UMRAH 2026 - MAKKAH - MASJID AL-HARAM

Assalamualaikum.

A view from our hotel room. 

Roughly an hour before the Zohor adhan, we made our way from the Makkah Towers to the Grand Mosque to secure a comfortable prayer spot before it reaches capacity. Even at 11:00 am or 12:00 pm, the Makkah sun can be intense; since we were staying so close, this early departure helps us avoid the peak midday heat on the outdoor marble.

Being able to perform my five daily prayers and additional acts of worship within the sacred walls of Masjidil Haram is a profound gift. To perform my prayers inside such a blessed place is a mercy I deeply treasure. I found myself cherishing every single step of the walk from our hotel to the Grand Mosque, mindful of the authentic Hadiths that describe the immense merits and rewards written for a believer with every stride taken toward the House of Allah. Those short walks became some of my most cherished moments of reflection.

In Islam, walking to a mosque is highly rewarded, with numerous authentic hadiths detailing specific merits for every step taken. Walking to the Masjid, including Masjidil Haram, brings immense rewards: every step erases a sin, raises a rank in Jannah, and constitutes charity. The furthest walking distance earns the greatest reward. 

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized that the act of walking itself is an act of worship. Key rewards mentioned in Sahih (authentic) collections include: 

🔹Expiation of Sins & Raising of Status: For every step taken, one sin is wiped out and one’s rank in Jannah (Paradise) is elevated.

Source: Sahih Muslim 666.

🔹Charity (Sadaqah): Every step a person takes toward the prayer is counted as an act of charity.

Source: Sahih Bukhari 2989; Sahih Muslim 1009.

🔹Hospitality in Paradise: For every morning and afternoon journey to the mosque, Allah prepares an honorable place (abode) and hospitality in Paradise.

Source: Sahih Bukhari 662; Sahih Muslim 669.

🔹Distance Multiplies Reward: Those who walk the furthest receive the greatest rewards for their prayer.

Source: Sahih Muslim 662. 

🔹Recording of Footsteps: The Prophet (ﷺ) discouraged tribes from moving closer to the mosque specifically so their many steps would continue to be recorded as good deeds.

Source: Sahih Bukhari 655, 656; Sahih Muslim 665.

During our stay in Makkah, we were blessed to be at the Makkah Towers Hotel, located directly adjacent to Masjid al-Haram. Situated within the Abraj Al Bait complex, it is one of the closest hotels to the Holy Mosque—less than 200 metres from the perimeter. Its prime location right in front of Gate 84 (King Abdullah Gate) near the King Abdullah Expansion made our daily walks for prayer incredibly short and convenient. Having such a major entrance right at our doorstep made attending the five daily prayers effortless and comfortable. Since we were staying so close, we could easily return to the hotel for a quick rest between Asr and Maghrib if needed.

The grand Gate 84 served as our daily gateway to Masjidil Haram and became a cherished ritual for us. Entering through this specific gate always felt like a welcoming start to our time of prayer and reflection inside the Haram. Its location right in front of the Makkah Towers made our commute for the five daily prayers incredibly easy and efficient. As of February 2026, Gate 84 remains one of the primary and most accessible entrances for those staying in the Abraj Al Bait complex.

No matter how many times I enter Masjidil Haram, I remain—and will always be—completely in awe of it. The polished white marble floors and pillars, the soaring ceilings adorned with grand chandeliers, and the serene atmosphere are all masterfully designed to be profoundly spiritual. Every detail is focused on one purpose: enabling worshippers to face the Kaaba in total peace.

Praying in Masjidil Haram (the Sacred Mosque) in Makkah is uniquely rewarded according to authentic Hadiths, most notably for the immense multiplication of its value compared to other locations. 

📘Key Hadiths on Rewards

🔹The 100,000-Fold Reward: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, "One prayer in my mosque [in Madinah] is better than one thousand prayers elsewhere, except in Al-Masjid Al-Haram, and one prayer in Al-Masjid Al-Haram is better than one hundred thousand prayers elsewhere" - Sunan Ibn Majah 1406.

