Masjid al-Haram, also known as the Grand Mosque of Makkah, is one of the holiest mosques in the Islamic world. It is the central place for millions of Muslims during Umrah and Hajj annually. You may experience what it’s like to visit this famous mosque while performing the Umrah in this blog post.
Knowing the Grand Mosque
If you choose cheap umrah packages all-inclusive from UK for a pilgrimage, you must visit the Holy Mosque for many reasons. The Grand Mosque lies in Mecca and in Arabic has the name al Masjid al-Haram. Scholars estimated that the prophet Muhammad converted the region into a mosque approximately in 622. It covers the Maqam of Abraham, the fountain of Zamzam, and the Ka’ba.
The mosque has even been expanded and embellished with minarets and colonnades to meet the needs of the worshippers. Four maqams have been constructed at the spacious courtyard housing the Kaba. The imam utilizes these at prayer times. It represents the four main schools of thought in Islam, namely the Hanbali, Maliki, Shafi, and Hanafi. Before the construction of the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, it was most likely the first monumental mosque in Islam.
Most of the modifications were undertaken between the middle of 1572 and 1577. During this time, the internal courtyard and praying hall’s parabolic roof were replaced with numerous little domes. The most recent additions and upgrades commenced in 1991.
Since everyone faces the Grand Mosque during prayer, it continues to be the center of Islamic worship for Muslims worldwide. Still used for education, the mosque was formerly thought to be the center of human talent. If you choose cheap umrah packages all-inclusive from UK and intend to visit alone, you can experience the entire view.
· Going Into the Mosque
The Grand Mosque has multiple doors, so it’s important to observe where you enter and leave. Some of them are King Abdulaziz Gate, King Fahd Gate, Umrah Gate, Al-Salam Gate. Additionally, there are over ninety doors on the bottom floor to allow pilgrims to walk around in peace. Therefore, it is best to become more familiar with these entrances to prevent any issues.
· Finding Your Way Around the Mosque
The entrance of the mosque has ample space to accommodate people in a specially organized way. The management authorities have implemented better crowd control techniques to maintain the flow of pilgrim travel. Guards stationed throughout the mosque make sure that no two individuals are left alone. Besides, the strangers do not suddenly appear.
· Integration of Technology
The present generation of pilgrims at Masjid al-Haram enjoy much improved conditions because of technology. Mobilities enable one to book Umrah products and prayer times without stress. In turn, this helps to control crowds and ensures that everyone entering designated areas has access to necessities.
Distinguishing elements of Mecca’s Grand Mosque’s architecture
The Makkah‘s Grand Mosque or Masjid al Haram possess several architectural features. They are exceptional because of the historical and religious importance of the place in the Islamic World. Some of the main architectural components are as follows:
· The Kaaba
One may list the Kaaba, a little cuboid structure that is adjacent to the building. It is among the main features of the architecture. Its base measures around 35 by 40 feet, while its height varies from about 50 feet. On the other hand, the Kaaba is encased with a black, gold-edged robe called a kiswah. Tawaf is the focal point of worship since it entails circumnavigating the Kaaba.
· The Black Stone
The location of the Kaaba congregation, known as the Black Stone, is situated in the building’s farthest eastern corner. During Tawaf, Muslims believe the angel to Adam, everyone touches the stone or passes it down to acknowledge Allah’s power.
· Zamzam Well
The other feature is the Zamzam Well situated within the mosque compound. Islamic tradition suggests that this well flowed freely when Hajra ran to find water for her infant son, Ismael. On their pilgrimages, pilgrims use this well.
· Maqam Ibrahim
The Maqam Ibrahim, next to the Kaaba, is a stone that the Prophet Ibrahim is said to have stepped on. It is a glass-domed sanctuary with an upturned globe that is utilized as a prayer room.
· Minarets
The towers over the mosque, called minarets, are a prominent feature of the Masjid al-Haram’s masonry architecture. These are utilized for the adhan, the real prayer house. They are lovely at night because of the lovely abstract lighting patterns they have.
· Dome Structures
It has up to six domical structures, which improve the architectural brilliance of the mosque. These domes have beautiful writings in Arabic and other artistic designs based on Islamic-styled drawings.
· Modern Expansions
Throughout the following decades, the mosque has witnessed multiple restoration and enlargement, especially in the 20th and 21st centuries. The complex can now accommodate over two million worshipers on weekends because of recent additions.
· Advanced Facilities
For the convenience of the pilgrims, modern amenities include heated floors, escalators, and air conditioning. With a total area of almost 88 acres, or 356,800 square meters, it is the largest mosque in the world. Plan December Umrah Packages from UK and experience the advanced facilities of the holy mosque.