45 Gates of Masjid al-Haram

45 Gates of Masjid al-Haram, Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Masjid al-Haram, also known as the Sacred Mosque or the Great Mosque of Mecca is located in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The gates of Masjid al-Haram vary in size, each named after notable figures, places, and sometimes events. They serve to manage the flow of pilgrims. Traditionally the Masjid al-Haram has 210 gates, out of these 5 gates are the most significant.

When Prophet Muhammad conquered Mecca, he built the first "Masjid al-Haram," a small plaza enclosed by a low wall. In this blogpost, we discuss about 45 gates of Masjid al-Haram.

Bab Malik 'Abdulaziz (Gate no. 1)

The new rebuilding of the gate deviates significantly from the Masjid al-Haram's usual style, including more modern architectural aspects. The most recent reconstruction of Malik Abdul-Aziz Gate (باب عبدالعزيز) is located at the Yemenite corner of the Masjid al-Haram complex, opposite Ajyad Street.

The gate differs from its predecessor in that it is square and has a more modern appearance than the familiar Saudi architecture that grew from the Ottoman architecture of the Grand Mosque. This gate allows direct access to the outside Mataf area for those with impairments who use wheelchairs.

Bab Ajyad (Gate no. 5)

The Bab Ajyad (باب أجياد) is called after the names of two valleys of Ajyad, located southeast of Masjid al-Haram. It is a modest, single-portal gate in the mosque complex. Gates 7 and 8 are also part of the same group and provide access to the upper part of the Haram via an electrical escalator.

It was built as part of Saudi Arabia's first expansion and is located on the southeast side of the significant Mataf area.

Bab Bilal (Gate no. 6)

The Bab Bilal (Gate of Bilal, باب بلال) is situated on the southern border of Masjid al-Haram. It is located on the southeastern side and was constructed in its current form as part of the Haram's first Saudi expansion and reconstruction program.

It was named after Prophet Muhammad's Nobel companion and Muazzin, Bilal ibn Rabaha, also known as Bilal al-Habashi, which refers to his Habashah ancestry.

Bab Hunain (Gate no. 9)

The Bab Hunain (باب حنين), or Gate of Hunain, is situated in the southern part of the Masjid al-Haram. It is named after the small community of Hunayn, which is located near the city of Tai'f in present-day Saudi Arabia.

The Bab Hunayn is situated between Bab Bilal and Bab Ismael. It is now only partially visible because the Bab Ajyad escalators are directly in front of it.

Bab Ismail (Gate no. 10)

The Bab Ism'ail (Gate of Ishmael, باب إسماعيل) was named after Prophet Ismail, son of Prophet Ibrahim. It is a beautiful small gate located in the southern part of Masjid al-Haram, between Bab Hunain and Bab Hamzah. It can be considered one of the mosque's smaller gates.

Bab Safa (Gate no. 11)

The Bab Safa (باب الصفا), or Safa Gate, is one of Masjid al-Haram's five principal Gates. It is situated on the north side of the Masjid Haram compound. Bab e Safa, as it is today, allows direct access to the Masa'a neighborhood.

The modern Bab e Safa also allows access to the Masa'a starting point's upper floors. A scooter service is also available near the Jabl e Safa starting site for the elderly who are unable to complete Sai on their own.

Bab Hamza (Gate no. 12)

The 12th gate of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah is named after Hazrat Hamza, the paternal uncle of Prophet Mohammad. He is called the lion of Allah and was martyred in the Battle of Uhud.

Bab Qubais (Gate no. 13)

Bab Qubais of Masjid al-Haram is named after the name of Mount Qubais. Whenever you enter this gateau will see the Mountain of Safa. It is called the first mountain created by the almighty Allah.

Bab an-Nabi (Gate no. 14)

The Bab an-Nabi (باب النبي), or Gate of the Prophet, is named after the Prophet Muhammad. The prophet's gate is positioned on the eastern side of Mecca's Great Mosque, between Bab Abi Qubais and Bab 'Ali. It is located near the al-Safa neighborhood.