🔹Comparison to Masjid an-Nabawi: In another narration, it is mentioned that prayer in the Sacred Mosque is 100 times better than prayer in the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah - Musnad Ahmad 15685.

🔹Travel for Excellence: The Prophet ﷺ also emphasized its importance by stating, "Do not undertake a journey [for religious excellence] except to three mosques: Al-Masjid Al-Haram, this mosque of mine, and Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa" - Sahih al-Bukhari 1189. 

📘Important Nuances

🔹Scope of the Reward: There is a scholarly debate on whether this reward applies only to the masjid building itself or the entire Haram boundary of Makkah. Some scholars, like Ibn Baz, argue it covers the whole sanctuary, while others limit it to the Mosque of the Ka'bah.

🔹Types of Prayer: The multiplication applies to both obligatory (Fard) and voluntary (Sunnah/Nawafil) prayers.

🔹Historical Significance: When asked which mosque was established first on Earth, the Prophet ﷺ replied, "Al-Masjid al-Haram" - Sahih Muslim 520a.

The prayer halls of Masjid al-Haram are a marvel of scale and devotion. Spanning multiple levels, the open-plan design allows millions to gather in concentric circles around the Kaaba. 

🔹From the polished marble underfoot to the grand chandeliers hanging from high ceilings, the space balances modern air-conditioned comfort with the traditional beauty of the outdoor courtyards, creating a spiritual atmosphere unlike any other.

🔹The entire structure is oriented around the Mataf (circumambulation area) and the Kaaba, making it a "center-focused" hall rather than a traditional directional (qibla) hall.

🔹High, white arched ceilings are adorned with large, ornate chandeliers. Many areas have modern, intricate Islamic geometric designs.

🔹The prayer space is massive, including air-conditioned, carpeted, and intricately designed indoor halls, as well as expansive open-air rooftop terraces.

🔹Like most traditional mosques, the prayer hall is open, without pews or fixed seating, allowing for maximum capacity, with carpeted areas for prostration.

Mosque	Prayer Reward Multiplier	Source
Masjidil Haram (Makkah)	100,000 times	Sunan Ibn Majah 1406
Masjid An-Nabawi (Madinah)	1,000 times	Sahih Bukhari 1190
Masjid Al-Aqsa (Jerusalem)	500 times	Al-Bazzaar / Sunan Ibn Majah

This is one of the designated prayer areas for women, which my wife noted reaches full capacity very quickly. To ensure a comfortable space inside, it is essential to arrive well before the Adhan.

🔹In Masjid al-Haram, once the women's sections are full, security officers often place barriers to redirect latecomers to the outdoor courtyards or upper roofs.

🔹Entering via Gate 84 usually leads to some of the largest indoor halls, but because they are so accessible from the Makkah Towers, they are also the first to reach capacity.

Following the Zohor congregation, I exited via Gate 84 and took the short walk back to our hotel for a midday meal, grateful for the close proximity that allowed us to escape the afternoon heat quickly.

The exit flow immediately after Salam can be intense. Waiting 10–15 minutes inside the mosque for the initial "wave" to pass often makes the exit much calmer and safer.

The Makkah Towers Hotel.

Since Masjid al-Haram features gender-segregated prayer areas, my wife and I naturally separated once inside. To navigate the massive crowds, we pre-arranged a reliable rendezvous point: the KFC on the ground floor of the Makkah Towers Hotel building, where we reunited after every prayer. It was a familiar, easy-to-find landmark that saved us from any worry about getting lost in the post-prayer rush. Reconnecting there after each prayer became a seamless part of our daily routine. 

Mealtimes were a highlight of our Andalusia package, with a full board of breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Al Fayhaa Restaurant. The Far East Asian buffet offered a comforting taste of home, and it was wonderful refresher between prayers, and the restaurant was always buzzing with the friendly faces of our Malaysian and Indonesian brothers and sisters.

Since the restaurant is shared by multiple Andalusia and Indonesian groups, it can get quite busy immediately after Zohor and Isyak. Arriving slightly later or heading back to the KFC rendezvous point first can help us avoid the initial buffet lines.

