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Maqam Ibrahim is an ancient stone on which the Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him (PBUH), stood while building al-Kaaba al-Musharrafa, raising its walls. It is a landmark of the Grand Mosque, situated on the eastern side of al-Kaaba al-Musharrafa, facing the door and the Multazam . Pilgrims pass by the sides of the Maqam Ibrahim as they circumambulate the Kaaba al-Musharrafa, and they perform the two Rak'ahs of Tawaf behind the maqam, in compliance with a verse from the Quran: 'Take f...

Safa and Marwa are two small hills located on the eastern side of the Grand Mosque. Hajj and Umrah pilgrims walk back and forth between them seven times. This act of walking, known as Saee , is one of the integral rites of both Hajj and Umrah, which are both considered incomplete without. Safa marks the starting point of the Saee, while Marwa marks its conclusion in the seventh cycle. Design of Safa and Marwa The designated path for the movement of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims between Safa and Marwa...

The Third Saudi Expansion of the Grand Mosque is the latest expansion of the Grand Mosque and the largest in terms of area and capacity throughout history. The expansion began during the reign of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in 2011. Its works were completed and inaugurated by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in 2015. Its work continues to this day. Additions of the Third Saudi Expansion of the Grand Mosque Four minarets were added during the expa...

The Second Saudi Expansion of the Grand Mosque is the second increase in the area and structure of the Grand Mosque during the Saudi era. It was directed by King Fahd Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the western side of the Grand Mosque. The foundation stone was laid in 1988, and the expansion began in the area known as the Small Market, which extended between King Abdulaziz Gate and Umrah Gate. The project components consisted of a ground floor, an upper floor, and a basement. Elements of the Second S...

The Black Stone is a sacred stone for Muslims. It was sent down from heaven and placed in the southeastern corner of al-Kaaba al-Musharrafa in ancient times, adjacent to the Yamani corner on the eastern side of al-Kaaba. It marks the beginning and end of the Tawaf (circumambulation). It comprises eight fragments from its surface, assembled together in different shapes and encased by a silver frame, appearing in an oval shape. The claim is that there are fifteen pieces in total, with the remaini...

The Grand Mosque is the mosque that houses al-Kaaba al-Musharrafa, the Qibla for Muslims. It is the holiest site on earth for them, as they orient themselves towards it and face it during prayer, regardless of where they are. It derives its name, Masjid al-Haram , from the prohibition of combat within its grounds. Located in Makkah al-Mukarramah, it is directly overseen by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. It is the oldest mosque in the wo...