Mecca (Muslim)

MECCA (MUSLIM) -  As the birthplace of Muhammad and the site of Muhammad's first revelation of the Quran (specifically, a cave 3 km (2 mi) from Mecca), Mecca is regarded as the holiest city in the religion of Islam and a pilgrimage to it known as the Hajj is obligatory for all able Muslims.  Mecca is home to the Kaaba, by majority description Islam's holiest site, as well as being the direction of Muslim prayer.  Mecca was long ruled by Muhammad's descendants.  It was conquered by Ibn Saud in 1925. Today, more than 15 million Muslims visit Mecca annually, including several million during the few days of the Hajj.  As a result, Mecca has become one of the most cosmopolitan and diverse cities in the Muslim world, despite the fact that non-Muslims are prohibited from entering the city.