Following a hearty meal, we enjoyed a quiet rest in our room—a much-needed break to recharge. Once refreshed, we made our way back to the Grand Mosque to join the congregation for Asar.

Masjidil Haram (the Sacred Mosque) in Mecca is the holiest site in Islam and holds several world-record-breaking and historically significant features. 

📘Fascinating Facts 

🔹World’s Largest and Most Expensive Mosque: Spanning over 356,800 square meters, it can accommodate up to 4 million worshippers during peak times like Hajj. It is also recognized as the most expensive building in the world, with construction costs estimated at $100 billion.

🔹Home to the Kaaba: At its center is the Kaaba, the cubic structure Muslims worldwide face during prayer. According to Islamic tradition, it was first built by the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Ishmael). Located at the center, the Kaaba is covered by a 670 kg silk cloth (Kiswah) embroidered with gold and silver.

🔹The Miraculous Zamzam Well: Located 20 meters east of the Kaaba and 30 meters deep, the Zamzam Well has been providing water for over 4,000 to 5,000 years. It is believed to have appeared miraculously to quench the thirst of the infant Ismail.

🔹The Celestial Black Stone: Set into the eastern corner of the Kaaba is the Hajr-e-Aswad (Black Stone). Tradition states it was brought from Paradise (Jannah) by an angel and was originally white but turned black by the sins of humanity.

🔹Never-Ending Worship: The mosque is open 24/7 and has remained open for over 1,400 years, rarely ever closing its doors to worshippers. The mosque never closes, allowing for continuous prayer and circumambulation (Tawaf) of the Kaaba.

🔹Constant Cleaning: A dedicated team of 3,500 staff cleans the premises, keeping it pristine 24 hours a day.

🔹Architecture & Gates: The mosque features 13-21 minarets and over 210 gates, including the King Abdulaziz Gate.

🔹Technology & Service: The mosque is equipped with 8,000 speakers, 120,000 lighting units, and 9,774 toilets. It also features 19 cabins for religious guidance and 24/7 multilingual support.

🔹Heat Regulation: The white marble floors are specially designed to reflect light and heat, remaining cool even in the intense Saudi Arabian sun.

🔹Sacred Landmarks: The mosque complex also encloses: 

●Maqam Ibrahim: A stone featuring the footprints of Prophet Ibrahim, believed to have miraculously risen as he built the Kaaba's walls. 

●Safa and Marwa: Two hills between which pilgrims walk seven times to commemorate Hagar's search for water.

The carpets in Masjidil Haram (the Grand Mosque in Makkah) and Masjid al-Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah) are "chipped" in the sense that they contain electronic RFID chips. 

📘This high-tech tracking system is used to manage the vast number of prayer mats across the holy sites: 

🔹Tracking and Maintenance: Each chip is linked to an electronic system that stores information about the carpet’s manufacture date, usage history, and location.

🔹Cleaning Schedules: The chips allow authorities to track exactly when each carpet was last washed, sterilized, and scented, ensuring the highest level of hygiene for worshippers.

🔹Inventory Management: There are over 25,000 carpets in Masjid al-Nabawi alone; the RFID system helps in counting and identifying each individual carpet to streamline replacement and movement. 

🔹The carpets are specifically manufactured in Saudi Arabia to meet these technical standards, moving away from previously imported versions to provide a durable, uniform environment for millions of pilgrims.

Masjid al-Haram (The Sacred Mosque) in Makkah is not only the largest mosque in the world but also the oldest and most historically significant site in Islam. Its history spans thousands of years, transitioning from a simple open space around the Kaaba to the massive architectural marvel we see today.

Here are some of the most fascinating historical facts about this sacred site:

1. The Pre-Islamic Origins

While the mosque as a structure has evolved, the site’s history predates the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by millennia. 

🔹The First House: Islamic tradition holds that the Kaaba was first built by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail.

🔹No Walls: Before the Islamic era, there were no walls surrounding the Kaaba. It was simply an open circular area where people gathered to worship. Houses were built right up to the edge of the Mataf (the circumambulation area). 

