Masjid Nimrah: The Mosque of the Day of Arafah
On the western edge of the plain of Arafat stands Masjid Nimrah, one of the largest mosques in the region. Every year on the Day of Arafah the Hajj sermon (khutbah) is delivered here, and Dhuhr and Asr are prayed together, following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
In this guide you will find the history and significance of Masjid Nimrah, 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 Nimrah
During his Farewell Hajj, the Prophet ﷺ rested at Namirah, then went into the valley of Uranah where he addressed the people. He then led Dhuhr and Asr together before moving on to the standing at Arafat. This is recorded in the long hadith of Jabir ibn Abdullah in Sahih Muslim. The mosque now stands in this area.
An important detail is that the front part of the mosque lies in Wadi Uranah, which is outside the boundary of Arafat, while the rear part lies inside Arafat. Signs inside the mosque mark the boundary, and Hajj pilgrims are reminded to be within Arafat for the standing.
The mosque was first built in the Abbasid era and has been expanded many times. Today it has six minarets and a very large prayer area.
Where is Masjid Nimrah? Location and distance
Masjid Nimrah is on the western edge of Arafat, roughly 20 km south-east of Masjid al-Haram. The drive takes about 25–40 minutes outside Hajj.
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
The mosque is generally opened on the Day of Arafah and may be closed at other times, but its exterior and minarets can be seen at any time on an Arafat tour.
As with other sites outside the Hajj season, there are no special rituals. Look for the boundary signs on the roads around the mosque that mark the limits of Arafat.
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 Nimrah with other ziyarat
Most pilgrims visit Masjid Nimrah as part of a wider tour rather than on its own. Nearby places that fit well on the same trip include Arafat & Jabal al-Rahmah, Muzdalifah, Mina and Masjid al-Khayf. 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 Nimrah 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 Masjid Nimrah with Jabal al-Rahmah, both in Arafat.
- The six minarets are easy to spot from the main road.
- Bring water and sun protection.
- 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 Nimrah with Zikr Cabs
The easiest way to visit Masjid Nimrah is with a private car that waits for you. With Zikr Cabs, your driver collects you from your hotel, takes you to Masjid Nimrah 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 Nimrah 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 Nimrah
What happens at Masjid Nimrah?
On the Day of Arafah, the Hajj sermon is delivered and Dhuhr and Asr are prayed together.
Is Masjid Nimrah inside Arafat?
Part of it is in Wadi Uranah, outside Arafat, and part is inside. Signs mark the boundary.
Is it open to visitors outside Hajj?
It is often closed outside Hajj, but you can see it from outside.
How far is it from Makkah?
About 20 km from Masjid al-Haram.
Is it included in the Makkah ziyarat tour?
Yes, as part of the Arafat stop.
Nearby ziyarats
Related reading
← Back to the Makkah Ziyarat Guide
Sources and further reading
- Sahih Muslim 1218 (hadith of Jabir on the Farewell Hajj)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica – Mount Arafat
- 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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