1. MAKKAH MUKARRAMA
This is the purest part of the earth. This is the place which is chosen by
Almighty Allah (GOD) for His HAR`M. In Holy "Quran" it is called "BA-BAKKATUL
MUBARKA". This part of the earth is also discussed and explained in other
religious book like Bible.
It was a rough and colorless place which was covered by black mountains. There
was neither any source of water nor any type of bushes. No body, could think
about life but Almighty Allah chose this place, and now, it is a beautiful,
modern city, which colors and lights are indescribable. It is called "UM-MUL
QURA" which means the mother of all cities.
Due to respect and purity, there is no Airport in Makkah but in Jeddah, which is
one hour drive away has two International Airports and a sea port . Jeddah is
the first destination for the pilgrims. Umra pilgrims may easily come to makkah
from both of the jeddah airports by buses and taxis which are easily available
out side airports.. Buses generally takes 20 riyal per person whereas private
taxis charges 100 riyals. Already arranged transport is provided to Haj pilgrims
who goes their through proper haj scheme.
Around masjid-ul-Haram in Makkah a number of modern hotels and apartments are
available where pilgrims can stay. In Hajj and during Ramadan rates are very
high but negotiable whereas, in other months rates are considerably low and
rooms are easily available. A number of international telephone booths are
available around Makkah Mosque. computerized public call offices are also there.
From midnight to Salat-ul-Fajr, discounted rates on International calls are
applied.
The main bus terminus is situated near to Bab-e-Fahad (One of the gate of
Masjid-ul-Haram) where government buses (SABTACO--saudi arabian gus transport
corporation--) are available round the clock for Madina-e-Munawwara and other
cities of Saudi Arabia.
According to Syedna Ali (R.A), there is difference between Makkah and Bakkah.
The city is called Makkah but inner side of Haram where Tawaf is done is called
Bakkah. It looks logical as Tawaf is not allowed outside Haram.
The whole city is surrounded by number of dry mountains and their height is 200
to 600 feet. In fact, these mountains are natural and safety walls. It is nearly
3 Km. long from east to west and its width is 1-1/2Km. from south to north.
The name of mountains around Makkah are:
- Qalg Mount (in the north)
- Qaqian Mount (in the north)
- Hindi Mount (in the north)
- Kuda Mount (in the north)
- Abu Hadida Mount (in the south)
- Kudi Mount (in the south)
- Mount Qubais (in the south)
Mount Kuda and Mount Qubais are the most historical mount among all others. When
Prophet (P.B.U.H) conquered Makkah. He (P.B.U.H) entered in the holy city as a
conqueror (victorious) through Kuda Mount. On the other hand Qubais Mount is
called the first ever mount which was created by Almighty Allah on the earth.
Makkah is 30 meter high to sea level and its temperature varies between 25C to
50C. From December to Feburary it is medium cold but from March to October it
remains hot but June, July and August are very hot.
2. MASJID -UL- HARAM...(THE HOLY GRAND MOSQUE)
This is the Greatest mosque of the Universe where Almighty Allah blesses sawab
more than one lac times compare to the salat offered any other places / mosques.
it is called Grand mosque or Masjid-ul-Haram
In the middle of this mosque, there is KABA-TUL-LAH, which is the QIBLA (
Direction of Prayers---SALAT) of Muslims.
There are only three mosques in the world where the Prophet MUHAMMAD (S. A. W.)
ordered to come specially for offering Salat (Prayer). Out of these three, First
one is Masjid -ul- Haram.
"In masjid ul haram Almighty Allah showers 120 benefits and mercies
continuously. Out of which 60 are awarded to those who has been doing their
tawaf around the holy kabbah. 40 mercies are gifted to those who are offering
their salat (compulsory or optional nafil ) and 20 are fixed for those who are
just sitting and watching continuously towards holy kabbah"
This mosque is a unique model of construction. It is so big, millions of
faithful may gather here in the same time. Sound system is so effective, that a
man does not feel himself far from "IMAM" . Lighting system is incredible, no
one can realize when sun sets and artificial lights replace it.
There are 95 gates of Masjid -ul- Haram, out of which 5 are main gates.
In Masjid -ul- Haram, there is a Centrally Air Conditioning system.
Lifts and escalators are installed for upper level as well as the roof. A
basement is also built. Whole the Mosque is fully carpeted and thousands of cold
Zam Zam coolers are kept very systematically through out the mosque which double
its attraction.
Out of Haram newly constructed floor around the mosque has increased the
capacity of faithful to offer prayer. This floor is a model of unique
construction. Modern bathrooms and washrooms are built in the basement out side
Haram which may be used by thousands of pilgrims at a time. escalators take
pilgrims in double layered bathrooms. These bathrooms are built in front of each
and every gate of haram. superb and modern bathing and ablution facilities are
available here. some bath rooms are reserved for ladies and sign boards are
fixed over them. Arabic and english directives are written over it. In Arabic
gents wash room is called "DURA-E-MEYA RIJAL" and "DURA-E-MEYA NISA " is known
as ladies wash room. Rijal means MEN whereas NISA means Woman.
some important statistics of Masjid-ul-Haram
Main five gates of Masjid -ul- Haram are:-
- BAB -e- MALIK ABDUL AZIZ
- BAB -e- FATEH
- BAB -e- SAFA
- BAB -e- UMRA
- BAB -e- FAHAD (The Newest Gate)
Area of Masjid-ul-Haram: 365,000 Sq. Meter
Capacity of worshipers : 773,000 people
Big Tombs : 4 tombs (these are built on
Bab-e-Fatha
Bab-e-Abdul Aziz
Bab-e-Umra &
Bab-e-safa)
Small Tombs : 48 (Total 52 tombs including 4 big tombs)
Total Gates : 95
Escalators : 56
Lifts : Available near Bab-e-Safa
Minarets : 9 (Bab-e-Fahad ,Bab-e-Abdul-Aziz ,Bab-ul-Umra & Bab-e-Fatha have 2
minarets each whereas Bab-e-Safa has only one minaret.)
Height of Minarets : 92 Meters.
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