In this guide you will find the history and significance of Masjid al-Jinn, where it is and how far it is from the Haram, the best time to visit, simple etiquette, practical tips and how to get there comfortably with a private Zikr Cabs car. It is part of our Makkah Ziyarat Guide.

History and significance of Masjid al-Jinn

The Qur’an describes how a group of jinn heard the Qur’an being recited and said, ‘We have heard a wonderful Qur’an that guides to what is right, so we believe in it’ (Surah al-Jinn 72:1–2). Surah al-Ahqaf (46:29–32) also mentions a group of jinn who listened and went back to warn their people.

Authentic hadith in Sahih Muslim, narrated by Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (RA), describe a night in Makkah when the Prophet ﷺ went out to the jinn and recited the Qur’an to them. Historians of Makkah link this mosque to that area, which is why it is also called Masjid al-Bay’ah (the Mosque of the Pledge) or Masjid al-Haras in some older books. The exact spot is a matter of historical tradition.

The mosque has been rebuilt several times, and the present building is modern. It is an ordinary place of prayer, used daily by local people.

Where is Masjid al-Jinn? Location and distance

Masjid al-Jinn is about 1–1.5 km north-east of Masjid al-Haram, on the way to Jannat al-Mu’alla in the al-Hajun area, a few minutes by car.

Distances and travel times are approximate and depend on your hotel, the route and traffic, especially in Ramadan and the Hajj season.

Best time to visit and etiquette

Visit outside the busiest prayer times, for example after Fajr or after Asr, and combine it with a stop at Jannat al-Mu’alla.

If you enter at a non-prayer time, pray two rak’ahs of greeting the mosque. Keep your voice low, as local people use it for regular prayers, and remember there is no special act of worship tied to this mosque.

As with all ziyarat, it helps to keep the right intention. Visiting historical places is not part of the rites of Umrah or Hajj. It is a chance to learn, to reflect on the lives of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions, and to make du’a. Scholars remind us not to seek blessing from rocks, walls or soil, and to follow the Sunnah in what we say and do. Religious rulings can differ between schools of thought, so ask a qualified scholar about your own situation.

Combining Masjid al-Jinn with other ziyarat

Most pilgrims visit Masjid al-Jinn as part of a wider tour rather than on its own. Nearby places that fit well on the same trip include Jannat al-Mu’alla, The Prophet’s Birthplace (Makkah Library), Jabal al-Nour & Ghar Hira and Masjid Ji’ranah. Each has its own guide, linked at the end of this page. A good plan is to choose three or four places for one morning, starting with the one that needs the most walking while it is still cool, and to leave time for rest and prayer. If you only have one free morning, our suggested route in the Makkah Ziyarat Guide shows a practical order that avoids driving back and forth across the city.

Visiting Masjid al-Jinn with family, children and elderly pilgrims

Ziyarat with family is a special memory, but it is easy to try to do too much. Keep the day short and gentle: plan around prayer times, take water and light snacks, and let anyone who is tired rest in the air-conditioned car while others step out. For wheelchair users, ask your driver to stop as close as the rules allow, and remember that some paths and steps are not suitable for wheelchairs. Teach children a short story about each place before you arrive, so the visit becomes a lesson they remember. Above all, keep the visit calm and respectful, as others around you may be in quiet prayer or reflection.

Practical tips for your visit

• Combine it with Jannat al-Mu’alla, which is very close.
• Parking is limited on the main road, so a car that drops you and waits is easiest.
• Read Surah al-Jinn with your family before the visit.
• Dress modestly and carry water, especially from May to September, when temperatures can pass 45°C.
• Keep your ID and the Nusuk app with you, as some areas have checkpoints, and access rules can change, so follow the instructions of officials on site.

How to get to Masjid al-Jinn with Zikr Cabs

The easiest way to visit Masjid al-Jinn is with a private car that waits for you. With Zikr Cabs, your driver collects you from your hotel, takes you to Masjid al-Jinn and other nearby sites at your own pace, and brings you back in time for prayer. You never have to bargain with street taxis or wait for a crowded bus.

Masjid al-Jinn is included in our Makkah Ziyarat taxi tour, which starts from SAR 200 for a sedan. Fares are fixed per vehicle, not per person, and larger cars such as the GMC Yukon, Hyundai H1/Staria, Toyota Hiace and Coaster are available for families and groups. See all vehicles and prices on our routes and prices page. * Rates exclude VAT.

Frequently asked questions about Masjid al-Jinn

Nearby ziyarats

• Jannat al-Mu’alla
• The Prophet’s Birthplace (Makkah Library)
• Jabal al-Nour & Ghar Hira
• Masjid Ji’ranah

← Back to the Makkah Ziyarat Guide

Sources and further reading

• Qur’an, Surah al-Jinn 72:1–2
• Qur’an, Surah al-Ahqaf 46:29–32
• Sahih Muslim 450 (the night of the jinn)
• Nusuk – official platform for Umrah, Hajj and Rawdah

This guide is general information for pilgrims. Official rules on permits and access change often; please check Nusuk and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah before you travel.

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