Why is it called masjid al haram- 6 Unique rules and customs

Discover the reason behind the name ‘Masjid al-Haram’, the holiest site in Islam. and understand that why is it called masjid al haram among Muslim culture.

The name ‘Masjid al-Haram’ translates to “the sacred mosque” in English. It is also known as the Great Mosque of Mecca or simply, The Grand Mosque. This holy site holds great significance for Muslims all around the world and is considered one of the most important places of worship in Islam.

Historical Background and Who build masjid al-haram

The historical origins of Masjid al-Haram date back to the time of Abraham (Ibrahim), a prophet in Islam. According to Islamic tradition, Abraham constructed the Kaaba in the mosque’s courtyard with the help of his son Ishmael. The Kaaba, a cuboid structure, is revered as the ‘House of God’ and is the qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims worldwide.
Historical records suggest that the mosque has undergone numerous expansions and renovations throughout the centuries, reflecting the architectural styles and materials of the respective periods. Today, it stands as a symbol of unity and fraternity, hosting millions of pilgrims annually during the Hajj and Umrah.

Masjid al-Haram is also home to the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad), one of Islam’s most sacred relics. According to Islamic belief, it was bestowed upon Abraham by the angel Gabriel and later placed in the Kaaba by Prophet Muhammad himself. It is customary for pilgrims to kiss or touch the Black Stone during their circumambulation (tawaf) of the Kaaba, believing it to possess spiritual powers.

The mosque’s layout is designed in a quadrilateral shape and covers an area of approximately 88 acres. It can accommodate over 4 million worshippers at once, making it one of the largest mosques in the world.

The Meaning of ‘Masjid Al Haram’

The name ‘Masjid Al-Haram’ comes from Arabic, where ‘Masjid’ translates to ‘a place of worship’ or ‘mosque’, and ‘Al-Haram’ means ‘sacred’ or ‘forbidden’. Therefore, ‘Masjid Al-Haram’ can be interpreted as ‘the sacred mosque’ not ‘the forbidden mosque’. The term ‘forbidden’ in this context doesn’t imply a prohibition from visiting or worshipping in the mosque. Instead, it signifies a high level of sanctity and respect accorded to the place.

Why is Haram Al Sharif important?

For Muslims, Haram Al Sharif is venerated due to its connection to significant Islamic events. It is believed to be the site of the Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous Night Journey and ascension (Isra and Mi’raj) to the heavens. This journey marks a cornerstone of the Islamic faith and spiritual tradition.

Haram Al Sharif is home to two monumental Islamic structures, the al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. The former is regarded as the first qibla (direction of prayer) before it was changed to the Kaaba in Mecca. The Dome of the Rock, with its distinctive golden dome, is believed to enshrine the rock from which Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven.

The religious significance of Masjid Al Haram in Islam

• Masjid Al-Haram holds unparalleled religious significance in Islam.
• The Kaaba, located at the heart of the mosque, is considered the holiest site in Islam.
• Muslims across the globe orient their prayers towards the Kaaba.
• Masjid Al-Haram is the epicenter of the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam.
• Every physically and financially able Muslim is required to undertake Hajj at least once in their lifetime.
• Circumambulating around the Kaaba and praying within Masjid Al-Haram brings immense spiritual rewards.
• The mosque also houses Maqam Ibrahim and Zamzam Well, which have significant historical and spiritual contexts.
• Masjid Al-Haram symbolizes unity, equality, and the shared spiritual journey of Muslims worldwide.

Unique rules and customs associated with Masjid Al Haram

Visiting Masjid Al-Haram is required specific customs and rules unique to the holy site:

• Ihram: Before entering the boundaries of the sacred precincts of the mosque, both male and female pilgrims are required to enter a state of Ihram. This involves wearing specific garments and observing a set of restrictions to purify oneself physically and spiritually.
• Circumambulation (Tawaf): On arrival at the mosque, pilgrims perform seven rounds of circumambulation around the Kaaba, in a counterclockwise direction. This act symbolizes the belief in the oneness of God.
• Walking between Safa and Marwah (Sa’ee): Sa’ee is another important ritual conducted within the mosque. It involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, re-enacting Hagar’s desperate search for water for her son Ishmael.
• Kissing or touching the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad): Although not compulsory, many pilgrims strive to touch or kiss the Black Stone, believed to be a celestial stone sent by God.
• Praying Two Raka’ah Behind Maqam Ibrahim: After performing Tawaf, it is Sunnah for pilgrims to offer two units of prayer near Maqam Ibrahim.
• Drinking from the Zamzam Well: Pilgrims are encouraged to drink from the Zamzam Well, a miraculous spring believed to have sprung when baby Ishmael hit the ground with his heel.

Remember, while Masjid Al-Haram is open to all, non-Muslims are prohibited from entering the city of Mecca, including the precincts of the mosque. This prohibition symbolizes the sanctity and exclusive Islamic nature of the city.

In conclusion on why is it called masjid al haram,

Masjid Al-Haram and Haram Al Sharif are sites of religious significance in Islam. Home to revered structures like the Kaaba, the Black Stone, Al-Aqsa Mosque, and Dome of the Rock, these sacred precincts echo with historical, spiritual, and cultural resonance. The rituals performed here, from the Tawaf to the Sa’ee, signify intense spiritual experience for millions of Muslims around the world. The exclusivity of Mecca and the unique customs associated with these sites underscore the holiness accorded to these places. As Muslims turn towards these sites for their daily prayers, they are a constant reminder of unity, equality, and a shared spiritual journey.

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Further Resources

For those interested in further exploring the religious significance of Masjid Al-Haram and Haram Al Sharif in Islam, the following resources are available:

• Books:
• “The Hajj: The Muslim Pilgrimage to Mecca and the Holy Places” by F.E. Peters
• “A Season in Mecca: Narrative of a Pilgrimage” by Abdellah Hammoudi
• Online Resources:
• IslamicLandmarks.com provides comprehensive information about Islamic historical and religious sites.
• Qalam Institute Hajj Prophetic Series offers a podcast series explaining the Hajj pilgrimage in detail.
• Documentaries:
• “The Sacred City” by BBC and “Inside Mecca” by National Geographic offer insightful perspectives on the Hajj pilgrimage.
• Virtual Tours:
• Virtual Tour of Masjid Al-Haram and Virtual Tour of Haram Al Sharif offer realistic, immersive experiences for those unable to make the journey.