Historic Mosques in Makkah

Makkah is the holiest city in Islam, and every Muslim should make the pilgrimage there to undertake Hajj or Umrah at least once in their lives. One of Islam's five pillars, Hajj, is required of all able-bodied Muslims regardless of other religious or financial commitments. Hajj and Umrah attract at least 2 million pilgrims annually from all over the globe to the holy city of Makkah. In Islamic perspective, this is a monumental occasion. The mosques in Makkah are revered throughout Islamic history for their significance and importance. Most of these mosques have historical connections to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) or his followers. To learn more about the Holy Prophets (PBUH)'s life, Umrah and Hajj pilgrims often visit the masajids in Makkah. 

1) Ar-Rayah Mosque

On the approach to Jannat Al-Ma'la, you will undoubtedly pass the Ar-Rayah Mosque. Located on Al-Masjid Al-Haram Road in Al-Hujun, it is about a kilometre from Masjid Al-Haram. In English, the word "flag" is "Ar-Rayah." Upon entering Makkah during the Conquest of Makkah, our Beloved Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. planted a flag at this same spot in Al-Hujun, as recounted by Imam Bukhari.

2) Al-Jinn Mosque

After visiting the Ar-Rayah Mosque, the Al-Jinn Mosque, located just around 300 metres away, would be the next mosque you would view. Although the Al-Harras Mosque is a more common name, the appellation "Great Mosque" has gained excellent traction and is used more often. This mosque was built to remind the Holy Prophet (PBUH)'s dawah (missionary effort) to a band of Jinn. Together with a man named Abdullah bin Mas'ud, the Prophet s.a.w. visited this spot in Al-Hujun. The Prophet read from the Holy Qur'an and provided them nourishment in the shape of bones when he arrived at this spot.

3) Asy-Syajarah Mosque

Asy-Syajarah Mosque can be found just across the street from Al-Jinn Mosque. In honour of one of the Prophet's many miracles, this mosque was built. Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab recounted how, on one occasion, the nonbelievers in Al-Hujun rejected Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. when he gave dawah to them.

4) Bai’ah Ar-Ridhwan Mosque or Hudaibiyyah Mosque

Hudaibiyyah Mosque, also known as Bai'ah Ar-Ridhwan Mosque, is the first mosque on the list. About 24 kilometres from Masjid AlHaram and 2 kilometres outside Makkah's borders lies the village of Syumaisi, where you'll find this mosque. In this ancient mosque, the companions pledged their allegiance to the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. The name "Bai'ah Ar-Ridhwan" was eventually given to this alliance.

5) Sayyidah Aishah Mosque

This mosque is well-known as a miqat site but is also well recognised as the symbolic point of entry into Makkah. Most pilgrims arriving from Madinah will walk past this massive and unusual mosque since it is the closest to the Makkah border (it is located about 7.5 kilometres north of Masjid Al-Haram). Additionally called Masjid Tan'im, this mosque has several names. It is here that you will find the closest mosque or miqat spot to put your intentions to complete your Umrah outside of the scheduled Umrah sessions with your tour group.

Many additional ancient mosques in Makkah exist, such as the Mosque of Sayyidina Hamzah and Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab, although their integrity has yet to be established. If you are planning an Umrah or Hajj in the near future, you may want to consider stopping in at one of the five mosques listed above. I pray that your Umrah is blessed and accepted by Allah.