I went to an American school but part of our cirriculum was to learn about Islam, the ways of life and traditions. MOhammad was the one that Allah came to in that cave and asked him to spread the word of Allah. There are other Prophets mentioned in the Quran such as Abraham. Most everybody has heard about Mecca. Mecca is located in Saudi Arabia and is where the Kaaba is located.
Spring tends to be the most popular time of year for the pilgramage.
It is a widely known fact that Saudi Arabia is a very strict law about the roles that women play. HOwever, not all Middle Eastern countries are like that. The best way to describe the different levels of Islam is about the same for Judaism. YOu have the traditional and the orthodox. Though they are not actually labled this there are definate distinction.