Ka’bah Mosque
Located in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Masjid Al-Haram is one of the oldest and biggest mosques ever built in the world history. It is also known as the Grand Mosque and the Great Mosque also called Holy Mosque and Haram Mosque. Every year, thousands of Muslims gather in Masjid Al-Haram to pray (Salah) and perform Tawaf during Hajj and Umrah.
The world’s greatest mosque is never empty, and every sight of it is spellbinding. During the day, sunlight glimmers on the white marble floors of the Haram Mosque, and it is flooded by illuminating minarets and aesthetic lights during the night.
The History Of Haram Mosque
According to Islamic traditions, Masjid Al-Haram was first constructed by angels; this is even before the creation of mankind. The purpose of Masjid Al-Haram was to reflect Al-Baytul Ma’mur (the House of Heaven). However, as time passed, the structure of Masjid Al-Haram was damaged by floods and storms. Allah SWT then commanded Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who, along with his son Prophet Ismail (AS), for building the Holy Kaaba.
Masjid Al-Haram was first constructed during the history of reign of Caliph Omar Ibn al-Khattab (634-644). Since then, Masjid Al-Haram has gone through several renovations and expansions. The current structure of Masjid Al-Haram dates back to 1571 AD, the rule of Ottoman Sultan Selim II. Followed by King Fahad, in the early 1950s, King Abdul Aziz Saud planned the expansion of Masjid Al-Haram in order to increase its capacity. Today, the structure that we see was renovated by King Salman, who expanded the Northern section and added air conditioners to enclosed areas.
Thee structure of Masjid Al-Haram covers an area of 400,800 sq. metres which can accommodate approximately 4 million Muslim worshipers during Hajj or Umrah.
Facts about Masjid-Al-Haram
Masjid Al-Haram covers an area of approximately 400,800 sq. metres, including the indoor and outdoor praying spaces. Masjid Al-Haram comprises nine minarets, each of these minarets is 89 metres and over (292 feet) above the ground. There are 210 gates of Masjid Al-Haram, allowing the entrance of pilgrims from all sides of it.
Masjid Al-Haram is home to many monuments and places that hold great significance in Islam. These include the well of Zamzam, the Holy Kaaba (House of Allah SWT), Hajr e Aswad (Black Stone), the hills of Safa and Marwa, the Station of Ibrahim, Hijre Ismail (Hateem), and Multazam. Every year millions of Muslim pilgrims visit Masjid Al-Haram to perform Umrah and fulfil the obligation of the 5th pillar of Islam- Hajj.
Masjid Al-Haram surrounds the Holy Kaaba, the direction of the Qibla for Muslims worldwide. The significance of Masjid Al-Haram can be understood by the fact that it is mentioned 15 times in the Holy Quran of Muslims.
Holy Kaaba
Holy Kaaba, is the focal point of pilgrimage (Umrah and Hajj) and of Muslim prayers (Salah). It is located in the centre of Masjid Al-Haram. The Holy Kaaba is a cuboid-shaped structure.Holy Quran contains several verses related to the Holy Kaaba, regarding it as the first house of worship that was constructed by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS).
Hajar e Aswad
Hajar e Aswad is situated on the eastern corner of the Holy Kaaba and within the boundaries of Masjid Al-Haram, Hajar e Aswad is a sacred stone. thats whyit is known as the Black Stone, Hajr e Aswad has a special place all over the Islamic history. It is believed to be a stone from heaven that came to earth with Prophet Adam (AS) and his wife, Hawa. Hajr e Aswad has a significant role in the rituals of Hajj and Umrah as following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), pilgrims perform the act of touching or kissing the Black Stone.
Station Of Hazrat Ibrahim AS
The Station of Ibrahim is commonly called “Maqam Ibrahim.” It is basically a rock placed in a crystal dome infront of Holy Kaaba, inside the premises of Masjid Al-Haram. The rock is believed to have the footprints of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) as he stood on it to construct the heightened walls of the Holy Kaaba. Allah SWT in the Holy Quran states:
“And take the Station of Ibrahim as a place of salah (prayer).” in surah al baqrah ayat number 125
Safa and Marwa
Safa Marwa is located inside Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Safa and Marwa are the two small hills of Saae. These are said to be the hills on which the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Hajar (AS), ran while searching for water for her thirsty son, Prophet Ismail (AS). To commemorate the struggle of Hajar (AS), pilgrims perform the ritual of Sae, running between mounts Safa and Marwa seven times.
Summary of Masjid Al-Haram
Masjid Al-Haram Known as the world’s largest and holiest mosque, Masjid Al-Haram is an integral part of Islamic history. Situated in Makkah, Saudi Arabia ever since Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) started spreading Islam, Masjid Al-Haram which is home to the Holy Kaaba, has been a deeply revered site. Even today, every year, Masjid Al-Haram is where Muslims from all around the world gather here to perform the congregation prayers (Salah) as well as Umrah and Hajj.