba located in the centre of this town is a small cubical building made of stones. It is about 60 feet long, 60 feet wide and 60 feet high. Throughout history of Makkah, travellers from around the world have come to visit this building. In Islam, it is Baitullah, or the House of Allah. Legends tell that it was ordained by Allah to be built in the shape of the House in Heaven, called Baitul Ma’amoor. Allah who has boundless mercy for His worshippers, ordained a similar place on earth and some believe that Prophet Adam had first built this structure.

There is another story that describes construction of Ka’aba when Allah ordered Prophet Ibrahim to erect a shrine for worship. At that time Ibrahim was ordered to go to the Southern desert with his wife Hagera and infant son Ismail. Holy Quran has brought this story into the real light of history. According to Sura 3:90 of Qur’an:

“Allah has spoken the Truth, therefore follow the creed of Ibrahim, a man of pure faith and no idolater”.

Therefore it was actually Prophet Ibrahim who was the real founder of Ka’aba. When he built this holy shrine in Makkah, he prayed for the place to always remain a centre of worship for all good and pious men and women. He prayed to Allah that the Ka’aba be always kept safe and holy.

Ismail, the son of Prophet Ibrahim also helped his father to build the Ka’aba and his family remained the custodians of this beautiful shrine. For hundreds of years, the Ka’bah was in care of Ismail’s descendents and from them the name of Abde Manaf became very popular. When he inherited this service, it became even more prominent. His son Hashim took over the leadership and took the prominence forward to many other towns. And then pilgrims started to visit the place. They were also treated to feast offered by Hashim and his family.

Islam is a monotheistic religion. Prophet Ibrahim had built this House of Allah for worship to one God. But even within his lifetime, people had defied his orders and started putting idols in Ka’aba. Prophet Ibrahim (and later his successors) had to remove these idols. The Prophet had even explained it to people that Ka’aba is a symbolic house of God and He does not physically reside there as He is omnipotent.

During the early years of Prophet Muhammad (May Peace be upon him) the Ka’aba got damaged by floods but was rebuilt soon.

Today, this beautiful symbol of faith is surrounded by Al Masjid Al Haram. Its walls are covered with a black silk curtain called Kiswa that is also embroidered with verses from Holy Quran.

Opposite the north west wall but not attached to it, is a semicircular wall of white marble. It is 3 feet high and around 5 feet broad. This semicircular space has a particular reverence and pilgrims wait in row to find a place to worship there.

If you wish to visit Makkah for your pilgrimage this year, let A Way to Makkah offer you the best Hajj Umrah packages. You can choose an itinerary that suits you the best and enjoy the hospitality of our staff in Makkah who will also guide you in your journey.

If you wish to visit Makkah for your pilgrimage this year, let A Way to Makkah offer you the best Hajj Umrah packages. You can choose an itinerary that suits you the best and enjoy the hospitality of our staff in Makkah who will also guide you in your journey.

Author Bio: If you wish to visit Makkah for your pilgrimage this year, let A Way to Makkah offer you the best Hajj Umrah packages. You can choose an itinerary that suits you the best and enjoy the hospitality of our staff in Makkah who will also guide you in your journey.

Category: Travel
Keywords: Hajj Umrah packages, Hajj Umrah packages 2015