like mecca, the city of medina only permits muslims to enter. the "haram" (area closed to non-muslims) of medina is much smaller than that of mecca, though. many facilities on the outskirts of medina are open to non-muslims. in mecca the area closed to non-muslims extends well beyond the limits of the built-up area. both cities' numerous mosques are the destination for large numbers of muslims on their annual pilgrimage. hundreds of thousands of muslims come to medina each year to visit the 'tomb of prophet' and to worship at mosques in a unified celebration. muslims believe that praying once in the mosque of the prophet is equal to praying at least 1000 times in any other mosque.