How about we explore one of Makkah’s most significant treasures? I am talking about Masjid al-Haram. It is the most important mosque in the Muslim Ummah. This mosque surrounds the Kaaba. The Kaaba is the direction toward which all Muslims pray. Masjid al-Haram is central to both Hajj and Umrah. Almost 100000 people pray together during a single prayer.
The story of Masjid al-Haram dates back to the era of Prophet Ibrahim. Prophet Ibrahim rebuilt the Kaaba with his son Prophet Ismail. Over the centuries Masjid al-Haram has been expanded many times. These expansions accommodated millions of pilgrims during Hajj. The mosque is open 24 hours a day. This allows Muslims to perform prayers Tawaf and other acts of worship.
Masjid al-Haram’s history includes major renovations. One renovation took place in 692 on the orders of Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan. Before this renovation the mosque was a small open area. The Kaaba was at the center. By the end of the 8th century the mosque’s old wooden columns had been replaced. Marble columns were installed. Wings of the prayer hall were extended on both sides. A minaret was added on the orders of Al-Walid I. The spread of Islam required an almost complete rebuilding. This included adding more marble and three more minarets.
In 1570 Sultan Selim II commissioned Mimar Sinan to renovate the mosque. This renovation replaced the flat roof. Domes decorated with calligraphy were added. New support columns were placed. These are acknowledged as the earliest architectural features of the present mosque. These features are the oldest surviving parts of the building.
During heavy rains in 1621 and 1629 the walls of the Kaaba and the mosque suffered damage. In 1629 Sultan Murad IV renovated the mosque. A new stone arcade was added. Three more minarets were built bringing the total to seven. The marble flooring was retiled. This was the unaltered state of the mosque for nearly three centuries.
The first major renovation under the Saudi kings was done between 1955 and 1973. Four more minarets were added. The ceiling was refurnished. The floor was replaced with artificial stone and marble. The Masa gallery is included in the Mosque via roofing and enclosures. During this renovation many historical features built by the Ottomans were demolished.
On November 20 1979 the Great Mosque was seized by extremist insurgents. They called for the overthrow of the Saudi dynasty. They took hostages and in the ensuing siege hundreds were killed. This violence is strictly forbidden within the mosque.
King Fahd’s renovations added a new wing and an outdoor prayer area. The new wing is reached through the King Fahd Gate. This extension was performed between 1982 and 1988. 1987 to 2005 saw the building of more minarets. A King’s residence overlooking the mosque was erected. More prayer area was added in and around the mosque itself. These developments took place simultaneously with those in Arafat Mina and Muzdalifah. This extension added 18 more gates. Three domes corresponding in position to each gate were added. Nearly 500 marble columns were installed. Other modern developments added heated floors air conditioning escalators and a drainage system.
In 2008 the Saudi government announced an expansion of the mosque. The mosque covered an area of 356800 square meters including indoor and outdoor praying spaces. 40 billion riyals were allocated for the expansion project. In August 2011 the government announced further details of the expansion. It would cover an area of 400000 square meters. It could accommodate 1.2 million worshippers.
The Masjid al-Haram includes six dedicated prayer halls for people with disabilities. These halls have ramps to facilitate entry and exit with wheelchairs. There are dedicated paths and free electric and manual carts for their use.
Masjid al-Haram has current and former Imams. Abd ar-Rahman as-Sudais was appointed Imam and Khateeb in 1984. He is the Chief Imam. Salih bin Abdullah al Humaid was appointed Imam and Khateeb in 1982. Usama bin Abdullah Khayyat was appointed Imam and Khateeb in 1998.
The Great Mosque is the main setting for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the Pillars of Islam. It is required of all able-bodied Muslims who can afford the trip. In recent times over 5 million Muslims perform the Hajj every year. The Kaaba is the most sacred site in Islam. It is the focal point for Islamic rituals like prayer and pilgrimage. The Black Stone is the eastern cornerstone of the Kaaba. It plays a role in the pilgrimage. Maqam Ibrahim is a rock that has an imprint of Abraham’s foot. It is kept in a crystal dome next to the Kaaba.
The Masjid al-Haram stands as a testament to the rich history of Islam and its enduring legacy. It is a place of prayer pilgrimage and reflection. It is a beacon of faith for Muslims around the world.