When you hear the words “mosques in Makkah”, your mind turns to Al Masjid Al Haram, the Grand Mosque or Holy Mosque. However, Makkah is packed with many other mosques of great religious and historical significance. Here is an essential guide to some important mosques and miqat stations in Makkah.
On the road north to Madinah, Al Taneem Mosque is one of the most important mosques in Makkah. It is also called Aisha Mosque because it was built in the place where Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her), wife of Mohammed (PBUH), went into ihram. It serves as a miqat station, with facilities for pilgrims to change into ihram clothing before entering Makkah city center.
Although only two prayers per year are offered at this mosque, it is one of the most famous and important in Makkah. It was here, on the plains of Arafat, that Mohammed (PBUH) delivered his Farewell Sermon in 632. On the ninth day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, Hajj pilgrims spend the day on the plains of Arafat in rituals and prayer.
Around 21 km southeast of the Grand Mosque, the Nimra Mosque is accessible during Hajj via the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro line. Thanks to expansion works, the mosque can accommodate around 350,000 worshippers.
One of the oldest mosques in Makkah, Al Khayf Mosque stands at the foot of a mountain in Mina about 10 km east of the Grand Mosque. It is near the smallest jamara, one of three walls used for the ritual stoning of the devil. Following the example of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), Hajj pilgrims pray here during their stay in Mina.
Expanded with four new minarets, air conditioning and toilets, the mosque can accommodate 45,000 worshippers and is accessible during Hajj via Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro line.
Also known as Bayah Mosque, this mosque is located to the right of Jamaraat Bridge, near the Jamara of Aqaba used for stoning the devil. It was built by the Caliph Abu Jaafar al-Mansur in 761 on the spot were Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) met with tribal leaders from Yathrib (now Madinah). After swearing the oath of allegiance to Islam, they became the Ansar, or “Helpers”.
One of the most ancient mosques in Makkah, the Mosque of the Jinn is close to the Grand Mosque. It marks the spot where a group of Jinn is said to have gathered to hear The Prophet (PBUH) recite from the Koran. As a result, they embraced Islam. It is a popular mosque to visit in Makkah, but has no women’s section.
Northeast of Makkah, Al Ji’ranah Mosque is where The Prophet (PBUH) entered into ihram after the Battle of Hunayn in the year 630. Following this example, the mosque is now a well-equipped miqat station.
Looking for more ideas? See some places to visit in Makkah, including museums and holy sites.
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