Let us take you on a journey of discovery of the world's largest mosque! An architectural jewel as well as a symbol of Muslim power. A place brimming with symbolism, spirituality and sacredness. Its construction, its location, its amenities. We tell you all about the world's largest mosque.
The world's largest mosque in the world's most precious city
So it's to the sacred city of Mecca that we travel. Indeed, it is in this central city of Islam that believers will be able to appreciate the Masjid al-Haram. Both for its immensity and its beauty, and for its definitely sacred location. This edifice has many special features. Let's start with the story of its construction.
A brief history of Masjid al-Haram
At the heart of the largest mosque, of course, is the Kaaba. Which is the direction of prayer for Muslims the world over. Including the faithful in the Masjid al-ḥarâm. This mosque is built around the construction of Ibrahim.
In the year 638, under the caliphate of Omar ibn al-Khattâb. Then, during the caliphate of Othmân ibn Affân, the prayer space was enlarged, then covered with a roof. The building underwent several modifications over the centuries, and was enlarged under the various caliphates that followed.
Today, the world's largest mosque covers an area of over 400,800 m2, accommodating over 2.5 million worshippers inside, and up to 4 million on the entire site. So what can we find inside this immense mosque?
What makes up the world's largest mosque
The structure of the world's largest mosque consists, broadly speaking, of a rectangular courtyard at its center. This same courtyard is surrounded by covered prayer areas. The courtyard also houses two other sacred sites.
One of these is the Maqam-e-Ibrahim, otherwise known as Ibrahim's Station. This stone is rooted in Islamic tradition and history. And the other sacred place is the Zamzam oasis.
It contains sacred spring water and has never dried out since its revelation. To the north and east of the courtyard are the two hills designated al-Safa and al-Marwah. And all this is fundamentally part of the sacred rites involved in pilgrimage, one of the pillars.
In addition to the small or large pilgrimage to the largest mosque, many Muslims will appreciate the peripheral activities they can carry out there.
In addition to the pilgrimage, what else can you do at the largest mosque?
This is in addition to being able to refocus on one's spirituality, and look forward to the rewards of this sacred journey. Visitors to the Largest Mosque can enjoy, discover and meditate on their surroundings in particular, as well as stroll through the adjacent streets and let themselves be transported by the well-being so obviously present in this alluring place.
Devotees can also sample the local specialities and take home some precious souvenirs to keep this wonderful trip going. Last but not least, a visit to the sacred site of the world's largest mosque is also an opportunity toattend lectures and conferences given by the community's leading scholars.