Al-Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) Saudi Arabia: History, Amazing Facts, and Things to Do
Located in the holy city of Mecca, Al-Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) is the largest mosque in the world and one of the holiest sites in Islam. Millions of pilgrims from around the world make the annual pilgrimage to the mosque to perform the Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam. The mosque is also home to the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, which is believed to have been built by Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael.
History
The Al-Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) was first built in 638 AD by the Umayyad Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab. The mosque was originally built on the site of a small shrine that was believed to have been built by Prophet Abraham and Ishmael. Over the centuries, the mosque has been expanded and renovated several times, most recently in the 1980s.
Today, the Al-Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) covers an area of over 400,000 square meters and can accommodate up to 1.2 million worshippers. The mosque is surrounded by a large courtyard, which is used for prayer and other religious activities.
Amazing Facts
• The Al-Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) is the largest mosque in the world and can accommodate up to 1.2 million worshippers.
• The mosque is home to the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, which is believed to have been built by Prophet Abraham and Ishmael.
• The mosque is surrounded by a large courtyard, which is used for prayer and other religious activities.
• The mosque is decorated with intricate Islamic art and architecture, including marble columns, gold-plated doors, and intricate tilework.
• The mosque is lit up at night with more than 10,000 lights.
Things to Do
• Explore the mosque and its grounds. Take a guided tour to learn more about the history and architecture of the mosque.
• Pray in the mosque. It is recommended that visitors pray five times a day, as prescribed by Islam.
• Visit the Kaaba. This is the holiest site in Islam and the focal point of the mosque.
• Take a walk around the courtyard. This is a great way to get a feel for the atmosphere of the mosque.
• Visit the nearby markets. There are many markets and shops near the mosque where visitors can buy souvenirs and traditional items.
• Participate in the Hajj. The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and is one of the five pillars of Islam.