Bab an-Nabi Bridge (Gate no. 15)

Bab an-Nabi Bridge (باب الجسر للنبي), gate number. 15, located south of the lower Bab Nabi, gives access to the higher levels. This modern bridge, named after the Prophet, allows for seamless travel near the area of al-Safa, strengthening both the ease and spiritual value of the sacred pilgrimage within Masjid Al-Haram.

Bab Dar ul-Arqam (Gate no. 16)

The Bab Dar ul-Arqam (باب دار الارقم) is the gate of the Arqam's House. The small doorway to the right is the Bab e 'Ali. The Dar ul-Arqam Gate is located east of al-Masa'a and has electric escalators that lead to the upper levels of the Sa'i Gallery. It is named after Arqam ibn Abi'l-Arqam (c. 597-675 CE), a friend of Prophet Muhammad. He owned the house where the early Muslim community met.

Bab e Ali (Gate no. 17)

The Bab 'Ali (بوابة علي), or Gate of 'Ali, on the Sayee Gallery's eastern facade, is also used for funerals. It is named after Ali ibn Abu Talib, the first Muslim convert to Islam and the prophet Muhammad's son-in-law. The Bab Ali is positioned on the mosque's eastern flank, between the Bab Nabi (the Prophet's Gate) and Bab 'Abbas. It allows direct access to Mas'a's Ramal region. This gate, which was once placed elsewhere, has also been known as the Gate of Bani Hashim or the Bab Bat'ha.

Bab Abbas (Gate no. 20)

The Bab 'Abbas, or Gate of 'Abbas (باب عباس), is situated on the eastern side of the Masjid Haram and is named after Prophet Muhammad's paternal uncle and companion, Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib. It is situated on the eastern flank of the Masjid Haram, between the Bab 'Ali and the newer Bab Bani Shaibah (gate no. 22), and allows direct access to the Mas'sa. It is a three-portal gate, with the largest in the center bordered by two smaller portals on either side.

Bab e Bani Hashim (Gate no. 21)

The Bab Bani Hashim (باب بني هاشم), or Gate of Bani Hashim, is a beautiful gate named after the Prophet Muhammad's tribe, the Banu Hashim. This is a bridge gate (باب جسر بني هاشم).

Bab Bani Shaibah (Gate no. 22)

It is a recent gate that allows access to the Masa'a gallery. It is named after the historic Bab Bani Shaybah, which was previously an arch near the Kabah and marked the location of the Shaybah tribe's home. It is now located in the al-Marwah region, on the eastern side of the al-Masa'a. Originally, this gate stood alone near Kaba. Bab Bani Sheiba is named after the Banu Shaiba tribe of Mecca, who are the primary bearers of the Ka'ba.

Bab al-Marwah (Gate no. 23)

The Bab al-Marwah (al-Marwah Gate, باب المروة) is one of the largest gateways in the mosque complex. It has electric escalators that take visitors to the Masjid al-Haram's higher levels. It is named after Mount al-Marwah, Mas'a's most prominent peak, and provides direct access to the Marwah area. Its architecture blends traditional Arabic elements with modern aesthetics.

Bab al Muda'a (Gate no. 25)

This is one of the important entrances of Masjid al-Haram. The Bab al-Muda'a (باب المدعي) is the entrance to the ground floor of the Massa (Say'ee, المسعى). All the pilgrims of Umrah complete their sai at this gate.

Bab Quraish (Gate no. 26)

Bab Qureysh (Quraish Gate, بوابة قريش) is named after the Quraish tribe of Mecca, the tribe of the Prophet Muhammad. It is located at the northern end of the Masa'a and connects to the al-Marwah region.

Bab Arafat (Gate no. 35)

The Bab 'Arafah (باب عرفات) gate is located the Mount Marwah. It is very close to Arafat Maidan. One of the important fard of hajj is staying in the plain of Arafat.

Bab e Mujdalifah (Gate no. 36)

Bab e Mujdalifah (Gate no. 36) is located near the Mountain of Mujdalifah. It faces towards the plain of Mujdalifah. Staying in the plain of Mujdalifah during Hajj is one of the most important wajibs.

Bab e Fatah (Gate no. 45)

Bab e Fatah (Gate no. 45) is the gate of Masjid al-Haram located in the southern part of the masque. Fatah means victory. Some people claim that Prophet Mohammad entered the holy city of Makkah at this gate after the Makkah conquest. That's why it is called Bab e Fatah.

