The Grand Mosque of Mecca: Architectural Marvel Built to Serve Millions on Every Sallah Day

The Grand Mosque of Mecca stands as one of the most expensive buildings ever constructed on Earth, representing an unparalleled investment in accommodating the world’s largest annual religious gathering. What makes this structure truly extraordinary is not just its cost, but the sophisticated engineering and meticulous planning that allows it to function seamlessly throughout the year, including during critical prayer times like sallah day.

Unprecedented Scale and Capacity

Spanning one million square meters, the Grand Mosque accommodates up to two million worshippers and welcomes approximately twenty million visitors annually. Perhaps most remarkably, the facility has never been completely closed in over 1,400 years—a testament to its continuous operation and maintenance. The structure remains open around the clock, 24/7, ensuring that believers can perform their prayers at any time, particularly during essential observances when massive congregations gather for sallah day ceremonies.

World-Class Sanitation and Water Management Systems

Maintaining hygiene for such vast numbers requires extraordinary infrastructure. The mosque employs 1,800 dedicated cleaners supported by 40 electric sanitary cleaning vehicles and 60 electric sanitary machines to maintain the expansive courtyards. A network of 2,000 sanitary barrels is strategically distributed across the premises, while 13,000 toilets are meticulously cleaned four times every six hours daily—ensuring pristine conditions even during peak attendance periods when worshippers gather for sallah day prayers.

The water management system ranks among the world’s most advanced, featuring 25,000 water dispensers. The famous Zamzam Well’s excess water is stored in tanks with a capacity of 1.7 million ten-liter bottles. Additionally, 100 random samples of drinking water are inspected daily to guarantee the highest quality standards for all visitors.

Advanced Technology and Comprehensive Services

The mosque integrates cutting-edge technology to enhance the worship experience. The HARAMAIN recitation service broadcasts Quranic recitation 24/7 using all ten recognized methods of recitation, with over 500,000 episodes aired in 180 countries within just three years. An electronic tour guide application helps visitors navigate every section of the massive complex.

The audio system represents one of the largest and most sophisticated sound systems globally, featuring 6,000 speakers, four different audio configurations, and fifty specialized sound engineering personnel—all maintaining an incredible 0% error margin. The mosque’s distinctive marble floor reflects light and heat, naturally regulating temperature throughout the premises. Copies of the Quran are translated into 65 languages, while Friday sermons are translated into five languages, ensuring accessibility for the global Muslim community.

Specialized Services During Major Prayer Days and Ramadan

The mosque provides comprehensive accessibility support with 10,000 standard wheelchairs available free of charge, 400 electronically guided wheelchairs, and automatic wheelchairs with both two and three-wheel options. These accommodations ensure that disabled visitors can participate fully during important observances including sallah day.

During Ramadan, the mosque’s generosity expands exponentially—4 million free meals are provided daily for those breaking their fast, and 5 million pre-pitted dates are distributed throughout the premises each evening. The cleaning efficiency remains extraordinary even during this intense period: after evening prayer (Maghrib/Sallah), the entire area is cleared and prepared for prayers in just two minutes—a logistical achievement that underscores the mosque’s remarkable operational excellence and unwavering commitment to serving millions of worshippers throughout the Islamic calendar year.