Al Haram Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world, with a capacity of over 4 million worshippers. Take the time to pray in this holy space and feel the powerful energy of collective worship. There are several things to do in Al Haram mosque for Muslims. Non-Muslims can’t enter this mosque as they enter the other mosques in the world.
It is the holiest site in Islam and is the destination of millions of Muslims for Hajj and Umrah. Umrah (Islamic ceremony) takes place on all days of the year except for the five days of Hajj. If one wants to know the method of Umrah performing, there is a detailed guide on this topic:
Ultimate Guide: Step by Step How to Perform Umrah
Things to do in Al-Haram Mosque:
- Visit the Kaaba
- Perform the Tawaf
- Black Stone
- Station Ibrahim
- Drink from the Zamzam well
- Perform Sa’i
- Read the Quran
- Attend a lecture or class
- Explore the Mosque
Visit the Kaaba:
The Kaaba is a cube-shaped structure located in the centre of the mosque. Muslims face the Kaaba during their daily prayers, and this determines the Qibla direction in Islam. Take some time to reflect and offer your prayers at this sacred site.
Yes, visiting the Kaaba is a major highlight of any visit to the Grand Mosque of Mecca. The Kaaba is a cube-shaped structure that is located in the centre of the mosque. Muslims face the Kaaba during their daily prayers, and it is the focal point of the Tawaf ritual during the Hajj and Umrah.
When visiting the Kaaba, it is important to be respectful of its significance and the sacred space around it. Visitors should not touch or enter the Kaaba, but they can get as close as possible to it and offer their prayers and supplications. It’s great to spend some time here to understand its role in Islamic history and tradition.
Increase your knowledge after reading this: History of Kaaba
During the Tawaf, pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise, as a symbol of their devotion and submission to Allah. If you are visiting during the Hajj season, you may have the opportunity to witness this stunning ritual.
Overall, visiting the Kaaba is a deeply spiritual and meaningful experience for Muslims, and it is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the Grand Mosque of Mecca.
Perform the Tawaf:
Tawaf is the ritual of circumambulating the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam, seven times. This is the central act of worship for Muslims during their pilgrimage to Mecca. If you are visiting outside the Hajj season, you can still perform the Tawaf as a form of prayer and devotion.
Read in detail: What is Tawaf and how to start Tawaf?
Black Stone:
The Black Stone, known in Arabic as “Al-Hajar Al-Aswad,” is a sacred object located at the eastern corner of the Kaaba in the Great Mosque of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the most important relics of Islam and is believed to have been given to the Prophet Ibrahim by the angel Gabriel.
The Black Stone is roughly oval, with a diameter of about 30 centimetres (12 inches), and is set in a silver frame. Muslims believe that the stone was originally white but turned black due to the sins of humanity.
During the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, it is customary for pilgrims to perform the Tawaf, which is the act of circling the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise. Muslims believe that touching or kissing the Black Stone is a way to seek forgiveness for sins and to receive blessings from God.
The Black Stone has been the subject of much reverence and controversy throughout history, and there have been several attempts to damage or destroy it. Nevertheless, it has remained an important symbol of Islam and is still visited by millions of pilgrims every year.
Here get more details about a fixed stone in the wall of Kaaba: Hajre Aswad – Black Stone
Station of Ibrahim:
The Station of Ibrahim, known in Arabic as Maqam Ibrahim, is a small structure located near the Kaaba. It is believed to mark the spot where the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) stood while he was building the Kaaba, as well as the place where he stood while he received a message from God.
The Station of Ibrahim is a small, rectangular building made of glass and metal, and it houses a stone block that is said to bear the footprint of the Prophet Ibrahim. According to Islamic tradition, the Prophet Ibrahim stood on this stone while he was building the Kaaba, and the stone miraculously rose to help him as he worked. Frequently, Muslims offer a prayer at the Station of Ibrahim after circling the Kaaba 7 times.
It is an important symbol of the Islamic faith, as it represents the faith and devotion of the Prophet Ibrahim.
Read more about Station Ibrahim here: Important facts of Maqam Ibrahim
Drink from the Zamzam well:
Yes, drinking from the Zamzam well is a common practice among Muslims who visit the Grand Mosque of Mecca. The well is believed to have been miraculously created by Allah to provide water for Prophet Ismail (A.S.) in the desert. According to Islam Followers, it is a blessed and holy water source with healing properties.
Visitors to the Grand Mosque can drink from the Zamzam well by using the cups provided or by filling their containers. It is recommended to drink from the well to seek blessings and benefits from Allah and to recite a prayer before and after drinking.
It is significant to note that the Zamzam well is regularly tested and monitored for safety and cleanliness, and the water is considered safe for consumption. However, it is always significant to take precautions when drinking water from any source, especially in unfamiliar surroundings.
Get more details on Holy Water: What is Zamzam water?
Perform the Sa’i:
The Sa’i ritual involves walking seven times between the two hills, a distance of approximately 3.5 kilometres (2.2 miles). During Sa’i, pilgrims also recite prayers as an important act of worship. It’s a way to connect with the story of Hajar (R.A.) and her unwavering faith in God’s provision. These two hills are Safa and Marwa which are located within the Great Mosque of Mecca, near the Kaaba. These have great importance in Islamic tradition because, during Hajj and Umrah, the pilgrims perform the Sa’i ritual between them.
Read the Quran:
The Grand Mosque of Mecca has numerous copies of the Quran available for visitors to read. Take the time to read and reflect on the verses of this holy book.
Today, the experience of reading different versions of the Internet Quran is possible at home, but picking up your favourite copy while visiting the Grand Mosque is definitely one of the things to do in Al Haram Mosque.
Attend a lecture or class:
The mosque offers lectures and classes on various topics related to Islam. Check the schedule and attend one to learn more about the religion and its teachings.
Remember to be respectful of the holy space and follow the rules and regulations set by the mosque. The Great Mosque of Mecca is also notable for its size and capacity, with the ability to accommodate millions of worshippers at once during the Hajj season.
Explore the Mosque:
Yes, exploring the Mosque is a great way to immerse yourself in the rich cultural and religious traditions of Islam. The mosque is one of the largest in the world and features many stunning architectural and artistic elements.
The central courtyard of the mosque is an impressive space that can accommodate millions of worshippers. It is surrounded by a colonnade with intricately designed arches and columns. The 2nd name of the prayer hall of the mosque is “Haram area” and is a vast space with multiple levels and sections. The floor is covered with a beautiful green carpet, and the walls are adorned with intricate Arabic calligraphy and designs.
The mosque has several tall minarets from which the call to prayer for Muslims traditionally. The beautiful design of these minarets adds to the magnificent ambience of the mosque. The Abraj Al Bait clock tower is a modern addition to the mosque complex (one of the tallest buildings). It features a large clock face and is an impressive sight to see from within the mosque.
Exploring the Grand Mosque is an incredible experience that can offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Islam.
Visiting the Grand Mosque can’t possibly be described in words as it is directly related to the soul. Tawaf, walking back and forth between the twin hills, touching the Black Stone, drinking Zamzam water, and offering prayer near Maqam Ibrahim are great activities for Muslims. Because all of them have a unique story of when and why they were started. The above-mentioned nine points of things to do in Al Haram Mosque can make a trip to Saudi a memorable one. According to Hadith, performing one prayer is equivalent to performing one hundred thousand prayers in Masjid al-Haram.