Bab Umar (Gate no. 49)

This gate is named after Umar Farooq, the second caliph of Islam. The Bab Umar (باب عمر), Omer Gate is one of the spectacular gates of Masjid al-Haram. It was renovated during the Malik 'Abdullah Expansion, mimicking the Bab Malik layout and providing direct access to the Mataf area from the northwest. This gate acts as a moving entry point, connecting worshippers to the historical event of Prophet Muhammad's final Umrah.

Bab Al-Qudus (Gate no. 55)

Bab al-Quds (باب القدس) is located in Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and is known as the Gate of Jerusalem. This titled gate has spiritual significance, representing a connection to the Holy City. Bab al-Quds, which serves as an entry point into the mosque complex, enhances the spiritual experience of attendees at Masjid al-Haram.

Bab Madinah (Gate no. 56)

Bab Medina (Medina Gate, باب المدينة) is named after the city of Medina, which is located in the same direction. This beautifully located gate provides pilgrims with direct access to the mosque's center, signifying a spiritual journey similar to the Prophet's voyage. Bab e Madinah, as part of Masjid Al-Haram, is historically significant, connecting tourists to Islam's valued past.

Bab Umrah (Gate no. 63)

Prophet Muhammad traveled to Mecca for his last Umrah in April 629 CE through the old Bab al-Umrah (Umrah Gate, باب العمرة) of Masjid al-Haram. It is one of the gates that will be restored as part of the Malik 'Abdullah Expansion of the mosque, following the Bab Malik layout. It offers direct access to the Mataf area from the northwest.

Bab Ammar Bin Yasser (Gate no. 67)

Ammar Bin Yasser was one of the first sahabis to embrace Islam. Bab Ammar Bin Yasser was named after Ammar Bin Yasser. He and his parents suffer most at the hands of the Quraish.

Bab Moaaz Bin Jabal (Gate no. 68)

Bab Moaaz Bin Jabal was named after the name of Moaaz Bin Jabal, one of the companions of Prophet Mohammad. He is one of the most knowledgeable people during this period.

Bab Amro Bin al Ass (Gate no. 69)

Amro Bin al Ass is another companion of Prophet Mohammad. This beautiful 69th gate of Masjid al-Haram was named after the name of Amro Bin al Ass. He fought against Islam in the battle of Badr and Uhud. He is one of the commanders of Islam after embracing Islam.

Bab Aisha Bint Abu Bakr (Gate no. 70)

Aisha Bint Abu Bakr was the daughter of the first caliph of Islam Hazrat Abu Bakr and the last wife of Prophet Mohammad. The gate no 70 of Masjid al-Haram was named after the name of Aisha Bint Abu Bakr.

Bab Asma Bint Abi Bakr (Gate no. 71)

Asma Bint Abi Bakr was another daughter of the first caliph of Islam Hazrat Abu Bakr. This gate of Masjid al-Haram was named after the name of Asma Bint Abi Bakr. Her beloved son Jihad was one of the martyrs of Islam.

Bab Shabeikah - (Gate no. 72)

Bab Shabeikah is a gate of Masjid al-Haram with historical significance to the Shabeikah tribe. This historically significant gate strengthens the spiritual atmosphere of the sacred mosque complex. Bab Shabeikah, which offers pilgrims a look into various heritage, serves as a brief yet profound connection to Islamic history at Masjid al-Haram.

Bab Al Yarmouk (Gate no. 73)

Bab Al Yarmouk (Gate no. 73) or the gate of Bab Al Yarmouk was named after the battle of Bab Al Yarmouk (Gate no. 73). This battle occurred between Muslims and the Byzantine Emperor. Muslims won this battle because of the heroic leadership of Khalid bin Walid.

Bab Abu Bakr (Gate no. 74)

Bab Abu Bakr (Gate no. 74), another significant gate of Masjid al-Haram was named after the name of Abu Bakr, the first Caliph of Islam. He is one of the 10th Jannati sahabas called Ashra Mubashara.

