Gateways to Masjid Al-Haram (Series 2)
By Abdullahi Yusuf
In the first part of this series, we explored some of the principal gates that mark the entry points to Masjid al-Haram, each one a silent witness to the spiritual, historical, and architectural evolution of Islam’s holiest sanctuary. From Bab Malik Abdulaziz to Bab an-Nabi Bridge, we traced the stories etched into their names and the structural roles they play in managing the monumental flow of pilgrims.
Yet the gates of the Sacred Mosque are far from mere functional thresholds. They are vessels of memory named after prophets, companions, geographical landmarks, and key episodes in Islamic history. Each gate, whether modest or monumental, adds to the layered narrative of Mecca.
In this second instalment, we continue our journey through these remarkable gateways uncovering another set of entrances that not only facilitate movement, but also preserve meaning, legacy, and sacred geography.
Below, we present the next ten gates in this unfolding story.
11.
Bab Dar ul-Arqam (Gate no. 16)
The Bab Dar ul-Arqam Gate of the Arqam‘s House, the small portal to the right is the Bab e ‘Ali. The Gate of Dar ul-Arqam is also located east of al-Masa’a, and also provides access to the upper levels of the Sa’i Gallery via electric escalators. It is named after Arqam ibn Abi’l-Arqam (circa 597-675 CE), a companion of prophet Muhammad. He was the owner of the house where the early Muslim community held its meetings.
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Bab Ali (Gate no. 17)
The Bab ‘Ali Gate of ‘Ali, located in the eastern facade of the Sayee Gallery, is used for the funerals as well. It is named after Ali ibn abi Talib, first of the Muslims to accept Islam and son-in-law of prophet Muhammad. The Bab Ali is located on the eastern flank of the mosque between the Bab Nabi (the Prophet’s Gate) and Bab ‘Abbas. It provides direct access to the Ramal area of Mas’a. This gate, historically located elsewhere, has also been called the Gate of Bani Hashim or the Bab Bat’ha.
Bab Abbas (Gate no. 20)The Bab ‘Abbas, Gate of ‘Abbas located on the eastern flank of the Masjid Haram, is named after the paternal uncle and companion of prophet Muhammad, Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib. It is located on the eastern flank of the Masjid Haram, between the Bab ‘Ali and the newer Bab Bani Shaibah (gate no. 22), and provides direct access to the Mas’sa. It is a three potal gate, with the large one in the middle flanked by two smaller portals on each side.
Bab Bani Hashim (Gate no. 21)
The Bab Bani Hashim the Gate of Bani Hashim, is naed after the tribe of prophet Muhammad, the Banu Hashim. It is a bridge gate.
Bab Bani Shaibah (Gate no. 22)
It is a newer gate that provides access to the Masa’a gallery. It is named after the historic bab Bani Shaybah, which once stood in the form of an arch near the Kabah (marking the site where once the tribe of Shaybah lived). Today is it located near the al-Marwah area, on the eastern side of the al-Masa’a. Originally this gate was located close to Kaba as a free standing arch. Bab Bani Sheiba is named after the Banu Shaiba tribe of Mecca, who are the key bearers of Ka’ba.
Bab Marwah (Gate no. 23)
The Bab al-Marwah is one of the largest gates of the mosque complex. It provides electric escalator facilities to access the upper areas of the Masjid al-Haram. Being located closest to the Mount al-Marwah, it is named after the historic peak, and allows direct access to the Marwah area of Mas’a. Its architecture combines the traditional Arab elements with modern aesthetics.
Bab Muda’a (Gate no. 25)
This is one of the important entrances of Masjid al-Haram. The Bab al-Muda’a is the entrance to the ground floor of the Massa (Say’ee) All the pilgrims of Umrah complete their sai at this gate.
Bab Qureysh (Quraish Gate) 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.
The Bab ‘Arafah 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) 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.
To be continued…
In the forthcoming instalment, our exploration of the Masjid’s many gateways will press on delving deeper into the lesser-known, yet equally significant entrances. With each gate, the story of the Haram unfolds further, one portal at a time.
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