Al-Masjid al-Haram, also known as the ‘Sacred Mosque’, is undoubtedly the biggest attraction of Saudi Arabia. The largest mosque in Islamic world, Al-Masjid al-Haram, Mecca is a must-visit religious center for all Muslims.
Situated in the holy city of Mecca, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia, Al-Masjid al-Haram is simply matchless in magnificence. Sprawling across an area of 356,800 square meters, the Al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca is capable of accommodating more than 820,000 pilgrims.
As per the Five Pillars of Islam, all Muslims are expected to make a Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, given that they are in good health and can afford the same. The Al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca is the mosque where Hajjis end their pilgrimage and pay respects to the almighty.
The Al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca surrounds the Kaaba and Black Stone, the place to which all Muslims turn to during prayer time. In Islam, the Kaaba is also regarded as the holiest place on earth. Thus, the Al-Masjid al-Haram is the most important structure for Muslims around the world.
The Al-Masjid al-Haram is believed to have been built by angels even before mankind existed on earth. The mosque was destroyed and rebuilt a number of times. According to legends, Allah had ordered Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismael to build the mosque and Kaaba for the final time. The present structure of Al-Masjid al-Haram was refurbished after an extension in the year 1982.
Focal point of the Hajj pilgrimage, Al-Masjid al-Haram hosts more than three million visitors every year. Non-Muslims are not permitted entry into the mosque as well as the city of Mecca. In fact, non-Muslims caught in the city have the risk of being executed in public.
Apart from the Kaaba, the Al-Masjid al-Haram has a colossal courtyard wherein worshippers perform their prayers. The main mosque has been time and again renovated to suit the needs of pilgrims who come from faraway lands. The Al-Masjid al-Haram, Mecca has been provided with facilities like air conditioners, escalators and rest rooms.