Mecca, Makkah, Hejaz, Saudi Arabia
Mosque · Various (Rashidun to Saudi) · 7th Century - Present
Masjid al-Haram is the Great Mosque of Mecca and the holiest site in Islam. It surrounds the Kaaba, the direction of prayer (qibla) for Muslims worldwide. It is the destination of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
Construction: Pre-Islamic – Ongoing
Founder: Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham)
Key figures: Prophet Ibrahim, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Caliph Umar, Caliph Uthman
Significance: The holiest site in Islam, surrounding the Kaaba, the direction of prayer for all Muslims.
- Pre-history: Kaaba built by Ibrahim and Ismail
- 638: First major expansion by Caliph Umar
- Present: Continuous expansion by Saudi government
Architectural styles: Islamic, Ottoman, Modern
Materials: Marble, Stone, Gold
- The Kaaba: The cubic structure at the center of the mosque.
- Maqam Ibrahim: The stone bearing the footprint of Prophet Ibrahim.
- Safa and Marwa: Two hills connected to the mosque for the Sa'i ritual.
Opening hours: 24 Hours (summer) · 24 Hours (winter) – Open year-round.
- General: €0.00
Accessibility: Fully accessible.
Official site: http://www.gph.gov.sa
Address: Al Haram, Mecca 24231, Saudi Arabia
Coordinates: 21.4225, 39.8262