Deep within Mecca stands Masjid al-Haram. It is not just any mosque. It is the most significant mosque in Islam.
Masjid al-Haram has a rich history. Its story is intertwined with the story of Islam itself. This sacred space encloses the Kaaba. It is a focal point for Muslims worldwide.
The story of Masjid al-Haram goes back to ancient times. Islamic tradition says that Abraham and his son Ismael built the Kaaba. It is said that Allah showed Abraham the exact site. This site was near the Well of Zamzam. An angel brought Abraham the Black Stone. This stone is believed to be the only remnant of the original structure.
In 630 CE, Muhammad returned to Mecca. He broke the idols in and around the Kaaba. This act ended polytheistic use of the Kaaba. It began monotheistic rule over the sanctuary.
Over the centuries, Masjid al-Haram underwent many renovations. The first major renovation was in 692. Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan ordered it. Before this, the mosque was a small open area with the Kaaba at the center.
In 1570, Sultan Selim II commissioned Mimar Sinan to renovate the mosque. Sinan replaced the flat roof with domes. These domes are decorated with calligraphy. He also added new support columns. These are the oldest architectural features of the present mosque.
In 1629, heavy rains and flash floods damaged the Kaaba and the mosque. Sultan Murad IV renovated the mosque. A new stone arcade was added. Three more minarets were built. The marble flooring was retiled.
Under the Saudi kings, Masjid al-Haram saw major expansions. The first was between 1955 and 1973. Four more minarets were added. The ceiling was refurnished. The floor was replaced with artificial stone and marble.
In 1979, extremist insurgents seized the Great Mosque. They called for the overthrow of the Saudi dynasty. The events shocked the Islamic world. Violence is strictly forbidden within the mosque.
King Fahd added a new wing and an outdoor prayer area to the mosque. More minarets were built. A King’s residence overlooking the mosque was erected. In 2008, King Abdullah announced another expansion. This expansion covered 300,000 square meters.
In 2011, the government announced further expansion details. It would cover 400,000 square meters. It would accommodate 1.2 million worshippers. The circumambulation areas around the Kaaba would be expanded. All closed spaces would receive air conditioning.
In 2015, a crane collapsed onto the mosque. Construction work was suspended. It restarted two years later.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the mosque closed at night. The Umrah pilgrimage was suspended. The resumption of Umrah service began in October 2020.
Masjid al-Haram is more than a building. It is the heart of Islam. It has evolved over centuries. It reflects the devotion of millions.