What was mecca known for before the birth of Muhammad?

Answer 1

Mecca is famous for having the Kaaba, and its mosque (Al Masdjid Al Haram). This is were Hajj and Omra take place. It is the sacred city were the Prophet Mohammed was born and grew up in. The Kaaba is what contains "Al Hajar Al Aswad" which mean "the black stone" which plays a very important part in the historical paragraphs of the Quraan.

Answer 2

Assalamu Alaikum (May peace be on you),

It should be understood that Makkah was the first place chosen to build the first mosque by Adam(pbuh). This mosque was again rebuilt by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ishaq (pbut) . And for the first time the holy pilgrimage-Hajj began and Islamic monotheism prevailed. After the death of the two prophets the people lost faith and began worshipping idols. They yet maintained the rituals of hajj though in a manipulated form. Before the birth of Prophet Muhammad the tribals provided the pilgrims with water and Makkah was a huge business destination with 360 idols in the Kabah .(ironically there were idols of Ibrahim and his son too.)

Hope this answers your question.

Asslamu Alaikum (peace be on you)

Thanks for the answer that is almost comprehensive. There is a misquoting in the answer. The Kabba was rebuilt by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and his elder son Hazrat Ismaiel (AS). Hazrat Ismaiel (AS) was born to him from his wife Hazrrat Hajira (AS) and Hazrat Iszak (AS) was born when Hazrat Ibrahim and his first wife Hazrat Sara (AS) had grown very old.