Mosques are crucially important for Muslim culture and religion. On this occasion, we will explore the most important of them: Masjid al-Haram Mosque, which is the most important in the city of Mecca, while it is the most important sacred place in Islam.
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History of the Masjid Al-Haram Mosque
The current Masjid al-Haram mosque, considered the largest in the world, dates back to 1570, having been built for the first time in 638, when Caliph Umar Ibn al-Jattab saw the need to enlarge the place due to the growing number of Muslims. In order to be able to carry out this extension, it was decided to annex a part of the land adjacent to the mosque. At the same time, the construction was renovated and arches with mosaic decoration were erected on columns of Egypt and Syria.
Caliph Abu Jaafar al Mansur had a large portion of land joined the mosque and ordered the construction of a circular corridor. Some time later, in 776, the Caliph Al Mahdi made his pilgrimage to the Mecca and decided to buy the houses that were between the Masjid al-Haram and Massaa mosque, which were demolished so that their land has been able to be joined to the own mosque.
It took many years and kingdoms of the mosque to be remodeled again for long periods that only had restoration and repairing work done.
Finally, in 1955, King Saud Ben Abdel Aziz suggested an impressive expansion and repairing plan for the mosque, so it is to reach 200,000 m2 and five years later, from 30,000 m2 it was then. Today, the mosque is 320,000 m2 and has space for one million faithful. In spite of the changes that it underwent over time, the most important one that Meca implies still maintains its essence, being the place of pilgrimage of excellence.
Structure of the Masjid al-Haram Mosque
Masjid al-Haram is shaped like a square, which is surrounded by stone walls. A marble floor called mataf surrounds the inner sactuary. Kaaba, which is the holiest temple in Islam, which is in the center of the central courtyard. In the Kaaba, the black stone is embedded, which plays a crucial role in the pilgrimage Mecca.
The legend of the mosque of Masjid Al-Haram
Before humanity was created, Al Haram Al Sherif was created, which is reflected in the place of the Earth cult of angels. However, it was later destroyed to be rebuilt by Adam, who, being an archetype of the human being had the mission of rebuilding the celestial Kaaba on Earth. However, the principles of Islam began to be forgotten and many prophets are needed to remember and restore the original covenant between God and the creatures he created.
Finally, it was Abraham with the help of Ishmael who rebuilt the Kaaba for the last time. The structure has black stone, which is original paradise and owes its color to the sins of mankind.