Masjid-al-Haram: History, Significance in Islam

The world's largest mosque Masjid-al-Haram (The Forbidden Mosque) located in Mecca surrounds the Kaaba and holds its importance as the most revered and sacred mosque for all Muslims across the globe. It is Islam's holiest place. The Grand Mosque is another name given to it. Hajj is one of the world's largest annual gatherings of people, with the current structure able to accommodate up to four million Muslim worshipers.

History According to Islam

Islam says that the mosque was built by angels before the world was created. To mimic the design of the House in Heaven known as Al-Baytu l-Ma'mur (which is transliterated: "The Angels' Worship Place"), God instructed the angels to build a mosque on Earth. Floods have occasionally damaged the Mosque, necessitating a rebuilding. Abraham constructed the structure with the assistance of his son Ishmael (Ishmael). 

God ordered that the mosque and the Kaaba be built. Black Stone experts believe the original structure's sole remaining remnant is located near the eastern Kaaba corner. Muslims around the world all direct their prayers toward the Kaaba, signifying their unity. The Quran tells us that no magical power is attributed to the Grand Mosque of Mecca, except for the supposed well of Zamzam, which has never gone dry since it was created.

Structures Within The Mosque

There are five key structures within the vicinity of Masjid-al-Haram: 

Kaaba:  (Read Main Article: Kaaba)

The cuboid-shaped Ka'bah is a holy site in Islam. It is within the Great Mosque. [52] Praying and making pilgrimages take place in the mosque. 

Black Stone (Hajr-Al-Aswad): 

The Black Stone also known as Hajr-Al-Aswad is an eastern cornerstone and holds an important part of the pilgrimage (Hajj and Umrah), cannot be missed.

Abraham's Station:

The Kaaba is said to contain an imprint of Abraham's foot, which is supposedly made of jasper.

Safa and Marwah: 

Hagar ran between Safa and Marwah looking for water for her infant son Ishmael, which occurred during the time of the Prophet Abraham.

Zamzam Well: 

It is said that the Zamzam well was created after Hagar failed to find water between Safa and Marwah, and the well appeared which is a miracle from Allah.

Significance in Islamic Faith

Mecca's Al-Haram Mosque is the only two sites on Earth that can legitimately be considered as "sacred" according to Islamic standards. Also, the Prophet's Mosque in Medina has the dual Arabic name "Harmain". The Saudi royal family only uses titles relating to "keeper of the Two Holy Sanctuaries" or "keeper of the Two Holy Mosques" today.