Great Mosque Of Mecca - Masjid Al-Haram

The Grand Mosque of Mecca, also known as Masjid al-Haram, is one of Islam's holiest places.

The Kaaba, an Islamic shrine that is a cube-shaped building, at the centre of the mosque. The mosque's present structure comes from the 20th century, with ongoing renovations and expansions to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims.

The Grand Mosque of Mecca is not just a site of worship, but also a cultural and educational centre offering religious studies, lectures, and Islamic research. It represents unity and faith for Muslims all around the world, and its significance has been documented throughout Islamic history.

1. The Grand Mosque of Mecca: It is often referred to as Masjid Al-Haram, is the holiest shrine in Islam. It is the location of the annual pilgrimage, Hajj, which Muslims are required to make at least once in their lifetimes if they are physically and financially able.
2. The Kaaba: It is encircled by black fabric and is inscribed with gold calligraphy.
3. The Black Stone: Also known as Al-Hajar Al-Aswad, the Black Stone is a black rock located in the eastern corner of the Kaaba. It is said to have been given to Prophet Abraham by the Angel Gabriel and is considered as one of Islam's holiest treasures.
4. Tawaf: Tawaf is the act of circumambulating the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise, which is a fundamental part of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
5. Safa and Marwa: Safa and Marwa are two small hills located near the Kaaba, which Muslims also walk or run seven times during the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
6. Clock Tower: The Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower, also known as the Mecca Royal Clock Tower, is a skyscraper located next to the Great Mosque of Mecca. It is one of the tallest buildings in the world and has the world's largest clock face.
7. Zamzam Well: The Zamzam Well is located within the mosque's courtyard and is considered one of the holiest sources of water in Islam. Muslims believe that God constructed the well to offer water to Hagar, the wife of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), and her son Ismail (Ishmael) as they were trapped in the desert.

Pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia must get a visa before travelling. Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport provides service to Mecca. You may then take a cab or shuttle to Mecca. Both men and women must dress modestly, and women's hair must be covered.

The best time to visit is during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, which comes in August or September. If you want to avoid crowds, visit during the off-season, which runs from January to May. Mecca gets extremely high temperatures during the summer months, so it may be more comfortable to visit during the winter weather of November to February.