“Hijr Ismail, also known as Al Hateem, is a low wall adjacent to the Kaaba in Makkah, made of white marble. It stands at 4 feet and 4 inches tall and is located in the North-West wall of the Kaaba. Pilgrims avoid entering it during Tawaf, as it was historically part of the Kaaba. Legend holds that it was where Prophet Ibrahim built a shelter for his wife Hagar and son Ismail. While some consider it ruins, Muslims view it as a barrier. A section of Hijr Ismail, approximately 3 meters, is within the Kaaba’s boundaries, while the rest lies outside. During Tawaf, Muslims remain outside this semi-circular wall. The outlet of mercy, known as ‘Meezab-e-Rahmat,‘ channels water from the Kaaba’s roof.”
The Importance of Hijr Ismail.
Before the advent of Islam, Hijr Ismail held significance among believers, particularly as a special place for the grandfather of the Holy Prophet, ‘Abd al-Muttalib’. Reserved solely for him, it was within Hijr Ismail that he received visions regarding the Prophet’s birth and the digging of the holy Zamzam well. Following the Prophet Muhammad’s mission, it is believed that he also frequented Hateem, worshipping and reciting the Quran while addressing the people. Narrations suggest that the Prophet ascended from Al-Masjid Al-Haram from this area, a practice also undertaken by many Imams, thus cementing its importance in Islam.
Prayer Etiquette in Hijr Ismail (Hateem).
Hazrat Ayesha R.A recounted an incident where someone wished to pray inside the Kaaba but was directed by the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) to pray in the Hateem instead, emphasizing the significance of praying within Hijr Ismail. It is believed that the blessings acquired from praying inside Al Hateem are comparable to those received by a pilgrim praying inside the Kaaba. During times of individual prayers and worship, it is bustling with activity, while it remains empty when prayers are led by the Imam in Masjid al-Haram.
The history of Hijr Ismail dates back to the arrival of Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hagar, and their son Ismail in Makkah, guided by the angel Jibreel. They settled in the area and constructed a shade using tree branches, leading to it being referred to as ‘Bayt Ismail‘ or the ‘House of Ismail’ in some Hadiths. After Hajar’s death, she was buried here, and Ismail erected a fence to protect her grave. Ismail himself was later buried in Hijr Ismail, along with some of his daughters and prophets, as per various Islamic sources. Following a flood that caused significant damage to the Kaaba when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was 35 years old, the Quraish undertook its reconstruction. Due to financial constraints, a small wall was built around the original foundation laid by Prophet Ibrahim, forming what is now known as Hijr Ismail on the North-West side of the Kaaba.
Hijr Ismail’s history traces back to Prophet Ibrahim’s arrival in Makkah with Hagar and Ismail, guided by the angel Jibreel. They settled there and constructed a shade known as ‘Bayt Ismail’ or the ‘House of Ismail’. Following Hagar’s burial, Ismail erected a fence to protect her grave, and he was later interred there along with some of his daughters and prophets, according to Islamic sources. After a devastating flood during Prophet Muhammad’s lifetime, the Quraish rebuilt the Kaaba, resulting in the formation of Hijr Ismail on the North-West side due to financial constraints.
