Mecca

Mecca, also spelled Makkah, is the holiest city in Islam and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. Located in the Hejaz region of present-day Saudi Arabia, Mecca holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. It is home to the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam, situated within the Masjid al-Haram (The Great Mosque of Mecca). The Kaaba serves as the qibla, the direction toward which Muslims face during daily prayers.

Mecca is the focal point of the Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage that is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so is required to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah and involves a series of rituals, including Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah), and the Stoning of the Devil at Mina. Hajj represents unity, humility, and devotion to Allah and draws millions of Muslims from around the world.

Mecca also holds historical and cultural significance beyond religious devotion. It was a major trading hub in ancient times, playing a crucial role in pre-Islamic Arabian society. Today, the city is accessible only to Muslims, as non-Muslims are prohibited from entering the city limits. Mecca has seen significant modernization and infrastructure development over the years, with expanded facilities to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.

Due to its religious importance, Mecca often becomes a subject of misinformation, particularly during Hajj. In July 2019, BOOM fact-checked a viral video claiming to show an Iranian Muslim throwing milk at the Kaaba and declaring it to be a Shiva Linga as part of a communal spin.

BOOM found that the video was an old clip of a man attempting self-immolation at Mecca, with no connection to the claims about the Kaaba or its history, debunking the false narrative.