The First House of Worship

The Sacred Kaaba

The history of the construction of the Sacred Kaaba dates back to the depths of time. Narrations mention that the angels were the first to establish this House, before it was rebuilt by Prophet Adam (AS). Later, it was raised again by the Father of Prophets, Ibrahim (PBUH), together with his son Ismail (AS). Over the centuries, the Kaaba has witnessed successive phases of construction and renovation. It encompasses distinctive landmarks, each bearing profound significance: 

Al Hajar Al Aswad (The Black Stone)

Situated at the southeastern corner of the Kaaba, the Black Stone holds a revered place in Islam. Narrations state that it is a blessed stone. Pilgrims are encouraged to kiss or touch it during tawaf, emulating the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Maqam Ibrahim (The Station of Ibrahim)

This is the stone upon which Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) stood during the construction of the Kaaba. The imprint of his blessed feet remains visible to this day. Facing the Kaaba’s door, Allah Almighty commanded believers to take it as a place of prayer after tawaf: “And take the standing place of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.” [Surat al-Baqarah 2:125]. The Station of Ibrahim is a significant landmark of the Holy Mosque, closely connected to the life of the Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) and the history of the Kaaba’s construction. 

The Kaaba’s Multazam

Situated on the eastern wall between the Black Stone corner and the Sacred Kaaba’s door, it is revered as a place where prayers are answered. It was named “Multazam” because worshippers cling to it in earnest supplication to Allah. 

Hijr Ismail

Hijr Ismail, also known as Al-Hijr or Al-Hatim, is the northern semi-circular section of the Kaaba, enclosed by a low white marble wall. It is one of the most prominent features of the Grand Mosque and holds a deep historical connection to the construction of the Kaaba.

Historical narrations indicate that this area was part of the Kaaba when it was built by Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH). However, when the Quraysh rebuilt the Kaaba before the Prophetic mission, they shortened its boundaries to reduce costs, leaving this section outside the main structure. For this reason, Hijr Ismail  is considered part of the Kaaba, and praying within it is equivalent to praying inside the Kaaba itself.

The Yamani Corner

The Yamani Corner is one of the four corners of the Holy Kaaba, located on the southern side just before the Black Stone. It is recommended to touch it, without kissing, during Tawaf, following the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Some hadiths mention the virtue of touching this corner, giving it a special significance for pilgrims due to its spiritual connection to the Sacred Kaaba.