2. The Evolution of the Walls

The mosque didn't always have its iconic boundaries. The physical structure was expanded out of necessity as the number of pilgrims grew: 

🔹The First Expansion: In 638 CE, Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab bought the surrounding houses, demolished them, and built a small wall around the Kaaba to define the mosque's prayer area.

🔹The Introduction of Arches: It was during the Abbasid Caliphate (specifically under Al-Mahdi) that the mosque first took on a more "traditional" look with the introduction of marble columns and covered porticos. 

🔹Modern Expansion: The current structure mostly dates back to 1571 during the Ottoman era, with major expansions starting in the 1950s under the Saudi kings.

🔹Capacity: The mosque has grown from a small area to a massive complex capable of holding over 2.5 million worshippers. 

3. The "Unstoppable" Water

Historically, Makkah was prone to flash floods because the Kaaba sits in a valley (Wadi). 

🔹The 1941 Flood: One of the most famous historical photos shows the Kaaba surrounded by deep water. Because the prayer (Tawaf) must never stop, people were seen swimming around the Kaaba to complete their rituals.

🔹The Solution: Modern engineering and sophisticated drainage systems installed in the late 20th century have finally mitigated this ancient problem. 

4. The Changing Colors of the Kaaba

We are used to seeing the Kaaba in its black silk Kiswa, but this wasn't always the case. 

🔹A Colorful History: At various points in history, the Kaaba was draped in green, white, and even red fabrics.

🔹The Abbasids: They eventually settled on black, partly because it was the color of their dynasty and partly because it was the most durable color for the harsh desert sun. 

5. Architectural Firsts

🔹The Seven Minarets: For centuries, Masjid al-Haram was the only mosque in the world allowed to have seven minarets. When the Blue Mosque in Istanbul was built with six, it caused a scandal because it rivaled Makkah. To resolve this, the Ottoman Sultan funded the construction of a seventh minaret in Makkah to maintain its supremacy.

🔹The Door of Gold: The current door of the Kaaba contains approximately 280 kilograms of 24-karat gold. 

6. The Miraculous Well of Zamzam 

Located within the mosque premises, the Well of Zamzam has been pumping water for roughly 4,000 years. 

🔹Self-Sustaining: Despite millions of gallons being consumed every year, the water level remains consistent.

🔹Historical Discovery: The well was lost for centuries until it was rediscovered by the Prophet’s grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, following a series of dreams.

7. The Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) 

🔹Heavenly Origin: According to tradition, the Black Stone descended from Paradise, appearing whiter than milk before turning black due to the sins of mankind.

🔹Prophetic Restoration: When the Kaaba was rebuilt, a dispute arose among the Quraish tribes regarding who would place the Black Stone. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) resolved this by placing it with his own hands.

🔹Theft and Return: In 930 AD, the Qarmatians stole the Black Stone, returning it over 20 years later.

Era	Key Contribution
Prophetic Era	Focus on the Kaaba as the Qibla (624 CE).
Rashidun Caliphate	First formal walls and introduction of lamps.
Ottoman Era	Major renovation of the roof and the iconic marble domes.
Saudi Era	Massive expansions (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) increasing capacity to millions.

KFC, our meeting point after each prayer.

When it was time for the Maghrib prayer, we followed our usual routine and left the Makkah Towers about an hour before the Adhan. But the mosque was exceptionally busy, and the internal prayer halls had already reached capacity reminding us just how quickly the section can fill up during the sunset prayer. We were redirected by the authorities to the roof level, which offered a different but equally spiritual perspective of the Haram.

While we couldn't secure our usual spots, praying under the open sky turned out to be a truly beautiful experience. Our redirection to the roof was a blessing in disguise. 

 

Being on the roof—especially as the sun begins to set—is widely considered one of the most breath-taking moments in Makkah. From that vantage point, the Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower and the surrounding skyline stand out with stunning clarity.

Though the daytime heat can be intense, the roof becomes pleasant and cool as gentle evening breeze blowing through the prayer rows during Maghrib and Isyak, making it an incredibly peaceful place for worship.

