Author: Shoaib Ahmad Ghaznavi
History of the Holy Kaaba (Part 6)
The Guarding and Security Platform
In the year 1417 AH, a platform equipped with ventilation facilities was constructed next to the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad) to regulate the orderly kissing of pilgrims. A security officer stands on this platform for about one or two hours before being replaced by another. This process continues around the clock.
We congratulate this officer, as Allah has granted him the opportunity to oversee an act of worship that can only be performed by one person at a time. His workplace is located in a piece of paradise. We remind him of the significance, sanctity, and greatness of this place, so that he may uphold his dignity, respect, and patience.
Maqam Ibrahim (A Ruby from Paradise)
Another clear sign of Allah in Masjid al-Haram is Maqam Ibrahim, located six meters east of the Kaaba. According to narrations, this is the stone upon which Prophet Ibrahim (Khalil) stood while constructing the Kaaba and when he called people to Hajj after completing its construction. Other opinions on this matter have also been mentioned, but Allah knows best. Allah (SWT) says: «فِيهِ آيَاتٌ بَيِّنَاتٌ مَقَامُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَمَنْ دَخَلَهُ كَانَ آمِنًا» Translation: “In it are clear signs—the standing place of Ibrahim—and whoever enters it shall be safe.”
Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, in his exegesis of “clear signs,” states that it refers to the footprints of Ibrahim (PBUH). Abdullah ibn Amr (MAPH) reported: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say, ‘Indeed, the Black Stone and Maqam Ibrahim are two rubies from Paradise, whose light Allah has removed. If their light had remained, they would have illuminated the space between the East and the West.’”
The dimensions of Maqam Ibrahim bare 40 × 40 cm, while the footprint itself measures 22 cm in length and 11 cm in width, with no visible toe impressions. The feet of Ibrahim (PBUH) sank into this stone due to its softness. Its color is a mix of white and black with a yellowish hue. Some caliphs adorned it with silver to prevent its deterioration. In 810 AH, a dome was constructed over it, and it has been restored eight times, each restoration incorporating improvements. The last restoration was carried out in 1423 AH during the reign of King Fahd bin Abdulaziz.
Allah has preserved the Black Stone and Maqam Ibrahim so that the polytheists of the pre-Islamic era would not turn them into idols and worship them. Had such an event occurred, and Islam later came to honor their significance, the hypocrites would have claimed, “Indeed, Islam acknowledges the sanctity of certain idols.”
It is Sunnah to pray behind Maqam Ibrahim after completing Tawaf, if possible. If the area is crowded, one may pray anywhere in Masjid al-Haram, even outside its premises, as narrated from Hazrat Umar (MAPH). It is also Sunnah to recite Surah Al-Kafirun in the first rak’ah after Al-Fatihah and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second rak’ah. The prayer of Tawaf is permissible even during prohibited times. However, if the end of the prohibited time is near and it is not difficult for the pilgrim, they may delay the prayer until the time is over.
Touching, seeking blessings from, or kissing Maqam Ibrahim is not permissible, as this practice is not recorded from the Prophet (PBUH) or his Sahaba (may Allah be pleased with them). However, looking at it is not prohibited.
Al-Hijr (Praying Inside the Kaaba)
Al-Hijr, pronounced with a kasrah on the letter “ḥā” and a sukoon on the “jīm,” is the northern semi-circular area of the Kaaba, also known as Hatim. It was separated from the Kaaba when the Quraysh were unable to complete its construction due to a shortage of lawful funds. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “O Ayesha! Indeed, your people (the Quraysh) shortened the structure of the House (Kaaba). Had it not been for their proximity to the era of shirk, I would have included the part they left out. If your people decide to restore it after me, let me show you the portion they omitted.” He then pointed to an area approximately seven cubits (about 2.5 meters).
Praying inside Al-Hijr is equivalent to praying inside the Kaaba. The common belief that it is “Hijr Ismail” or that some prophets are buried beneath it is incorrect, as no authentic hadith supports this claim.
The distance between Al-Hijr and the Kaaba is 2.23 meters. Voluntary prayers (Nafl) are permitted inside it, but one should maintain dignity and humility, avoid raising their voice, and lower their gaze. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Pray in the prayer place of the chosen ones and drink from the drink of the righteous.”
When asked, “Where is the prayer place of the chosen ones?” he replied, “Under the Mizab (waterspout of the Kaaba).” When asked, “What is the drink of the righteous?” he answered, “Zamzam water.”
Performing obligatory prayers or Tawaf inside Al-Hijr is not allowed. Al-Hijr is one of the great signs of Allah in the sacred sanctuary. Allah the Almighty says: «فِيهِ آيَاتٌ بَيِّنَاتٌ مَقَامُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَمَنْ دَخَلَهُ كَانَ آمِنًا وَلِله عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّه غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ» Translation: “In it are clear signs—the standing place of Ibrahim—and whoever enters it shall be safe. And Hajj to this House is a duty upon mankind for those who are able to undertake the journey. But whoever disbelieves (by neglecting Hajj or rejecting it) has only harmed himself. Surely, Allah is in no need of any of His creation.”
Imam al-Baghawi (may Allah have mercy on him), in his tafsir of this verse, states that Maqam Ibrahim (peace be upon him) is one of the clear and manifest signs of Allah.
So, O Muslim brother, turn toward the House of Allah in prayer five times a day. If you ever have the opportunity to pray inside the House of Allah (near Maqam Ibrahim), take advantage of it, for it is part of the Kaaba. In that moment, seek from Allah, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer, because you are in the heart of the Kaaba, and He will never leave your supplication unanswered.
The Sahaba of the Prophet (PBUH) had a great eagerness to pray inside the Kaaba. However, one must be cautious not to cause inconvenience or harm to others, especially women. It is also important to note that not all of the present-day Hijr is part of the Kaaba.
Safa and Marwah
Safa and Marwah are two hills where Hajar (peace be upon her) ran back and forth in search of water for her son Ismail (peace be upon him). These hills are among the sacred symbols of Allah.
The distance between Safa and Marwah, where Muslims perform Sa’i, is approximately 394.5 meters, with a width of 40 meters. Sa’i between these two hills is only prescribed for those performing Hajj or Umrah.
In the past, the area for Sa’i had no shade. In 1341 AH, Sharif Hussein built a canopy over it. Later, in 1366 AH, King Abdulaziz reconstructed it. In 1429 AH, further expansions were carried out, transforming the area into a beautiful, multi-level structure with cooling and heating facilities.
Near Safa, there are two green markers, and it is recommended (mustahabb) for pilgrims to run between them, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did the same. It is also said that Hajar (peace be upon her) ran at this spot because of a dip in the terrain, which prevented her from seeing her son Ismail (peace be upon him), who was at the location of Zamzam.
Continues…
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