Bab Al Fahad (Gate no. 79)

Bab Al Fahad or King Fahad gate was named after the name of King Fahad. It is one of the most important gates of Masjid al-Haram. This gate is situated in the eastern area of the mosque. This three-portal gate was built during the second Saudi reconstruction of this grand mosque.

Bab Jabir Bin Abdullah (Gate no. 84)

Bab Jabir Bin Abdullah (Gate no. 84) is another gate of Masjid al-Haram named after the name of Jabir Bin Abdullah, one of the great companions of Prophet Mohammad. His father Abdullah Ibn Amr was martyred during the Battle of Uhud. He embraced Islam at the age of 7.

Bab Saeed Bin Zaid (Gate no. 85)

This gate is placed on the southwestern side of Mecca's great mosque. This gate is named after Saeed bin Zaid, a significant associate and military leader (cavalry commander) during the prophet Muhammad's lifetime.

Bab Zayd bin Thabit (Gate no. 86)

This gate of Masjid al-Haram was named after Zayd bin Thabit, Prophet Muhammad's personal scribe and principal recorder of the Quranic text. He hailed from the Ansar and later joined the Muslim army at the age of 19.

Bab Umm Hani (Gate no. 87)

Bab Umm Hani is named after Umm Hani, a notable Sahabiyyah. Her given name was Fakhitah, and she was the daughter of Abu Talib, the Prophet Muhammad's uncle. She was a fervent admirer of the Prophet Muhammad.

Bab Maimouna (Gate no. 88)

Bab Maimouna is another important gate of Masjid al-Haram named after Maimouna, one of the prophet Muhammad's wives. It is one of several gates positioned on the southern perimeter of the Masjid al-Haram complex.

Bab Hijlah (Gate no. 89)

The Bab Hijlah (باب الهجلة) on the left and the partially visible Bab Hafsah (باب حفصة) on the right are located on the southern corner of the Masjid al-Haram complex. According to news reports, on October 31, 2020 CE, a guy crashed his car into Gate 89, al-Hijlah Gate.

Bab Hafsa (Gate no. 90)

Bab Hafsa of Masjid al-Haram is named after one of Prophet Muhammad's wives. It is one of the significant gates of Masjid al-Haram. She was the daughter of Hazrat Omar, the second caliph of Islam.

Bab Nidwah (Gate no. 92)

The Bab al-Nidwah (باب الندوة), often called Nadwah, is named after a house where Quraish would hold "congress" meetings. This was where all of the leaders would convene and make key decisions. It is one of the important gates of Masjid al-Haram.

Bab Khadijah (Gate no. 93)

Kadijah was the first wife of Prophet Mohammad. Prophet Mohammad loved her most. Bab Khadijah of Masjid al-Harm was named after the name of Bibi Khadijah. Khadijah remained with Prophet Mohammad during the worst time of his life.

Bab Ibrahim (Gate no. 94)

Bab Ibrahim of Masjid al-Haram is named after Prophet Ibrahim who reconstructed Kaaba along with his son Prophet Ismail. Prophet Ibrahim reconstructed the Kaaba around 4000 years ago.

Bab Abdullah (Gate no. 100)

Bab Abdullah or King Abdullah Gate is named after King Abdullah. It is one of the biggest gates of Masjid al-Haram. The main entrance gate to the King 'Abdullah Prayer Area Extension is Bab 'Abdullah (باب عبد الله), located at the north-western end.

The gate is a larger version of the gates from the former King Fahad expansion of Masjid al-Haram. The triple-arched gate features two minarets, bringing the total number of minarets surrounding it to four, accentuating its grandeur and significance within the Masjid al-Haram complex.

Final remark

Finally, the Masjid Al Haram in Makkah is a holy site for Muslims all around the world, and it is the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine. The mosque is surrounded by multiple gates, each having a distinct history and cultural value. In this blog post, we discussed the mosque's key gates, with their numbers. Remembering the gate number from which you entered can help you explore the mosque and return to where you stayed.

If you want to go to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah, Hijaz Hajj & Umrah Kafela will be your trusted guide towards this holy journey. Contact us today to know about every detail regarding the holy sites of Saudi Arabia including Masjid al-Haram.

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