Masjid al-Haram (Masjidil Haram / Al-Masjid al-Haram) is the most important place for Muslims. It is the largest mosque in the world and also known as the Grand Mosque. The second largest mosque is Masjid al-Nabawi and it is located in Medina. Masjid al-Haram is located in the city of Mecca (Makkah) Al Mukharamah, Saudi Arabia. Makkah is a Haram area, where the non-Muslims are not allowed to enter this area. Masjid al-Haram was built surrounds the Kaaba (Kaabah). Kaaba is a Qiblat (Qibla or Kiblah) for Muslims. The Qiblat is a center point of direction for Muslims. All Muslims around the world must facing toward Qiblat during the Solat (prayer). The Grand Mosque can accommodate up to four million people at one time.

Lately, the demand was increasing drastically because Islamic population getting bigger. The current size is very limited and not enough to fulfill the current demand. That’s why there is a quota to control the number of travelers from every country especially during the Hajj season and Ramadan season. The Saudi government is doing something to solve the problem.

Currently there is a mega construction to extend the mosque. This is a fourth extension which began in 2007. In the future, Masjid al-Haram can support more people from all around the world. The overcrowded problem is very dangerous to the travelers. According to the statistic, at least 2400 Muslim pilgrims have been killed in stampede since 1990. I hope with a bigger mosque, it can solve many problems.


The Kaaba.


Not far from Abdul Aziz Gate which is located on the east.


Marwah (Al-Marwah) is a small mountain. It is located 91m from the Kaabah.


Al-Safa and Al-Marwah. This is where the people perform Sa’ee (Sa’i).


The distance between Safa and Marwah is around 450 meters.


Al-Marwah and Fatah Gate.


So many people are walking toward the Masjid al-Haram at the construction area. Where’s the safety?


This is Marwah viewed from the Fatah Gate.


The construction was going on at As-Salaam Gate.


The city of Mecca.


One of the buildings collapsed by the C4 bomb. The crazy thing, it happened less than 200 meters from the crowds without proper safety. This was my first time witness a tall building collapsed. Auchh, the dust.


Auchh, the traffic.


On the background, you can see Abraj Al-Bait Tower. The building is still under-construction. It will be the world’s largest building. The architecture design is wonderful.


She’ab Amer Tunnel.


She’ab Amer Tunnel.


Inside the She’ab Amer Tunnel.


This place was so scary because there is no safety.


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