Final answer:
The holiest place in Islam is the Kaaba located in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the focus of the annual pilgrimage, the hajj, which is a core religious duty for Muslims as one of the five pillars of Islam. The Kaaba is also historically significant as the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and is associated with Prophet Abraham.
Step-by-step explanation:
The holiest place in Islam is the city of Mecca, specifically the Kaaba, which is located within the Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Kaaba, meaning 'cube' in Arabic, is a square building elegantly draped in silk and cotton, and is considered the holiest shrine in Islam. The significance of Mecca and the Kaaba is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and history, as it is not only the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad but is also associated with the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) who is known in Islamic tradition for reconstructing the Kaaba along with his son Ishmael. Mecca is the destination for the hajj, which is the annual pilgrimage that all Muslims aspire to undertake at least once in their lifetime, provided they are physically and financially able. This pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and represents an act of worship and devotion.
Pilgrimage to the Kaaba includes performing the Tawaf, which involves circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction, and taking part in other rituals that commemorate significant events in the lives of the Prophet Muhammad and Abraham. Beyond its religious rituals, the hajj is also a time for Muslims from all over the world to come together, fostering a sense of global unity and brotherhood.