Hijjah 2, 1433, October 18, 2012, SPA -- Makkah and the surrounding holy places are home of historical mosques that have played great roles in the history of Islam as some of them have witnessed historical events. Some of them also still carry the old shapes of construction, others enjoyed rehabilitation during different times of history. Al-Taneem, located some seven kilometers from the Grand Mosque in Makkah is where the mother of Muslims, Aiyesha bint Abi Bakr, wife of Prophet Mohammed (pbuh), started Umrah (minor Hajj) in the year 29 H. and where pilgrims coming to Makkah who missed a Miqat (where to dress (Ihram - Hajj white cloth-) could make a new start for Hajj or Umrah. With a total area of 84000 sq.m. and a cost of SR100 million, it was rehabilitated in the era of late Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz. In the eastern parts of Makkah, Al-Juaranah Mosque, located at 24 kilometers, is the spot for Makkah residents to start Hajj, dressing of Ihram. Al-Juranah is also the site of giving away by Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) of the gains Muslims have captured from their enemy at Hunain battle. Al-Baiaa (allegiance pledge) mosque is located in the eastern part of Makkah. It still carries its historical shape, and is believed to be built during the era of Caliph Abu-Jaafar Al-Mansour in the year 144H. In the spot where the mosque is existing, Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) has concluded an allegiance pledge with 12 leaders of two great Arabian tribes: Al-Aws and Al-Khazraj who came from Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah. Al-Jinn mosque is some 2000 meters north of the holy mosque. It is where a group of Jinn offered allegiance pledge to the prophet . It is also called Al-Haras (guard) mosque, rehabilited in 1421 H. Heading towards Jeddah from Makkah along the old expressway, you will find Al-Hudaybiyah mosque, now called Al-Shamsi, 24 km from the holy Haram of Makkah. Still the old mosque, built of black stone and mud, is surviving. However, a new one was built in the adjacent. Al-Kheef mosque in Mina valley on the way pilgrims take to the mount of Arafat, the peak of Hajj, is where the prophet performed the dawn prayer while ascending to Arafat. It was rehabilitated at a cost of SR90 million in 1407H. Al-Mashaer Al-Haram mosque, located in Muzdalifah, where pilgrims stay the night after coming back from Arafat, was expanded and rebuilt during the Saudi era at a cost of five million Saudi Riyal. Namirah mosque which was first built by Prophet Mohammed when he came to ascend mount Arafat to address Muslims on that day is located in the middle of Arafat valley. The now one of the most equipped among the ancient mosques, Namirah mosque was expanded and rebuilt in the Saudi era on an area of 110,000 sq.m. Since several years ago during the current Saudi era, the worshipping of noon and afternoon joint prayer is transmitted from Namirah mosque live to the world via satellite every year.
