Masjid Al-Haram: Its History, Key Structures And Lesser-Known Facts

Masjid Al-Haram, also known as the Great Mosque of Mecca, is the most sacred mosque in Islam. It is located in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is the holiest site in Islam, as it houses the Kaaba, which Muslims around the world face during their daily prayers. Here is some information about its history, key structures, and lesser-known facts:

History:

The first structure of the mosque was built by the Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Ismail, who built the Kaaba.
The mosque was enlarged and rebuilt several times throughout history, with major expansions during the reigns of Caliphs Umar and Uthman.
The mosque was damaged and rebuilt several times due to fires, floods, and natural disasters, with the most recent renovation and expansion completed in 2020.

Key Structures:

The Kaaba: The most important structure within the mosque, the Kaaba is a cuboid building draped in black cloth and is considered the House of Allah. Muslims around the world face towards the Kaaba during their daily prayers.
The Black Stone: Located on the eastern corner of the Kaaba, the Black Stone is a sacred stone that Muslims believe was sent down from heaven and is believed to have been placed in the Kaaba by the Prophet Ibrahim.
Maqam Ibrahim: A small stone platform located near the Kaaba, which is believed to be the spot where the Prophet Ibrahim stood while he was building the Kaaba.
Safa and Marwa: Two small hills located within the mosque, which are part of the rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage.

Lesser-Known Facts:

The mosque is the largest in the world, with an area of 356,000 square meters.
The mosque can accommodate over 2 million worshippers during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The mosque has 10 minarets, each standing at a height of 89 meters.
The mosque has a large clock tower, known as the Abraj Al Bait, which is one of the tallest buildings in the world, standing at a height of 601 meters.