Al-Khayf Mosque is one of the five mosques located in the Holy Sites in Makkah al-Mukarramah, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The mosques include: Al-Mashaar al-Haram, Namirah, al-Bayaah, and al-Sakhraat. It is located at the base of the southern hill of Mina, near the small and middle stone pillars (jamarat). It is among the most important mosques in the Holy Sites and can accommodate 25,000 worshipers. Al-Khayf Mosque was named after its location, which refers to every decline from a mountain that is raised above a watercourse.
Praying at al-Khayf Mosque
Al-Khayf Mosque opens its doors to worshipers for a few days during the Hajj season every Hijri year (on the Day of al-Tarwiyah, Eid al-Adha, and the Days of al-Tashreeq). Thousands of Muslims who perform the Hajj pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam, pray there. The mosque is about four km away from the train station that connects the Holy Sites to the Jamarat.
Significance of al-Khayf Mosque
It is considered historically important among mosques, as Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH), prayed in it, as the prophets before him did, hence it was named the Mosque of the Prophets. As mentioned in the Sunnah, Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said: Seventy prophets prayed in al-Khayf Mosque, among them was Musa. It is as if I am looking at him wearing two Qatwani [white woolen] garments [made of small fibers], whilst in ihram, riding upon a camel from the flock [of] Azd Shanu'ah. Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) specified his praying location at the rocks in front of the minaret.
Taking Care of al-Khayf Mosque
The mosque is given special attention and care by the government of the Kingdom. It was rebuilt in the year 1987, and its expansion was carried out. The mosque spans an area of 23,500 m² out of a total of 38,000 m², which is the combined area of the mosque and its facilities. It can accommodate 25,000 worshipers. The mosque has four minarets and is equipped with over 410 air conditioning units, fourteen air cooling and purification devices, and twenty fans to expel impure air. Additionally, around the mosque, there are 2,065 restrooms for men and women.
Potentials of al-Khayf Mosque
The mosque boasts high electrical capabilities to facilitate the broadcast of rituals and prayers via satellites for Muslims to witness from different parts of the world. It also includes an annex for the King Abdulaziz public kitchen, with the purpose of distributing food for free to the pilgrims on Eid day and al-Tashreeq days.
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