Brief History:

Masjid al-Safa, also known as Masjid al-Haram, is an ancient mosque located in the center of the Islamic holy city of Mecca in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest and most important mosques in the world, and is the focal point of the Hajj pilgrimage. The mosque is known for its tall minaret, the Kaaba, which is the holiest site of Islam. The mosque was built by the Prophet Muhammad in 622 CE, and after his death in 632 CE, it was enlarged to accommodate the expanding Islamic community. The mosque has since seen many renovations, expansions, and additions, and is now the largest mosque in the world. It covers an area of almost 400,000 square meters, and can accommodate up to four million worshippers during peak times. It is one of the most famous mosque in Saudi-Arabia which you must visit.

Architecture:

Masjid al-Safa is one of the two monumental mosques in the city of Mecca (the other being Masjid al-Marwah). The mosque is located at the summit of the famous hill Al-Safa, and receives its name from this location. It consists of a circular walled city that holds a small number of structures. The mosque is composed of a small courtyard, a prayer hall with capacity for around 7,000 worshippers, a walkway on the north side, and a few minarets. It also includes several elevated platforms within the courtyard of the mosque for the recitation of Quran and prayer. The majority of the mosque is adorned with white and gold marble, creating a striking effect which is very aesthetically pleasing. The top of the prayer hall is adorned with a blind dome and several pinnacles which contribute to the majestic appearance of the mosque. Additionally, there are several semicircular arches which both adorn the mosque and provide structural support as well. Outside the entrance of the mosque, there is a small dome-shaped structure which stands atop four columns. This structure is often referred to as the qiblah or direction of prayer. It acts as a visual reminder for those entering the mosque and provides direction to those facing the qiblah in order to pray. Masjid al-Safa also has an intimation to the Kaaba, as it is located at a higher altitude than its most important neighbor structure. This gives the mosque an iconic presence in Mecca and solidifies its importance in the pilgrimage of Hajj. This is why, it is considered one of the most beautiful mosque in the world.

Visiting Hours:

The visiting hours of Masjid al-Safa (Mecca) in Saudi Arabia vary depending on the day and time of the year. During the Hajj season the mosque can be open 24 hours a day while during other times of the year it is usually open from Fajr (dawn) to Maghrib (sunset). best mosque in the world.