Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
The Grand Mosque of Mecca, better known as al-Haram Mosque, is the pinnacle of Islamic sanctuaries, drawing in massive influxes of pilgrims annually. Notably, within its precincts is the Kaaba, a revered monument which serves as the Qibla, dictating the orientation for Muslim prayer globally.
Uniquely situated in the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca, where the Prophet Mohammed was born, the Al-Haram mosque holds not only the status of Islam's holiest site but is also recognized as the most expansive mosque globally. It is an essential focal point of prayer for Muslims worldwide. Together with the renowned Prophet's Mosque located in Medina and the significant al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, these three form the core of Islamic sacred sites.
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PICTURES: Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca
The Revered Kaaba and Its Black Stone
Nestled within the expansive confines of the al-Haram Mosque lies the Kaaba, a sanctified entity garnering devotion from every corner of the Islamic world. All the mihrabs, the intricate prayer niches meticulously crafted in mosques worldwide, strive to align themselves towards this enigmatic black granite cube, proving the direction for every Muslim prayer.
The initial Kaaba, as per certain narrations, was supposedly constructed by Adam, humanity's progenitor, intending to manifest God's terrestrial abode. The contemporary Kaaba, as stipulated by the Koran, owes its existence to the combined efforts of Abraham and his son Ismail, who incorporated the enigmatic Black Stone during its construction.
The Black Stone, a quintessential vestige from the era of Prophet Mohammed, remains intact in the Kaaba, symbolizing an indispensable aspect of Islam. While some perceive the Black Stone as a mere rock, others transition beyond its physicality, viewing it as a divine entity capable of imparting cures and absolutions from sins.
The Kaaba received its black cloak at the end of the 7th century from the Abbasids. The "kiswa" consists of a curtain on each side and is renewed every year. The golden lettering is part of the Muslim creed: "There is no God but Allah and Mohammed is his prophet."
The interior of the Kaaba is covered with marble and decorated with gold and silver. Walking around and praying at the Kaaba is one of the highest religious acts a Muslim can perform. According to Muhammad, one prayer in the al-Haram Mosque is worth hundreds of thousands of prayers elsewhere (except in the Al-Aqsa and Prophet's Mosques).
Fountain Zamzam
Next to the Kaaba is the Zamzam well in the courtyard of the Masjia al-Haram. According to Islamic tradition, Allah caused this spring to spring up in order to save the Egyptian slave Hagar and her son Ismail, the first son of Abraham and prophet and messenger of God, from dying of thirst in the desert.
In search of water, Hagar had previously walked back and forth between the two mountains Al-Safa and Al-Marwa seven times - a path that has become a pilgrimage custom today. The source of the well Zamzam is also said to have been the reason for the creation of Mecca. According to tradition, the grandfather of the Prophet Mohammed rediscovered the spring after it had fallen into oblivion.
The water of the Zamzam is said to have its origin directly in paradise and thus to have healing properties. Drinking the water is a ritual that is part of the pilgrimage. Each pilgrim takes 10-20 litres of Zamzam water home with them from their pilgrimage. Commercial trade with the holy water is forbidden and taking genuine Zamzam water abroad is only possible in sealed canisters under strict controls.
Hajj - the pilgrimage to Mecca
The tenets of Islam cite the Hajj, a religious pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, as a duty required of every Muslim who is of age, physically fit, and of sufficient means. At least once in their lifetime, this journey is embarked upon, aligning with the teachings of the fifth pillar of Islam.
This revered pilgrimage is only achievable during specific periods - Dhu l-hijjah. This period is recognised as the final and twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, typically observed in September or October and is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon over Mecca. The pilgrimage's popularity continues to grow annually, with over two million devout Muslims now congregating in Mecca.
Despite the sprawling prayer space of 356,800 square meters in Al-Haram Mosque, its capacity is capped at 820,000. This limit struggles to cater to the teeming masses of worshippers during the Hajj. Managing the logistics of providing food and accommodation for such a large number of pilgrims presents a continual challenge for the event's organizers, necessitating inventive and effective solutions with each passing year.
