Overview

Al-Masjid al-Haram, also known as The Grand Mosque of Mecca, is the holiest site in Islam and the largest mosque in the world. It surrounds the Kaaba, the sacred cube-shaped structure that Muslims face during their daily prayers (Salah). It is believed to have been built by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Ishmael) as a house of worship dedicated to one God (Allah).

The mosque accommodates millions of worshippers, particularly during Hajj and Umrah, the sacred Islamic pilgrimages. It houses notable features such as the Zamzam Well, from which pilgrims drink blessed water, and the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), an ancient Islamic relic embedded in the Kaaba. The mosque has undergone several expansions under various Islamic rulers and today covers 400,800 square meters, with multiple minarets, a retractable roof, and a state-of-the-art cooling system.

Being the heart of the Islamic world, Al-Masjid al-Haram is more than just a mosque—it is a sacred sanctuary where millions gather annually to renew their faith, seek forgiveness, and deepen their spiritual connection.

Curated by the World Travel Awards