Hejaz is a historically and religiously significant region in western Saudi Arabia, widely considered the heartland of Islam due to its pivotal role in the religion's inception and its embrace of Islam's holiest cities.
Geographical and Demographic Overview
The Hejaz region is located in the western part of Saudi Arabia, bordering the Red Sea. It is distinguished by its desert landscapes, mountainous terrain, and significant coastal areas. The region holds a prominent demographic position within the Kingdom.
- Population: The Hejaz is the most populated region in Saudi Arabia, housing approximately 35% of the country's total population.
- Religious Demographics: While the majority of the population in Hejaz consists of Sunni Muslims, there is a notable Shia minority present, particularly in the major urban centers such as Medina, Mecca, and Jeddah.
Pivotal Role in Islamic History and Faith
Hejaz's significance in Islam stems from its deep roots in the religion's foundation and development. It is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and the site where the early Islamic community flourished.
Birthplace of Islam
The Hejaz region is universally recognized as the cradle of Islam. Key events in the early history of Islam occurred within its boundaries:
- Mecca: This city is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the location of the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam. Muslims worldwide turn towards the Kaaba during their daily prayers (Salat).
- Medina: Originally known as Yathrib, Medina became the destination for the Prophet Muhammad's migration (Hijra) from Mecca in 622 CE. It served as the capital of the first Islamic state and is the burial place of the Prophet Muhammad, making it the second holiest city in Islam.
Holy Cities of Hejaz
The region is home to Islam's two most revered cities, which are central to the faith:
| City | Significance in Islam |
|---|---|
| Mecca | The holiest city in Islam. It is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and contains the Kaaba, the House of God, which is the direction of prayer for Muslims globally. |
| Medina | The second holiest city in Islam. It is where Prophet Muhammad established the first Islamic state after his migration from Mecca and where his mosque and tomb are located. |
| Jeddah | While not a holy city itself, Jeddah serves as the primary port city and gateway for pilgrims arriving by sea or air to visit Mecca and Medina, playing a crucial logistical role. |
Role in Islamic Pilgrimages
The Hejaz is central to the performance of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, which are fundamental pillars of Islam.
- Hajj: The annual pilgrimage to Mecca, obligatory for all able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime, culminates in the Hejaz.
- Umrah: A minor pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed at any time of the year.
Millions of Muslims from around the world travel to the Hejaz annually to fulfill these religious obligations, highlighting the region's ongoing spiritual importance and its role as a global pilgrimage hub.
