Masjid al-Haram (The Grand Mosque)
Masjid al-Haram, the Sacred Mosque, is the holiest site in Islam and the largest mosque in the world. Built around the Kaaba in central Makkah, it is the destination of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages and the direction (qibla) toward which all Muslims pray.
The House Toward Which the World Turns
2 Min · Arabic · English · Persian · Kurdish (Kurmanji)
4 stops to discover
- 1
The Kaaba
The cube-shaped House of God at the heart of the mosque, believed built by Abraham and Ishmael. It is the qibla, the direction of Muslim prayer worldwide, and the centre of the tawaf.
- 2
The Mataf (Tawaf area)
The open, cooled marble ring around the Kaaba where the tawaf is performed. During busy seasons it extends onto elevated platforms and upper floors so the circling can continue on multiple levels.
- 3
The Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad)
A sacred stone in a silver frame set into the Kaaba's eastern corner, which pilgrims kiss or point to as they pass. It marks the beginning and end of each circuit of the tawaf.
- 4
Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Abraham)
A small stone, said to bear the imprint of Abraham's feet from when he built the Kaaba, housed in a glass and gold enclosure near the Kaaba. Pilgrims pray behind it after completing tawaf.
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Masjid al-Haram (The Grand Mosque)?
Masjid al-Haram (The Grand Mosque) is open 24 hours.
When is the best time to visit Masjid al-Haram (The Grand Mosque)?
Outside peak Hajj and Ramadan crowds; late night hours are calmer. Note: entry to Makkah and the mosque is restricted to Muslims.
Does Masjid al-Haram (The Grand Mosque) have an audio guide?
Yes — a narrated audio guide for Masjid al-Haram (The Grand Mosque) is available in the Travel Tale app.
Where is Masjid al-Haram (The Grand Mosque) located?
Masjid al-Haram (The Grand Mosque) is in Makkah: Al Haram, Makkah 24231, Saudi Arabia.
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