Masjid Al Nimrah (Masjid Namirah)

Masjid an-Namirah or Masjid Nimrah is a mosque in Wadi Uranah near Mecca in the Hejazi region of Saudi Arabia.

• Site of the Farewell Sermon:

Masjid Namirah (also spelled Namrah or Nimra) is a historic monument located near the plains of Arafat,

- marking the exact location where Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) pitched his tent,

- stood at valley (Batn ‘Uranah) to deliver the Farewell Sermon (Khutbat al-Wida') to over 100,000 companions and led the prayers during his Farewell Hajj in 10 AH.

• The Rejection of Pre-Islamic Paganism (Jahiliyyah):

- In the immediate vicinity of this valley, pagan Arabs historically held distinct, elitist rituals during the pre-Islamic era.

- Tribes who considered themselves elite (Al-Hums) refused to go out to the plains of Arafat like common tribes, staying inside the sanctuary borders instead.

- By camping at Namirah and preaching down in the valley of 'Uranah, the Prophet (ﷺ) physically shattered these structural class systems.

- He (ﷺ) established a universal standard of equality, declaring on this exact dirt: "An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a white over a black, except by piety (Taqwa)."

• The "One-Day" Mosque:

While it stands as the second-largest mosque in the Makkah province (accommodating up to 400,000 worshippers), it remains empty for virtually the entire year.

It springs to life exclusively on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah (the Day of Arafah) for a single afternoon.

• Alternative Historical Names:

To demonstrate its profound theological weight, classical historians note that the site has been known by three other major names:

1. Masjid Ibrahim al-Khalil (The Mosque of Abraham): (Arabic: مسجد إبراهيم الخليل)

- because the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) actions on this exact site were a direct restoration of the original, uncorrupted monotheistic Hajj legacy pioneered by Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) centuries prior.

2. Masjid al-Tawbah (The Mosque of Repentance):

- Commemorating the mass spiritual clean-slate achieved by the 100,000+ companions who wept and repented together behind the Prophet (ﷺ) on that afternoon.

3. Masjid 'Arafah: (Arabic: مسجد عرفة)

- Due to its direct visual connection and proximity to the sacred plain.

4. Masjid Uranah (Arabic: مسجد عرنة)

- because the entire front section of the mosque—including the Mihrab (prayer niche) and the Minbar (pulpit)—is physically located inside Wadi ‘Urana

- the name Uranah refers to the valley that sits outside the legal boundaries of Arafat, calling it Masjid Uranah highlights the vital Hajj boundary rule

• The Trans-Boundary Dilemma:

The mosque possesses a unique geographic layout. The front section sits inside Wadi ‘Uranah (which is outside the legal boundary of Arafat), while the back portion is situated directly within the borders of Arafat.

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It also has several other names, including:
Masjid Ibrahim al-Khalil (Arabic: مسجد إبراهيم الخليل)
Masjid Arafah (Arabic: مسجد عرفة)
Masjid Uranah (Arabic: مسجد عرنة)
On the Day of Arafat (9th of Dhul Hijjah), Hajj pilgrims travel from Mina to Arafat. After arriving in Arafat, pilgrims gather at Masjid Nimra where the Imam delivers a sermon.