Masjid al-Haram

Islam's holiest mosque in Mecca

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2024 Waleed Al-Shamsan and Badr Al-Turki appointed as Guest Imams during Ramadan, with plans to become permanent imams in October.
2022 Saud Al-Shuraim resigned as Imam and Khatib after 30 years of service.
2021 Hajj visa allocation increased to 60,000 people, showing a gradual return to normal pilgrimage operations.
2020 Only 10,000 people were granted Hajj visas, significantly reduced from normal years due to pandemic restrictions.
October 4 2020 Umrah service resumed with a gradual first phase, limited to Saudi citizens and expatriates within the Kingdom at 30 percent capacity.
March 5 2020 During the COVID-19 pandemic, Masjid al-Haram began closing at night and suspended the Umrah pilgrimage to limit attendance and prevent virus spread.
2019 Abdullah Awad Al Juhany and Bandar Baleela appointed as Khateebs, and Yasser Al-Dosari appointed as Imam.
September 2018 Khalid al Ghamdi retired as Imam and Khatib of Masjid al-Haram after 10 years of service.
July 2018 Saleh Al-Talib removed from his position as Imam and subsequently imprisoned by Saudi authorities.
September 2017 Construction work on the mosque expansion project was restarted after being on hold for two years following the 2015 crane collapse and financial issues during the oil glut.
September 11 2015 A crane collapsed at the mosque, resulting in at least 111 deaths and 394 injuries, leading to a suspension of construction work.
July 2015 King Salman launched five megaprojects as part of the King Abdullah Expansion Project, covering a significant area of the mosque complex.
2013 Bandar Baleela appointed as Imam of Masjid al-Haram.
2012 Abraj Al Bait complex was completed, including the 601-meter tall Makkah Royal Clock Tower.
August 2011 King Abdullah announced detailed expansion plans to cover a larger area, accommodate 1.2 million worshippers, add a gate named after him, two new minarets, and expand circumambulation areas around the Kaaba.

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