Masjid al-Khayf

Name: Masjid al-Khayf
Address: Makkah, Makkah Province, 24231, SA

An informational sign provided by the Royal Commission for Makkah describing the history of Masjid Al-Khayf, with pilgrims in the background.

Interior view of Masjid Al-Khayf in Makkah showing the Mihrab, yellow marble pillars, and traditional Islamic architectural details.

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The Al-Khayf Mosque is one of the well-known mosques in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, specifically located in Mina at the foot of the southern (southeastern) slope of Mount Al-Khayf, about 550 meters southeast of the First Jamarah (Jamarat Al-Ula).

Origin of the Name

The word “Khayf” in Arabic refers to the area of land that lies between the slope of a mountain and the floodplain below. Hence, the mosque was named Al-Khayf after its location. It is also known as Masjid Al-Shajarah (Mosque of the Tree), after the acacia tree (ousaj) that once grew in that area.

Religious Significance and Prophetic History

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) History: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed there during the Days of Mina in his Farewell Pilgrimage (10 AH / 632 CE) and also delivered a sermon there.
Prophets’ Prayer Site: It is narrated that seventy prophets prayed at this very site — among them Moses (Mūsā ibn ʿImrān) (PBUH), as reported by Al-Tabarānī with a sound chain of narration.

Construction and Development Through History

The mosque has undergone several phases of construction and renovation:
Prophet’s Time: The mosque was originally an open prayer area without walls.
Notable Reconstruction (874 AH): Sultan Sharif Barakat ibn Abu Numayy rebuilt it with solid walls, added a dome and a minaret, and marked the exact spot where the Prophet (PBUH) prayed in the center of the mosque.
Saudi Era Renovations:
First renovation: During the reign of King Faisal bin Abdulaziz in 1393 AH (1973 CE).
Second renovation: During the reign of King Fahd bin Abdulaziz in 1407 AH (1987 CE), when it was rebuilt in a modern Arab-Islamic architectural style.
Al-Khayf Mosque remains a place of deep historical and spiritual connection for pilgrims visiting Mina, reflecting centuries of devotion and preservation of the Prophet’s legacy.