Start of thread looking at the expansion of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah from the time of the Quraysh through to the present day.
(Cont'd)
1. In the time of the Quraysh
The Quraysh rebuilt the Ka'bah in 604/605 CE. The highlighted area shows the approximate open area around the Ka'bah at the time. This was 5 years before the Prophet (ﷺ) received the first revelation of the Quran.
2. Expansion by Umar (رضي الله عنه)
During his Caliphate, Umar (رضي الله عنه) purchased and then demolished the houses immediately around the Ka'bah to enlarge the space. A low wall was built around to demarcate the area and torches were placed on it.
3. Expansion by Uthman (رضي الله عنه)
During his Caliphate, Uthman (رضي الله عنه) purchased more of the neighbouring houses and demolished them to increase the Haram area. The section behind the Maqame Ebrahim was covered with a wooden roof as this was where salah took place.
4. Expansion by Abdullah Ibn al-Zubair (رضي الله عنه)
Abdullah Ibn al-Zubair (رضي الله عنه) further extended the Haram behind the Maqame Ebrahim. He also reconstructed the Ka'bah on the foundations of Ebrahim (عليه السلام), after it had been damaged by the first Umayyad siege.
5. Expansion by al-Walid al-Malik
During the Umayyad era, the outer walls of the Haram were raised. All four sides of the Kab'ah started being used for congregational prayers with prayer lines (sufuf) encircling the Ka'bah. A minaret was added for the first time.
6. Expansion by Abu-Jafar al-Mansur
The Abbasid Caliph, Abu-Jafar al-Mansur further enlarged the Haram in the mid-8th century CE. Some historians are of the view that his expansion was only a little on the northern side.
7. Expansion by al-Mahdi al-Abbasi
Abbasid Caliph al-Mahdi made a large expansion all around the Haram after acquiring neighbouring houses and demolishing them. His son Musa succeeded him and completed the work during his reign.
8. Expansion by al-Mu'tadid al-Abbasi
Abbasid Caliph al-Mu'tadid built a place of residence for Hajj pilgrims on the side of the Haram facing the Hateem.
9. Expansion by al-Muqtadir al-Abbasi
Abbasid Caliph al-Muqtadir Billah made a small extension on the side where the Bab-e-Ebrahim (the Gate of Ebrahim) was located.
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