BITS ‘N’ PIECES
Narrated by Abu Huraira (R.A)
Allah’s Apostle (S.A.W) said, “You see that the people are of different natures. Those who were the best in the pre-lslamic period, are also the best in Islam if they comprehend religious knowledge. You see that the best amongst the people in this respect (i.e. ambition of ruling) are those who hate it most. And you see that the worst among people is the double faced
(person) who appears to these with one face and to the others with another face (i.e a hypocrite).”
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 56, Number 699
The Makkah Royal Clock Tower houses the highest occupied man-made space in the world.
Rising majestically above the sacred city of Makkaha, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower stands as an extraordinary feat of modern engineering and architectural brilliance. At 600 metres tall, it houses the highest occupied man-made space in the world and is crowned by the largest clock ever constructed—35 times the size of London’s Big Ben. Built at a staggering cost of $16 billion, it is among the most expensive buildings on Earth and represents a fusion of religious significance, cultural symbolism, and technical ingenuity.
This colossal structure, part of the Abraj Al Bait complex, was constructed just a few hundred meters from the Masjid al-Haram, at the very heart of Makkah. Given Makkah’s exclusivity to Muslims, many engineers and architects involved in the project could not visit the site. Remarkably, some foreign workers, including glazing specialists from Germany and Poland, converted to Islam so they could contribute to the construction firsthand. The sensitive location demanded that the tower be more than just a luxury hotel; it had to resonate spiritually with its surroundings. The developers envisioned the tower as a modern-day minaret, guiding Muslims not only physically but spiritually.
Initially planned to be 450 metres high, the design was later extended to 600 metres to fulfill this vision. This decision came mid-construction, prompting engineers to find innovative solutions to increase the height without overburdening the existing foundation. Drawing inspiration from the Eiffel Tower, they created a light, tree-trunk-like framework structure using high-strength steel and concrete. The upper floors were deliberately spaced further apart and made lighter with voids, which were cleverly repurposed for exhibitions.
The clock itself posed its own set of engineering challenges. Designed by the German firm Perrot, the clock hands, measuring 23 and 17 metres, are made from carbon fibre and operate under extreme wind conditions at high altitude. The clock face, slightly concave to protect against the wind, is lit by over 2 million specially designed LED lights. Its green and white colour scheme was chosen for optimum legibility, even from eight kilometres away.
Adorned with 98 million glass mosaic tiles - some embedded with 24-carat gold leaf - the tower's façade reflects Islamic art and craftsmanship. Each tile was tested for durability in Makkah’s harsh climate and installed by hand. Much of the clock and façade were prefabricated in Dubai and transported across the desert for assembly.
The Makkah Royal Clock Tower is not only a symbol of faith and innovation but a beacon visible across the city, marking both time and spiritual devotion.