Anthropic AI giant’s market value jumps to $965 billion.

Mecca, located in western Saudi Arabia, is the holiest city in Islam and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. It has been a major religious pilgrimage site for centuries, with the Kaaba at the Great Mosque serving as the focal point for Muslim prayer and the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The city’s history dates back to pre-Islamic times as a trading hub, but its spiritual significance grew dramatically after the rise of Islam in the 7th century.

Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is a mandatory religious duty for all able-bodied Muslims who can afford it. Its origins trace back to the Prophet Abraham, who, according to Islamic tradition, was commanded by God to build the Kaaba and establish the pilgrimage. Today, it is the world’s largest gathering of people, drawing millions each year to perform rituals commemorating the trials of Abraham, Hagar, and the Prophet Muhammad.

Medina, located in western Saudi Arabia, is the second holiest city in Islam after Mecca, and its history is deeply tied to the Prophet Muhammad. Originally known as Yathrib, it was renamed “Medina” (meaning “the city” of the Prophet) after Muhammad migrated there in 622 CE, an event known as the Hijra, which marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. The city is home to the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi), which contains his tomb and remains a major pilgrimage site for Muslims.