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| 8 facts of Maqam-e-Ibrahim - Life in Saudi Arabia |
Maqam Ibrahim is the blessed footprint of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). Explore the history, virtues, and miraculous stories of Maqam Ibrahim in this article.
Maqam Ibrahim is a stone that contains the footprint of Prophet Ibrahim (as) located near the Kaaba. This stone is a historical witness to the construction of the Kaaba by Prophet Ibrahim and his son, Prophet Ismail (as). The stone holds remarkable significance and miracles. What are they? Let's delve into the following discussion.
What is Maqam Ibrahim?
Maqam Ibrahim (Arabic: مقام إبراهيم) translates to "the place where Prophet Ibrahim stood." Maqam Ibrahim is a stone that contains the footprint of Prophet Ibrahim (as) located near the Kaaba. This stone was brought down from heaven by Allah along with other stones that form the Black Stone (Hajar Aswad). Prophet Ibrahim used this stone as a stepping stone while building the Kaaba with Prophet Ismail.
During the construction, Prophet Ismail handed him stone fragments, which Prophet Ibrahim placed in the Kaaba. As the Kaaba rose in height, the stepping stone of Prophet Ibrahim miraculously ascended along with it. The footprint of Prophet Ibrahim remains imprinted on the stone to this day.
What is the History of Maqam Ibrahim?
Initially, Maqam Ibrahim was attached to the wall of the Kaaba. However, during the time of Caliph Umar bin Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), the stone was moved about 20 cubits (approximately 12 meters) away from the Kaaba, towards the east. This was done because some people complained that they could not have a full view of the Kaaba when praying behind Maqam Ibrahim. Additionally, Caliph Umar wanted to provide space for people who wished to collect Zamzam water located near Maqam Ibrahim.
In subsequent periods, Maqam Ibrahim was covered with silver and enclosed in a structure resembling a cage to protect it from damage or theft. This structure was equipped with a door and lock held by one of the descendants of Bani Syaibah, who are the keykeepers of the Kaaba. Maqam Ibrahim has also been moved several times due to renovations or expansions of the Masjid al-Haram.
What are the Virtues of Maqam Ibrahim?
Allah mentions Maqam Ibrahim twice in the Quran, in Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2), verse 125, and in Surah Al-Imran (Chapter 3), verse 97. In these verses, Allah commands the believers to take Maqam Ibrahim as a place of prayer and declares that within it are clear signs for those who have faith.
From these verses, we learn that praying behind Maqam Ibrahim is a highly recommended practice during Hajj and Umrah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself performed this prayer during his farewell Hajj. It is narrated that offering two units of prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim is equivalent to one thousand units of prayer elsewhere.
Additionally, Maqam Ibrahim possesses extraordinary blessings and miracles. There is a story of a blind man who came to Masjid al-Haram and touched Maqam Ibrahim while supplicating to Allah. Suddenly, Allah restored his eyesight, and he was able to see again.
There is also a story of a woman who had been unable to conceive for fifteen years, but after washing her face with water moistened at Maqam Ibrahim, she became pregnant and gave birth to a child.
How to Visit Maqam Ibrahim?
If you wish to visit Maqam Ibrahim, you can do so after completing the Tawaf or Sa'i rituals. Approach Maqam Ibrahim and observe the clear imprint of Prophet Ibrahim's foot on the stone.
You can also perform two units of prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim, facing the Kaaba. However, if the area is crowded or difficult to access, you can pray at another location that aligns with Maqam Ibrahim.
When visiting Maqam Ibrahim, it is important to show respect and courtesy. Avoid pushing or jostling with others. Refrain from kissing or touching the stone with your hands or body. Simply observe and offer your prayers. Don't forget to supplicate and seek blessings, guidance, and forgiveness from Allah, just as He granted to Prophet Ibrahim and his family.
That was a brief overview of Maqam Ibrahim, the blessed footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim. May this article provide valuable insights into one of the sacred sites in Masjid al-Haram. Ameen.
Other Stories of the Miracles of Maqam Ibrahim
There are several other stories highlighting the blessings and uniqueness of Maqam Ibrahim. Here are a few of them:
1. Abdullah bin Umar bin Abdul Aziz, the grandson of Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz, suffered from severe eye ailments that caused complete blindness. He fervently prayed to Allah, mentioning the virtues of his grandfather. In a dream, Prophet Ibrahim appeared to him, instructing him to go to Maqam Ibrahim and wash his eyes with the water moistened on the stone. Abdullah woke up and followed the instructions. Subhanallah, his eyes were miraculously healed, and he regained his sight.
2. Ummu Salamah binti Abi Umayyah, the wife of Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz, struggled with infertility for 15 years despite her desire to have children. She prayed to Allah, mentioning the virtues of her husband. In a dream, Prophet Ibrahim advised her to go to Maqam Ibrahim and wash her face with the water moistened on the stone. Upon awakening, Ummu Salamah followed the guidance. Masha Allah, she conceived and gave birth to a son named Abdul Malik.
3. Abu Bakar bin Muhammad bin Amr bin Hazm, a renowned scholar from Andalusia, experienced severe stomach pain that prevented him from eating or drinking. He prayed to Allah, mentioning the virtues of his father. In a dream, Prophet Ibrahim instructed him to go to Maqam Ibrahim and drink the water of Zamzam moistened on the stone. Abu Bakar woke up and acted upon the guidance. Alhamdulillah, his stomach pain vanished, and he could eat and drink normally.
These stories illustrate the extraordinary nature of Maqam Ibrahim as a genuine sign from Allah. May we learn valuable lessons and wisdom from these accounts.
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