Masjid al-Haram's Expansion: From Umar's Short Wall to Zamzam-Water Robots

The first known major expansion of Masjid al-Haram occurred during the Rashidun Caliphate, particularly under the leadership of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab. Realizing that the growing number of pilgrims required more space to worship and perform Tawaf, Umar purchased and demolished houses surrounding the Kaaba. This expansion, carried out around 638 CE (17 AH), marked a significant administrative and spiritual investment. Some residents opposed the demolition of their homes, but Umar compensated them financially. He also built a short wall to demarcate the mosque’s space and installed lanterns to illuminate the area.