Masjid al-Bayah, also known as Bay’ah Mosque (مسجد البيعة), is a significant mosque located outside Mecca in Saudi Arabia, near Mina and below Wadi Mina. Built at the request of the Abbasid Caliph Abu Ja’far al-Mansur in 761 AD (761 CE), the mosque marks the historic site where the Islamic Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (pbuh) met with the Ansar of Madinah and received the famous pledges of allegiance. These gatherings, remembered as the promises of Aqabah (Bay‘at al-Aqabah), remain among the most defining moments in Islamic history.
Historical Context of Masjid al-Bayah
This mosque also known as the Mosque of Aqaba, was built on the site of al-Bay’ah, where the Ansar of Yathrib (later Madinah) pledged their loyalty. At the time, Muslims in Mecca faced severe persecutions. During the pilgrimage, a small group of pilgrims from Madinah separately met the Prophet , in the area of Aqabah hill near Mina.
The Ansar pledged to abandon idol worship, uphold moral conduct, and support the Prophet. This moment in Islamic history connected Mecca and Medina with a covenant that prepared the way for the establishment of the first Muslim community.
The First Pledge of Aqabah (621 CE)
In 621 CE, twelve men from Yathrib promises loyalty to Prophet ﷺ at Aqabah. This First Pledge of Aqabah, or Bay‘at al-Aqabah al-Ūlā, focused on faith, worship of Allah alone, and righteous conduct. It did not include political or military commitments but served as the spiritual foundation for later alliances. This was the moment where the Islamic Prophet met with the Ansaar and began building the path toward Madina.
The Second Pledge of Aqabah (622 CE)
One year later, a larger group of Ansaar returned during the journey. Known as the Second Pledge of Aqabah (Bay‘at al-Aqabah al-Thāniyah), this event marked a turning point. The Ansaar promises their loyalty to Prophet ﷺ with full commitment, agreeing to protect him as they would protect their own families.
This promises provided the political and social foundation for the Hijrah to Madina. The people of Medina who took this oath became known as the Ansaar, “the helpers.” Their support marked the establishment of the first organized Muslim community.
Construction of Masjid al Bayah
The mosque was built in 761 AD by order of Caliph Abu Ja’far al-Mansur, the Abbasid, to preserve the memory of this important site. Known as Masjid al Bayah or Bay‘ah Mosque, it is located close to Mina and near the area of the Stoning of the Devil (Ramy al-Jamarat). The mosque was constructed as a historical marker rather than a large prayer center. Its modest size reflects its symbolic rather than functional purpose.
Architecture and Features
Masjid al Bayah consists of a small prayer hall, a mihrab facing the qibla wall, and a simple courtyard. Unlike the grandeur ofMasjid al-Haram in Mecca or the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina, this mosque highlights historical and spiritual significance over size. It remains a historical site more than an active mosque, visited mainly by pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah.
Religious and Spiritual Significance
The mosque witnessed one of the greatest moments in Muslim history, the promises of loyalty that changed the course of prophethood. For Muslims who pass nearly by Mina, Masjid al Bayah serves as a reminder of unity, sacrifice, and the courage of the Ansaar who promises their loyalty. Though not part of the obligatory rites of Hajj, the site remains meaningful, connecting the rituals of pilgrimage with the early struggle of Islam.
Legacy of Masjid al Bayah
Masjid al Bayah stands as a living symbol of trust, loyalty, and the establishment of the ummah. The Ansaar promise their allegiance here, and those pledges became known as the foundation of the Hijrah. Built by the Abbasid caliph in 761 CE, the mosque still reflects the link between Islamic tradition, the people of Medina, and the spread of Islam beyond Makkah. It remains a significant mosque in Islamic memory, where pilgrims can reflect on the sacrifices made and the moment that shaped the future of the Muslim world.
Conclusion
Today, Masjid al-Bayah continues to draw pilgrims seeking to connect with the pivotal moment of allegiance that shaped early Islam. Its proximity to sacred sites like Masjid Shajarah (Mosque of the Tree) allows visitors to reflect on the Prophet ﷺ’s life and the early Muslim community’s devotion.
Pilgrims often use Alfalah Journey’s carefully planned arrangements to move smoothly between these historic sites, ensuring that their focus remains on spiritual reflection and prayer. By combining accessibility with rich historical context, visitors can fully experience the significance of Masjid al-Bayah, tracing the footsteps of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions while connecting past events to contemporary devotion.
