Masjid Al-haram (grand Mosque), The Focus Of The Islamic Religion

The Masjid al-Haram, which translates to The Holy Mosque in Arabic

, is situated in Mecca, Saudi Arabia and is considered to be the most holy mosque on the globe as well as the main focus for the pilgrimage of Hajj.

The mosque compound spans no less than 4,008,020 sq m including its indoor and outdoor prayer areas and has the ability to accommodate up to four million pilgrims during the Hajj. Notably the Masjid al-Haram is the solitary mosque not to feature a qibla (niche indicating the direction of Mecca, which Muslims must face when praying) as believers pray facing the central courtyards Kaaba.

The Kaaba, a small construction is the most sacred site in the Muslim religion. In fact the Kaaba was the reason for the construction of the immense Masjid al-Haram Mosque surrounding it. All Muslims no matter what part of the globe they reside in must face the direction of the Kaaba when conducting their prayers. The Kaaba which resembles a cube in structure, contains the revered Black Stone, which according to tradition was discovered by the prophet Ibrahim and his son Ishmael while building the original Kaaba (the Kaaba has ben rebuilt numerous times by different local powers). Some Muslims attribute supernatural powers to the Black Stone, including the power to absolve worshippers of sin by absorbing it into itself.

The Masjid al-Haram Mosque was initially constructed in the 7th century, and since then has been rebuilt, expanded and modified on numerous occasions. The first building to be constructed on the site was established by order of the Caliph Omar Ibn al-Khattab, who decreed the demolition of houses surrounding the Kaaba so as to accommodate the ever increasing numbers of pilgrims. Subsequent rulers made numerous additions and embellishments to the mosque.

The building which stands today dates mainly from 1571 when the Ottoman Sultan requested his chief architect to rebuild the mosque; this was accomplished by adding domes and columns, and adorning the interior with golden calligraphy. Later Sultans provided arcades, additional minarets and new marble tiles to embellish the mosque.

In later years the Saudi Kings greatly extended and beautified the mosque, culminating in the major expansion undertaken by King Fahd, who added an outdoor prayer area and a new wing to the building. The imposing King Fahd gate was also completed.

For the traveller seeking one of the Mecca hotels Saudi Arabia offers will be delighted by the Raffles Makkah Palace. This exclusive Makkah hotel provides excellent rooms and attentive hospitality for a relaxing stay.

by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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