Masjid al-Rayah

History

Its name, Masjid al-Rayah, or “Mosque of the Banner,” derives from an event during the Conquest of Makkah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ entrusted the Muslim banner to al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam I and instructed him to plant it when commanded. This led to the establishment of Masjid al-Rayah at that site.

The historian al-Tabari wrote:

After Abu Sufyan and Hakim left the presence of the Prophet ﷺ heading for Makkah, he sent al-Zubayr after them, gave him his banner, and appointed him commander over the horsemen of the Emigrants and Ansar. He commanded him to plant his banner in the upper part of Makkah at al-Hajun. He said to al-Zubayr, ‘Do not depart from where I have commanded you to plant my banner until I come to you.’

The historian Al-Azraqi describes it as a mosque at the top of Makkah, near the well of Jubayr ibn Mut’im I. It is believed that the Prophet ﷺ prayed there. Historically, it marked the boundary of settlement in Makkah, but with time, expansion led to development beyond its vicinity.

In historical contexts, banners or flags raised in battle between opposing armies held immense significance. If a flag fell to the ground during battle, it often symbolized a loss of morale and spirit within the army, hinting at impending defeat. Therefore, the role of the “standard-bearer” carried great weight on the battlefield. This responsibility was typically entrusted to highly honoured individuals, embodying the values and principles for which the army fought. The standard-bearer’s task was not only to carry the flag but also to inspire and rally troops, symbolizing resilience, honour, and the collective resolve of their comrades.

Development

The mosque has witnessed numerous phases of construction and renovation over the centuries. It was first built by Ubayd Allah ibn al-Abbas ibn Ali ibn Abdullah ibn Abbas. It underwent its first major rebuilding under the Abbasid Caliph Al-Musta’sim in Shaban of the year 640 AH (1242 CE). Subsequent enhancements were overseen by Emir Qutlabak Al-Husami Al-Manhalli in 801 AH (1398 CE) and Sultan Mehmed III in 1000 AH (1591 CE). Over time, the mosque underwent further refurbishments. Notable renovations were carried out in 1379 AH (1959 CE) and 1394 AH (1974 CE).

In later years, the mosque underwent a significant transformation and was renamed the King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Mosque. This modern iteration featured a new building topped with a dome and a minaret. The mosque was demolished and removed in 1433 AH (2012 CE). This was to facilitate the expansion of the northern courtyards of Masjid al-Haram.

With the expansion came the removal of the Jowdariyyah neighbourhood, from which the mosque derived its alternate name. This marked the disappearance of one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Makkah. Alongside this removal, the well of Jubayr ibn Mut’im, one of the wells predating Islam, was also removed. Initially dug by Qusayy bin Kilab, the fourth forefather of the Prophet ﷺ, the well was later re-dug by Jubayr. It continued to provide water for the people and pilgrims until it was encompassed within the first expansion of the Grand Mosque.