Mosques established throughout the earliest periods of Islamic history include Masjid Al-Haram. The reason it’s termed that way is that, while Muslims from all over the world are welcome, non-Muslims are not. Another name for it is The Grand Mosque of Makkah. Muslims visit this mosque for Hajj and prayer. Anticipated by Muslims worldwide, the mosque encircles the Black Stone of Kaaba. The following post explores the history and fascinating details of the Masjid Al-Haram if you are planning to choose Umrah package from USA.
Masjid al-haram, which occupies 88.2 acres and is the biggest mosque in the world, is known as the magnificent mosque. A place of worship was demolished by natural disasters and then constructed again. The Great Black Stone is now guarded by huge pillars that stand tall and proud. Masjid al-Haram is the only sacred place in Islam and the holiest location for Muslims to live on Earth.
Allah’s House is the spiritual epicenter
Mecca saw a lot of religious and historical developments, notably the expansion of Islam. The magnificent mosque known as Masjid Al-Haram, which houses the Kaaba, the symbol of the Islamic faith, is located there. Every Muslim directs their daily prayers towards this core. The Prophet’s sayings known as the Hadiths state that praying in Masjid Al-Haram will earn you a reward that is ten thousand times greater than performing in other places.
Besides, the location is used for the yearly Hajj trip, which is the 5th pillar of Islam.
The Kaaba echoes the reciting of the Quran in the fasting month of Ramadan. The Ummah (community) gathers under the roof of Masjid Al-Haram to participate in the Umrah (pilgrimage) in the holy month. It is thought to be more fruitful during the month of Ramadan.
Extensions and Developments: Complex Architectures
With a total area of 187 acres and a capacity for 2.5 million worshipers, Masjid Al-Haram is currently the biggest mosque in the world. The mosque was constructed before humans, says to the Quran, in imitation of the angelic sanctuary known as al-Baytu l-Ma’mur. Beginning in the 7th century, under the Caliph Omar Ibn al-Khattab, the building was underway. It experienced significant changes over time to make room for multiple pilgrims.
- Kabba
The direction that every believer faces during prayer, known as the “qibla,” is the Kaaba, which is located at the center of Masjid Al-Haram. Most of the pilgrims from United States book December Umrah Packages because these packages are cheaper, visit the Holy Haram and perform Umrah Pilgrimage. Envision an enormous cube of approximately 34 feet by 39 feet, covered in a silky black fabric known as Kiswah, glistening with gold-embroidered phrases from the Quran. Pre-Islamic periods saw the custom of covering the Kaaba, which is still practiced today during the annual Hajj with the new Kiswah for its protection and sacredness.
Its walls are marble and grey granite, while the upper walls are etched with phrases from the Quran. During the refurbishment phase, even a teak wood ceiling was imported from India. Another notable feature of the Kaaba is its flat roof, which is reachable by an internal stairway.
Verses from the Quran are imprinted on green cloth décor that lines the walls. Then there’s the important black stone known as Al-Hazar Al-Aswad, which is positioned in the eastern corner of the Kaaba. According to legend, it started with Adam and Eve. Pilgrims attempt to touch this stone during Tawaf.
- Mataf
The open area known as Mataf encircles the Kaaba. During the Hajj and Umrah, pilgrims undertake Tawaf, a crucial ritual that involves circumambulating the Kaaba 7 times in an anticlockwise orientation. The marble flooring of the Mataf is kept in a circular pattern surrounding the Kaaba. The current multi-level space of the Mataf is the result of numerous restorations and additions carried out over the ages to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.
- Maqam Ibrahim
The Place of Ibrahim, or Maqam Ibrahim, is a stone with Prophet Ibrahim’s footsteps close to the Kaaba. It is thought that Ibrahim helped his son Ishmael construct the Kaaba while standing in this exact location. Muslims are advised to pray behind the glass case that encloses the Maqam Ibrahim after tawaf.
- Minarets, Domes and Gates
Masjid Al-Haram has many gateways, domes, and minarets, all of which are very significant. These towering minarets are widely utilized during Adhan or the call to prayer. They have grown dramatically over time as a result of the mosque’s massive expansion. A fusion of Ottoman, Mamluk, and current Saudi architectural styles may be seen in the minarets. It’s an artist’s fantasy to stroll beneath these domes!
The domes are decorated in calligraphy and elaborate Islamic designs. They possess a special ability: they can hear the Imam’s speech, ensuring that its warmth permeates the entire space and spreads uniformly. There are many gates, each with a unique story and a name derived from Islamic legend, which is another important feature. They are different in size, feature Islamic art, and hint at the architectural motifs of the era in which they were built. This masjid is a location where every element tells a narrative because of its unique blend of spirituality, art, and history.
Grand Prayer Hall
One of the main features of Masjid Al-Haram is the Grand Prayer Hall, which can hold millions of pilgrims. There are large and several levels, as well as outdoor areas with retractable roofs. This grand hall’s interior, which is decorated with luxurious carpets, is brought to life by elaborate Islamic calligraphy and artwork. Fine marble and mosaic enhance aesthetically the somber atmosphere of the space. Mihrabs directing you to the minbars and Kaaba, where the imam is positioned to conduct prayers, can be seen all around you.
Masjid Al-Haram: Five Important Facts
- Masjid Al-Haram ranks as the world’s eighth-largest structure.
- It isn’t the oldest mosque that people are aware of. Mosque Quba and the Mosque of the Companions in Massawa, Eritrea, are the oldest mosques.
- The mosque suffered significant damage in 1629 as a result of flooding and strong rain. Sultan Murad IV had it renovated.
- During the Qarmatian invasion in 930 AD, the black stone of the Kabbah was shattered.
- A total of 356,800 square meters make up the mosque.
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