Al-Dahas emphasized the significance of Namira Mosque in Arafat, where the Prophet delivered his sermon during the farewell pilgrimage.
In Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, the spiritual significance extends far beyond the Grand Mosque. Scattered throughout the city are historical mosques that have witnessed pivotal moments in Islamic history.
Nevertheless, amid dense crowds and the rapid pace of modern development, many pilgrims and Umrah performers remain unaware of these sacred sites, quietly hidden within the city's expanding urban landscape.
Fawaz Al-Dahas, a professor of history at Umm Al-Qura University, said that Mecca is home to several mosques representing profound historical and religious value, but they remain largely overlooked, receiving neither the media attention nor the organized religious visits they deserve.
Al-Dahas emphasized the significance of Namira Mosque in Arafat, where the Prophet delivered his sermon during the Farewell Pilgrimage. He said that this mosque was not merely a physical structure, but a sacred place where the foundational principles of Islam were proclaimed. He also referenced the Bay'ah Mosque in Mina, which marks the pivotal moment when the «Ansar» pledged allegiance to the Prophet, paving the way for the Hijrah and the establishment of the Islamic state.
According to Al-Dahas, the importance of these mosques transcends their geographical location, reflecting their profound political and religious significance in Islamic history.
Al-Dahas shed light on Al-Raya Mosque: «Located in the Jarwal district, where on the day of the conquest of Mecca the Prophet's banner was raised, a powerful symbol of victory tempered by forgiveness.».
He also drew attention to Al-Hudaibiyah Mosque, located west of Mecca, where the historic Pledge of Bay'at Al-Ridwan took place, an event mentioned in the Holy Quran. He said that although the mosque still stands on the original site of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, it remains largely unknown, and few visitors know its exact location.
Mohammed Al-Joud, a specialist in Hajj and Umrah, said that these mosques were not merely historical structures, but vital educational landmarks that enrich the pilgrim's understanding of the deeper spiritual dimensions of the Hajj. He pointed to Al-Khayf Mosque in Mina, where the Prophet and prophets before him are believed to have prayed, as a powerful symbol of the continuity of prophethood: «Nevertheless, many pilgrims remain unaware of its significance outside the Hajj season.».
Al-Joud also highlighted Al-Mashar Al-Haram Mosque in Muzdalifah, which is mentioned in the Holy Quran, emphasizing that awareness of such sacred sites connects the rituals of Hajj to their Quranic and historical roots, enhancing the spiritual journey.
Al-Joud also drew attention to Al-Kabsh Mosque in Mina, associated with the story of Ismail's sacrifice. He explained that the mosque symbolizes the values of sacrifice and obedience, but remains largely overlooked in media coverage and excluded from most pilgrimage programs. He described it as an essential part of a broader, interconnected network of sacred sites that trace the prophetic journey — from revelation to migration and from peace to conquest.
Al-Dahas emphasized the importance of launching awareness initiatives to shed light on these mosques and restore their rightful status. He said that preserving Mecca's Islamic heritage is not limited to maintaining its prominent landmarks, but also requires reviving these historically significant mosques that were once key markers along the path of the prophetic message.
He said that reconnecting pilgrims with these sacred sites revived the educational and historical depth of the Hajj, enriching the journey with a deeper, more informed, and spiritually immersive experience.