Brief History:
Masjid al-Haram, also known as the Grand Mosque, is the holiest site in Islam and dates back to the 7th century CE. It was originally built around the Kaaba, the sacred cube-shaped structure believed to have been built by Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael. Over the centuries, the mosque has been expanded numerous times by Islamic rulers, with the largest and most modern renovations occurring in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Notable Features:
This massive complex is the largest mosque in the world, featuring stunning white marble flooring, intricate Islamic calligraphy, and elegant minarets that light up the Meccan sky. The centerpiece, the Kaaba, is surrounded by a circular area for Tawaf, the act of walking around it during pilgrimage. Other architectural highlights include the Maqam Ibrahim, the Zamzam Well, and the expansive open-air courtyard. The mosque’s retractable roof and multi-level design accommodate millions of worshippers during Hajj and Ramadan.

Fun Fact:
Masjid al-Haram is so large that it can host over two million people at once during peak pilgrimage season. It’s not just the largest mosque in the world—it’s also one of the largest religious gatherings on Earth.

Current Use / Visitor Info:
The Grand Mosque is open 24/7 and welcomes both local and international Muslim visitors for prayer, reflection, and pilgrimage. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter, as Mecca is a sacred city. Pilgrims visiting for Hajj or Umrah perform several rites within the mosque, including Tawaf around the Kaaba. Due to ongoing expansion projects, the mosque continually evolves to better serve the growing number of pilgrims.

Masjid al-Haram

Explore Masjid al-Haram in Mecca—the largest mosque in the world and Islam's holiest site, centered around the sacred Kaaba and visited by millions each year.

Masjid al-Haram continues to undergo extensive renovations to accommodate more worshippers. The expanding marble courtyards provide prayer space for hundreds of thousands, especially during peak pilgrimage times. Shaded by giant retractable umbrellas and equipped with misting systems to cool the air, these courtyards are a blend of spiritual sanctity and modern technology. The courtyards also connect to multiple entry gates and are lined with places to rest, pray, or prepare for entry.

The Mosque’s Expanding Courtyards

Expanding courtyards provide comfort, shade, and space for growing numbers of pilgrims.

The Mosque’s Expanding Courtyards

Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Expanding courtyards provide comfort, shade, and space for growing numbers of pilgrims.

Location