Al-Masjid al-Haram
المَسْجِدُ الحَرَامُ بِمَكَّةَ المُكَرَّمَة
The universal Qibla of all Muslims, containing the Blessed Kaaba (Bayt Allah), the station of Ibrahim, and the sacred valley of Bakkah chosen by Allah for mankind's primary place of worship.
Quranic Foundation
إِنَّ أَوَّلَ بَيْتٍ وُضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِي بِبَكَّةَ مُبَارَكًا وَهُدًى لِّلْعَالَمِينَ
"Indeed, the first House established for mankind was that at Bakkah [Makkah] - blessed and a guidance for the worlds." Surah Ali 'Imran (3:96)
The Sacred Landmarks of the Sanctuary
Every monument inside Al-Haram carries millennia of monotheistic history
The Holy Ka'aba
الكعبة المشرفةThe cubic house of Allah built by Ibrahim and Ismail (AS), draped in the Kiswah, housing the Black Stone (Al-Hajar al-Aswad).
Maqam Ibrahim
مقام إبراهيمThe sacred stone bearing the physical footprint of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) as he stood to construct the upper walls of the Ka'aba.
Hijr Ismail (Al-Hateem)
حجر إسماعيل / الحطيمThe semi-circular low wall adjacent to the Ka'aba, considered intrinsically part of the interior Ka'aba.
Well of Zamzam
بئر زمزمThe miraculous spring brought forth by angel Jibril for Hajar and infant Ismail (AS) in the parched valley.
Safa and Marwa
الصفا والمروةThe two sacred hills between which pilgrims perform the Sa'i rite following the steps of mother Hajar.
Chronology of Expansions
From Ibrahim's foundations to modern architectural marvels