When Was Masjid al-Haram Built?

Masjid al-Haram, also known as the Grand Mosque, has a history that dates back to ancient times. According to Islamic tradition, the foundations of Masjid al-Haram were laid by the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Ishmael). They were commanded by Allah to build the Kaaba, the cube-shaped structure at the center of the mosque, which is considered the holiest site in Islam. The original structure around the Kaaba was very simple and has been expanded and renovated multiple times throughout history by various Islamic rulers. The mosque we see today has evolved significantly, especially with the massive expansions that have taken place in modern times to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims visiting for Hajj and Umrah. So, while the exact "date of construction" of the original mosque cannot be pinpointed due to its ancient origins, the construction of the Kaaba by Ibrahim and Ismail is estimated to have occurred around 2000 BCE. The current structure of Masjid