The Kaaba, located in the center of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is the most sacred site in Islam. Muslims around the world face towards the Kaaba during their prayers. It is the qibla, the direction Muslims face during prayer. Muslims who are physically and financially able are required to perform Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, at least once in their lifetime. During Hajj, pilgrims perform the Tawaf, circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. Umrah, a non-mandatory but recommended pilgrimage, can be performed at any time of the year.
>
