Masjidil Haram

Problems with viewing the Virtual Tour? click here!

Masjidil Haram is the largest mosque in the world located in the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. In the center is the Kaaba, which is the Qibla for Muslims throughout the world. This mosque is the main destination for millions of Muslims to perform the Hajj and Umrah every year, both during the Hajj season and throughout the year.

Masjidil Haram  has experienced various stages of expansion since the time of Caliph Umar bin Khattab until the modern era under the rule of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This expansion includes the construction of a new wing, the addition of a tawaf floor, the construction of giant doors such as the King Abdul Aziz Gate, as well as the addition of towers, which now number nine. The largest project includes expanding the mataf area (tawaf circle) to increase congregation capacity and comfort.

The mosque structure now covers an area of ​​more than 356,000 square meters and can accommodate more than two million worshipers at the peak of the Hajj season. The grandeur of its architecture, long history and spiritual meaning make Masjidil Haram not only a building of worship, but also a symbol of Muslim unity.

Design and Architecture

Masjidil Haram has a magnificent and functional architectural design. The main area of ​​the mosque has cool marble floors, even in the hot sun, and is surrounded by sturdy marble pillars and beautiful calligraphy decorating the interior of the mosque. Overall, this mosque covers a very large area, including prayer areas inside and outside the main building, as well as a courtyard equipped with giant umbrellas.

The main entrances such as King Abdul Aziz Gate and King Fahd Gate are magnificent with Arabic carvings and gold ornaments. The tall towers are a visual marker Masjidil Haram from a distance.

Important Buildings and Areas

Ka’bah

The Ka’bah is a cube-shaped structure located in the center Masjidil Haram. The Kabah is built of stone and covered with a black kiswah cloth embroidered with gold which is changed every year. The Ka’bah not only functions as the Qibla, but is also the center of tawaf worship, where the congregation circles it seven times. In the eastern corner there is the Black Stone, a sacred stone which is the starting and ending point of tawaf.

Mataf

The open area surrounding the Ka’bah is used for tawaf. Mataf now has several floors, including a special floor for pilgrims with wheelchairs or disabilities.

Hijr Ismail

The semi-circular area to the north of the Ka’bah is believed to be the residence of Prophet Ismail and his mother, Siti Hajar.

Multazam

The part of the Ka’bah wall between the Black Stone and the Ka’bah door is believed to be an efficacious place for prayer.

Maqam Ibrahim

Not far from the Ka’bah, located a few meters east of the Ka’bah, is Maqam Ibrahim. The stone with the footprints of Prophet Ibrahim placed in a glass and brass frame, a stone where Prophet Ibrahim stood when building the Ka’bah. This area is an important place for congregations to worship.

Well of Zamzam

The Zamzam Well is a source of holy water that emerged during the time of Siti Hajar, now it is supplied through a modern system with faucets and water dispensers throughout the mosque complex. Zamzam water is believed to have special blessings and properties for Muslims.

Safa and Marwah (Mas'a)

Safa and Marwah are two small hills that are now part of the mosque complex. These hills are the site of the sai (ritual pilgrimage), a Hajj and Umrah ritual that symbolizes Hajar's struggle to find water for her son, the Prophet Ismail. The sai area is now equipped with modern facilities, including escalators and wheelchair ramps.

Minarets

The Grand Mosque Masjid al-Haram has many towering minarets, which are used to broadcast the call to prayer and serve as landmarks. Each minaret has an elegant design and complements the overall grandeur of the mosque.

Museum of the Two Holy Mosques

Near the Grand Mosque Masjid al-Haram, the Museum of the Two Holy Mosques displays artifacts and history from the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina. The museum houses historical relics, including parts of the old Kiswah and the doors of the Ka’bah.

Benefits of Virtual Exhibitions

Virtual Tours of the Grand Mosque Masjid al-Haram provide visitors with a new experience to explore the holy mosque up close and interactively. Some of the benefits offered include:

Extended Access and Duration: Virtual tours can be accessed anytime and from anywhere, allowing anyone to explore the Grand Mosque without the constraints of time and distance.

Wider Reach and Accessibility: Opening the door for those who have never visited Mecca to experience and understand the majesty of the Grand Mosque.

Complementary Information Hub: Each important point is equipped with information about its history, architecture, and spiritual significance, allowing visitors to learn details they might otherwise miss if they simply consulted regular documentation.

Increased Engagement and Learning Opportunities: With an immersive visual approach, this tour helps students, as well as prospective Hajj and Umrah pilgrims gain a deeper understanding and prepare themselves before performing their worship