Delving into the al-Haram Mosque's Past
The al-Haram Mosque's roots trace back to pre-Islamic times, with the Kaaba, the Zamzam Fountain, and the Maqām Ibrahim, a rock imprinted with what is believed to be Abraham's footprint, forming the heart of the site. Prophet Mohammed laid the foundation for the first mosque around 630 AD. Yet, as the congregation grew, the initial structure could no longer accommodate the faithful, leading to progressive expansions. The series of enlargements took place under the watchful eyes of various ruling authorities - beginning with the Umayyads, followed by the Abbasids, Mamluks, Ottomans and, most recently, the Saudis.
The renowned Al-Haram Mosque, located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, largely owes its current form to a significant renovation in 1571. This vast project was commissioned by the Ottoman Sultan Selim II and was led by the esteemed architect, Sinan. This talented artist was not just known for this masterpiece; he was also the artistic mind behind the construction of the Selimiye Mosque, situated in the Turkish city, Edirne, which was also built for the sultan.
In the late 20th century, a substantial extension was made to the Al-Haram Mosque, made possible through funds provided by King Fahd. This upgrade was not only for aesthetics and capacity; it also integrated modern technological advancements into the holy site, most notably, the installation of air conditioning, greatly enhancing the comfort for worshippers.
Augmentation of the Al-Haram Mosque: A Monumental Undertaking
The expansion of the revered Al-Haram Mosque in the sacred city of Mecca was deemed necessary due to the increasing congregation of pilgrims in recent years. Created and initiated in 2007, this ambitious project intends to enlarge the mosque to cover a generous radius of 660 meters around the Kaaba. With the inclusion of two additional minarets, the mosque is set to accommodate a staggering 2.5 million devotees after it's completion. Remarkably, this massive endeavour carries an approximate budget of 80 billion Saudi rials, translating to around 20 billion euros!
However, the proposed extension of the Al-Haram Mosque hasn't been free from controversies. It involved the crucial matter of bringing down several historically significant edifices. More alarming was the tragic incident of 11th September 2015 when a storm-induced crane collapse led to the death of over a hundred individuals and caused injuries to upwards of 200.
Finding Your Lodging and Stay in Saudi Arabia
Looking to stay in the heart of Saudi Arabia? Check out these popular lodging options available in Riyadh.
Indulge in the coastal views and bustling city life with hotels in Jeddah.
Join thousands of pilgrims with a stay at Mecca.
Find your best option for hotel in various parts of Saudi Arabia on https://www.hotels-saudi-arabia.com/en/
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Experience vibrant city life and serene beaches in Khobar.
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Enjoy the modern metropolitan vibe in accommodation options in Dammam.
Immerse yourself in cultural richness with a stay in Buraida.
Treat yourself to a tranquil seaside retreat in Yanbu.
Discover the natural beauty of the Asir Province with a stay in Abha.
Experience the future in the city designed for it at King Abdullah Economic City.
For your unforgettable stay in Mecca, Swissôtel Makkah is perfect optio we would like to recommend! It's an oasis of comfort and spirituality that beckons travelers from around the world. Nestled within the heart of the holy city, this remarkable establishment offers an unparalleled experience for those embarking on a pilgrimage or seeking a peaceful retreat. The hotel's well-appointed rooms and suites are designed with both luxury and functionality in mind, providing a haven of tranquility amidst the bustling surroundings. What truly sets Swissôtel Makkah apart is its unparalleled proximity to the Masjid al-Haram, making it an ideal choice for pilgrims who wish to be a stone's throw away from the Holy Kaaba and the prayer areas. The hotel's impeccable service, world-class amenities, and breathtaking views of the sacred site make it a top recommendation for those seeking a spiritually enriching and comfortable stay in Mecca. Whether for spiritual purposes or a desire to explore the rich history of the city, Swissotel Makkah Mecca ensures an unforgettable and deeply meaningful visit.
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