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.

Aisha Mosque (Al Taneem Mosque)

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.

Nimra Mosque

Nimra Mosque on the Plains of Arafat

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.

Al Khayf Mosque

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.

Al Khayf Mosque, one of Mecca’s oldest, has recently been expanded

Aqaba Mosque

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”.

Mosque of the Jinn

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.

Al Ji’ranah Mosque

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.

Other places to visit in Makkah

Looking for more ideas? See some places to visit in Makkah, including museums and holy sites.

Ever wondered about the best places to visit and things to do in Makkah? There is no religious obligation to visit any of these sites, but you’ll love discovering them – many places in Makkah are closely associated with the history of Islam.

Al Noor mountain, home to the Cave of Hira

Northeast of Makkah is the Cave of Hira, where The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation. After (carefully!) climbing over 1,000 steps up Al Noor mountain you reach the entrance to the cave, which overlooks Makkah. The cave is only large enough for five people, but during Hajj season it is extremely busy with several thousand visitors per day. See more information about visiting Hira and Al Noor mountain.

Cave of Thawr, ancient hiding place

A short drive south of Makkah is the Cave of Thawr, a hollow rock in Thawr Mountain. Here is where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companion Abu Bakr (Allah is pleased with him) took refuge from the Quraysh tribe during the migration to Medina. See more information about visiting the Cave of Thawr.

The spectacular Abraj Al Bait

Not all places to visit in Makkah are historical. Opened in 2011, the striking Abraj Al Bait skyscraper complex by the Grand Mosque is the tallest building in Saudi Arabia. It is home to 5-star hotels and the five-storey Abraj Al Bait Mall, as well as viewing platforms and huge prayer rooms. See more information about Abraj Al Bait.

Some of Makkah’s most interesting mosques

There are several important mosques in Makkah and the surrounding region. These include miqat stations such as Al Ji’ranah Mosque, marking the place where Muhammad (PBUH) entered into ihram after the Battle of Hunayn.

Close to the Grand Mosque, the ancient Mosque of the Jinn is located where a group of Jinn once gathered to hear the Prophet (PBUH) recite passages from the Koran. They later accepted Islam and swore the oath of allegiance.

See more information about visiting mosques in Makkah.

Makkah museums: a glimpse into history

West of Makkah lies the Al-Haramain Museum, known as the Museum of the Two Holy Mosques or Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques Architecture. This depicts the history of the Holy Mosques through pictures, models, antiques and inscriptions. You can also see an exhibition on the Kiswa and the rim of the Zamzam well. Call in advance to arrange a visit.

Close by, you can visit the Kaaba Kiswa Factory where the Kiswa is handcrafted each year.

The Makkah Museum in Al Zahir Palace displays exhibits on Islamic calligraphy and art, as well as antiques and archaeology.

Where to find Makkah trip advice

If you are staying at one of Accor’s 5-star hotels in Makkah, simply ask the concierge for advice on places to visit in Makkah and how to get there.

Al Noor mountain near Makkah, home to the Cave of Hira

The glorious towers of Abraj Al Bait by night