The Forbidden Mosque, or Masjid Al-Haram, stands as one of Islam’s oldest mosques, renowned as the Great Mosque of Makkah. While it welcomes Muslims globally for prayer and Hajj, non-Muslims are respectfully excluded. Surrounding the revered Black Stone of the Kaaba, it symbolizes unity for Muslims worldwide. In this blog, we delve into Masjid Al-Haram’s history and intriguing facets.
Masjid al-Haram, known as the Grand Mosque, holds the distinction of being the world’s largest mosque, spanning 88.2 acres (originally). Despite facing destruction from natural disasters, it has been rebuilt over time, with its pillars now safeguarding the revered Great Black Stone. This mosque stands as the ultimate holiest site in Islam, symbolizing the pinnacle of Muslim reverence on Earth.
The Grand Mosque of Mecca is a breathtaking sight.
The Forbidden Mosque, also known as Masjid al-Haram, exudes unparalleled beauty and spirituality. Stepping between its pillars, one can palpably sense the presence of Allah. It’s often said that this mosque never sleeps, as millions flock here seeking repentance, forgiveness, and divine worship.
At its heart stands the majestic Kaaba, the House of Allah, around which worshippers perform the sacred Tawaf ritual, an integral part of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Clad in special Ihram attire, adhering to Islam’s fifth pillar, Muslims traverse the holy site with reverence.
Under the radiant sun, the gleaming marble reflects the sanctity of the pilgrims, while at night, millions of lights illuminate the mosque, casting a breathtaking glow upon its towering minarets and gates.
The atmosphere within Masjid al-Haram is profound, overwhelming many with emotions of repentance and unity among fellow believers. It’s an experience that strengthens faith, as one witnesses the teachings of the Quran come to life amidst the grandeur of this sacred sanctuary.
The history of Masjid al-Haram.
The history of Masjid al-Haram stretches back to pre-human existence, as described in the Quran, suggesting its construction predates mankind’s creation, serving as a heavenly place of worship mirroring ‘The Worship Place for Angels’ or al-Baytu l-Ma’mur. According to the Gregorian calendar, construction commenced in the 7th century under Caliph Omar Ibn al-Khattab to accommodate increasing pilgrims, leading to subsequent expansions, including a major overhaul by Abbasid Caliph Al-Mahdi in 777, resulting in many existing structures dating back to 1571. Renovations and expansions continued over the centuries, with significant modernization from 1950 onwards, culminating in its status as the world’s largest mosque post-2018, capable of hosting 2.5 million worshippers on a 187-acre site.
Key structures within Masjid al-Haram.
- The holy Kaaba, a cuboid-shaped edifice at the mosque’s center, toward which all Muslims direct their prayers.
- The Black Stone, positioned on the eastern corner of the Kaaba, revered for its sacred significance.
- The Station of Ibrahim, a rock adjacent to the Kaaba, believed to bear the footprint of Ibrahim (SAW).
- Safa and Marwah, two hills within the mosque, recalling Hagar’s search for water for her son, commemorated in the ritual of Hajj.
- The ZamZam well, known for its miraculous spring of water, said to have originated when Hagar desperately sought water.
The history of the Kaaba is rich with significance and resilience. Originally built by Prophet Ibrahim (SAW) long before the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), it served as a center of idol worship until Islam prohibited such practices. Despite numerous floods and natural disasters that ravaged parts of the mosque, the Black Stone of the Kaaba remained untouched, symbolizing its divine protection.
Following Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) teachings, conflicts arose over the rejection of idol worship, eventually leading to his followers tracing his footsteps to Madinah. However, after enduring battles and strife, the Prophet (SAW) finally returned to his homeland of Mecca, where the call to prayer, or Azaan, resonated from the sacred precincts of the Kaaba.
Throughout various constructions and reconstructions of the mosque, the Kaaba stands as the only structure remaining in its original form, a testament to its sanctity and the divine decree that it serves as the focal point of worship for Muslims worldwide.
Here are some intriguing facts about Masjid Al-Haram:
- Despite its immense size, Masjid Al-Haram ranks as the eighth largest building globally.
- While it’s not the oldest mosque known, with that honor belonging to the Mosque of the Companions in Massawa, Eritrea, and Mosque Quba, it holds profound historical significance.
- In 1629, the mosque suffered extensive damage from heavy rains and floods, necessitating reconstruction by Sultan Murad IV.
- A significant event occurred in 930 AD when the black stone of the Kaaba was shattered during a raid by the Qarmatians.
- Spanning an impressive area of 356,800 square meters, Masjid Al-Haram remains one of the largest and most revered mosques globally.
Islam boasts a rich history, with Masjid Al-Haram playing a pivotal role in its narrative. Since the enlightenment of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Islam has witnessed a remarkable surge in followers, drawn to its fundamental belief in one true God, Allah. However, the roots of Islam extend beyond the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), with numerous prophets preceding him, spreading their teachings and defending the faith through battles. Masjid Al-Haram serves as a unifying force for Muslims, where congregational prayers during Hajj and Umrah reinforce the tradition and faith of Islam.
