Al-Bay’ah Mosque

Al-Bay’ah Mosque is located on the southern slope of Mount Thabir, which overlooks Mina from the northern side. It is situated in a canyon known as Shi’b al-Ansar or Shi’b al-Bay‘ah. Those ascending toward Jamrat al-Aqabah can see it on their left, approximately 900 meters before reaching the Jamrah. This mosque holds historical importance due to its association with the Second Pledge of Aqaba between the Prophet (PBUH) and the helpers.

This mosque was established during the reign of the Abbasid Caliph Abu Ja'far al-Mansur in the year 144 AH / 761 AD. To commemorate that historic event, it was built on the site where the Second Pledge of Aqabah took place. This event contributed to the spread of Islam and resulted in the migration (Hijrah) of the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and the Muslims from Makkah to Madinah.

In ancient times, the mosque was described as having two porticos (Riwaqs). Each of them was roofed with three domes resting on four arches. Behind them was an open courtyard (Rahba). It also featured two doors on the northern (Sham) side and two on the southern (Yemeni) side. This design reflected the beauty of Islamic architecture during that era.

To document the mosque's construction and preserve its architectural heritage, the date and reasons for its establishment were recorded in two foundation inscriptions on marble. One of them is located on the western wall (Qibla). The other is on its left and is dated the year 144 AH.

In addition to these two inscriptions, there is a renovation text that dates the mosque's architecture to the reign of the Abbasid Caliph al-Mustansir Billah in 629 AH / 1232 AD. It is fixed on the southern wall of the mosque. This serves as a sign of the continuous care for the mosque and the preservation of its status over time.