While we waited for the Maghrib Adhan, several volunteers moved through the rows distributing Iftar Packs to the congregation. These sterilized, pre-packaged meals are provided daily at Masjidil Haram, typically containing dates, bread, yogurt, and bottled water. It was a heartwarming sight to see these packs being handed out in our designated area, ensuring everyone was ready to break their fast together.

Key Details on Iftar Packs at Masjidil Haram:

🔹Contents: Standard packs typically include dates (Kurma), water, yogurt (120g/170g), bread, and often small cakes or pastries.

🔹Distribution Process: Meals are distributed by approved staff and volunteers inside prayer areas and during Tawaf/Sa'i in sterilized, organized, and sealed packages.

🔹Regulations: Individual, unauthorized food distribution is banned. Meals must come from registered charities or catering firms to ensure food safety and cleanliness.

🔹Timing: While focused on Ramadan, special, smaller-scale distributions often occur on Mondays, Thursdays, and the 13th-15th of each lunar month (White Days).

🔹Organization: The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque manages the distribution to ensure hygiene and efficiency.

This is the Iftar Packs at Masjidil Haram. 

In Masjidil Haram (Makkah), the tradition of breaking the fast is a massive, highly coordinated operation centered on simplicity and hygiene.

The soft, fading blue of the sunset sky contrasts beautifully with the warm glow of the minaret in the background. This rooftop area is favored by many for its calmer atmosphere and cool air circulation compared to the indoor prayer halls.

Waiting for the Maghrib Adhan among the marble domes. The rooftop offers such a serene atmosphere for reflection. 

Looking up from the rooftop, the Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower dominates the skyline, its golden lights just beginning to twinkle against the evening sky. This perspective emphasizes the sheer scale of the tower, which stands at 601 meters as a modern landmark overlooking the ancient mosque.

The blend of the traditional mosque architecture in the foreground with the towering hotels of the Abraj Al Bait complex reflects Makkah's unique combination of sanctity and modernity.

As night falls, the rooftop is fully illuminated by powerful floodlights, revealing a bustling crowd of pilgrims. 

The view of the Makkah skyline is unmatched from up here, and the evening air was so refreshing. It was a wonderful way to experience the Grand Mosque from a different perspective.

Brilliant white minarets stand as beacons against the dark sky, while the lights of the surrounding high-rise buildings create a vibrant, urban backdrop.

This photo captures the dynamic energy of the Haram at night, where thousands of believers from all over the world gather in a shared moment of devotion and unity.

Captured from a low angle, this night view focuses on the iconic green clock face of the Makkah Royal Clock Tower. The tower’s golden lighting and the glowing white minaret in the foreground create a striking visual contrast against the pitch-black sky.

The green light of the clock is a symbol of peace and faith, often signaling the start of prayer times to pilgrims throughout the city.

Since we visited during winter, the time between Maghrib and Isyak was quite short, so we usually chose to stay inside Masjid al-Haram rather than heading back to the hotel. Once the initial rush of worshippers leaving after Maghrib had settled, I would make my way to my usual spot in the Level 1 prayer hall to wait peacefully for the Isyak Adhan.

Leaving Masjid al-Haram after the Isyak prayer, we exited through Gate 84 for the short walk back to the Makkah Towers Hotel. This nightly stroll offered us spectacular views of the illuminated outer courtyards and the majestic skyscrapers of the Abraj Al Bait complex towering above.

The Grand Mosque's courtyards felt magical under the night lights, framed by the impressive architecture of the surrounding towers.

We rounded off each blessed day with dinner at Al Fayhaa Restaurant, located on the 6th floor of the Makkah Towers. We truly appreciated the convenience of our full-board Umrah package, which allowed us to focus on our worship without worrying about meals.

Having everything ready in a buffet style was a significant blessing. If we had to buy meals independently, the process would have been incredibly time-consuming: walking to nearby restaurants, navigating peak-hour queues, deciding what to eat, and then heading back to our room. By avoiding the extra effort of searching for food and cleaning up afterward, we were able to protect our rest time, which was essential for maintaining our energy throughout the pilgrimage. 

To be continued.

 

Till the next coming entry, inshaAllah. Meanwhile do take care.

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