The Astonishing Marvel of Masjid Al Haram

By NCMF Commissioner Yusoph Mando
First appeared on Comm. Mando’s Facebook page on July 22, 2023

Introduction

The Masjid Al Haram, also known as the Grand Mosque of Mecca, stands as an awe-inspiring testament to human devotion and architectural brilliance. Situated in Saudi Arabia, this magnificent structure is not only a spiritual focal point for millions of Muslims around the globe but also an astonishing feat of engineering and design. Costing a staggering $100 billion to build, it ranks as the most expensive building on Earth. Let’s take a closer look at the astounding features and wonders that make this sacred place truly extraordinary.

Monumental Scale

With a sprawling size of one million square meters, the Grand Mosque of Mecca is a colossal edifice that can accommodate an astonishing three million people at once. Annually, it receives an overwhelming 20 million visitors, making it one of the busiest and most visited religious sites globally.

Uninterrupted Operation

The devotion to its purpose is evident as the Grand Mosque has remained open 24 hours a day for over 1400 years. Throughout the centuries, this sacred place has welcomed pilgrims from all walks of life, never once closing its doors, fostering a profound sense of unity and spirituality.

Immaculate Maintenance

With such an immense space to care for, maintaining the mosque is no small task. However, the authorities spare no expense to keep it pristine. The premises are attended to by a dedicated team of 1800 cleaners, equipped with 40 electric sanitary cleaning cars and 60 electric sanitary machines to ensure the open courtyards remain spotless.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Inside the Grand Mosque, visitors are greeted by an astounding display of modern facilities. There are an impressive 13,000 sanitary toilets conveniently spread throughout the premises, ensuring comfort and convenience for every visitor. Moreover, the mosque boasts a mind-boggling 25,000 water dispensers, constituting one of the largest water dispensing systems globally, providing refreshing hydration to the masses.

Climate Control and Acoustics

Mecca’s scorching climate necessitated innovative solutions to keep the interior cool and comfortable. The mosque houses a staggering 15,000 giant air conditioning units, making it one of the largest cooling systems ever implemented. Additionally, the mosque’s specially designed floor reflects light and heat, regulating the interior temperature naturally.

The Grand Sound System

To facilitate the recitation of prayers and sermons to the massive congregation, the Grand Mosque features an exceptional sound system. Boasting 6000 speakers operated by 50 sound engineering personnel, it stands as one of the most complex and impressive sound systems globally, ensuring that every worshipper can hear the message loud and clear.