Masjid al-Khayf, located near the southern side of Mount Mina, adjacent to the first Jamarat (small devil stoning site), was built on the exact spot where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) pitched his tent and led congregational prayers during his Farewell Pilgrimage. The area where the Prophet (SAW) prayed was later enclosed by walls and transformed into a mosque. The mosque was renovated by Abbasid Caliph Al-Wathiq Billah in 227 AH (842), and it has been repaired by various Islamic states and the Ottomans in later periods.
During recent renovations, the Saudi Government completely demolished Masjid al-Khayf and rebuilt it on a 25-acre site along with additional structures in 1987. The name “Masjid al-Khayf” comes from the concern of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) when he took his son Isma’il (AS) to be sacrificed, worrying if he could fulfill his duty at that spot. In Arabic, “Khayf” refers to the slightly elevated places above the waterbed of valleys, which is why the mosque built on the slope of Mount Saih is named after this term.
The area under the tent-shaped dome of Masjid al-Khayf once contained the tent of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Seventy prophets, including Prophet Musa (AS), prayed at the site where Masjid al-Khayf stands. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Seventy prophets performed Hajj and all of them offered prayers at Masjid al-Khayf. If you can, do not neglect praying there.” It is also mentioned that 400 prophets are buried under this dome, which is why it is referred to as “Kubbetul Enbiya” (Dome of the Prophets).
According to accounts in Mir’atu’l Haremeyn, Prophet Adam (AS) is buried under the minaret on the left side of the mosque’s entrance. After his passing, Prophet Adam’s son Sheeth (AS) led his funeral prayer and he was buried by the Abu Qubays Mountain. After the flood, Prophet Noah(AS) carried the grave of Prophet Adam (AS) on his ark and buried it under the minaret of Masjid al-Khayf.
Given the profound sanctity of Masjid al-Khayf, it is advisable to engage in worship at this location. From the early days of Islam, Muslims have held Masjid al-Khayf in high esteem. Zayd ibn Aswad (RA) stated, “I was also present with the Messenger of Allah during his Farewell Pilgrimage. I prayed the morning prayer with the Messenger of Allah at Masjid al-Khayf.” Abu Huraira (RA) said, “Had I been a resident of Mecca, I would go to Mina every Saturday to perform prayers at Masjid al-Khayf.” Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas preferred to perform two units of prayer at Masjid al-Khayf over visiting Masjid al-Aqsa twice and praying there.
