Mecca – home to the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, also called the House of God (Allah) – is situated in a tight valley in the Hijaz district (supposed as a result of the geology of its “Hijaz,” or “spine,” the Sarat Mountains, which comprises of volcanic pinnacles and profound discouragements) of Saudi Arabia, around 40 miles inland from the Red Sea coast. Non-Muslim visitors are banned in the Quran: “Oh you who believe! Truly the idolaters are unclean; so let them not, after this year, approach the Sacred Mosque. …” (9:28). This verse specifically refers to the Grand Mosque in Mecca. There is some discussion about the accurate zone and.
