Masjid-al-Haram, also known as the holiest mosque, is built to enclose the Kaaba in Makkah. It is the largest mosque in the world, accommodating up to 4 million worshippers.
It is the most sacred site in Islam. Ka’bah, also known as the ‘House of Allah,’ is a Qibla (direction) for Muslims to face while performing Salah.
Muslims worldwide visit Haram to perform Hajj, one of the pillars of Islam. As well as perform Umrah, a secondary pilgrimage that Muslims can do any time of the year.
Recommended: How To Visit The Kiswa Factory
When was Masjid Al-Haram Built?
Prophet Ibrahim(عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his son Prophet Ismail(عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) first built the holy Ka’bah. However, Caliph Omer-bin-al-Khattab(رضي الله عنه) oversaw the construction of Al-haram in the 7th century.
Since then, Masjid al-haram has undergone several modernizations and expansions to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims.
The holy Kaaba without Al-Haram’s outer wall and minarets. Many of these historical buildings have had to be demolished to make way for the mosque’s expansion.
Recommended: A Guide to the Mountains Surrounding Makkah
Starting in 1955, the Saudi Kings initiated major renovations of Masjid-al-haram. Minarets were added, with furnished ceilings and marble floors.
As-Safa and Al-Marwah are now included in the mosque. The Masjid also houses the Zam-Zam well, station of Ibrahim(عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and Hajer e Aswad.
Masjid-al-haram now has a total of 210 gates. The current structure, which stands today, was renovated by King Salman, who expanded the North section and added air conditioning to the enclosed zone.
Masjid-Al-haram-Madinah
Masjid Al Haram, also known as the Prophet’s(صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) Mosque, is one of Islam’s most important religious sites. It is located in Medina, Saudi Arabia, the second holiest site in Islam after Masjid Al Haram in Makkah.
The original mosque was built by the Prophet Muhammad (صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) in the 7th century. Over the centuries, the mosque has been expanded and renovated several times.
One of the most significant features of Masjid Al Haram is the Green Dome, which covers the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad(صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ). It is an iconic symbol of the mosque.
The mosque has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years, and its current structure covers an area of approximately 400,000 square meters.
During the Hajj season, it can accommodate up to 1.5 million worshippers.
How long does it take to travel from Madinah to Makkah?
For centuries, the pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah has been a central component of the Islamic faith. One of the essential parts of this journey is the travel from Madinah to Makkah, approximately 400 kilometers.
However, the experience of this journey has changed significantly. Over time, with modern transportation options reduced travel time from mere hours.
In the past, travel from Madinah to Makkah was challenging and arduous. Pilgrims would travel by foot, camel, or donkey, often taking several weeks to complete the trip.
Al Harmain Train
The Al Haramain High-Speed Train, which began operations in 2018, has reduced travel time between the two holy cities to just over two hours.
The Al Haramain Train is also a testament to the Saudi government’s commitment to providing modern and efficient infrastructure for pilgrims.
3 Responses
Great article. I’ve learned a lot even as a Muslim! Looking forward to more articles like this.
What a wonderful and informative piece. As a convert, I learned so much and reading about the Masjids in the holy cities makes me more eager to go! I look forward to more articles by this writer.
Very informative article jzk!
Comments are closed.