Question
State the importance of Mecca.
Solution
Mecca was located on the crossroads of a trade route between Yemen and Syria which further enhanced the city’s importance. The Meccan shrine was a sanctuary (haram) where violence was forbidden and protection was given to all visitors.
Pilgrimage and commerce gave the nomadic and settled tribes opportunities to communicate with one another and share their beliefs and customs.
Although the polytheistic Arabs were vaguely familiar with the notion of Supreme God, Allah (possibly under the influence of the jewish and Christian tribes living in their midst), their attachment to idol and shrines was more immediate and stronger.
Tips: -
(M.Imp.)
