Hijr Ismail is also called Hateem or the Stone of Ismail. It is a three-meter-wide area adjacent to the northwestern wall of the holy Kaaba in Makkah. This semi-circular space is surrounded by a low marble wall. It is considered to be part of the original structure of the Kaaba that was built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The budgetary limitations caused this section to be left out during Quraysh’s reconstruction of the Kaaba. There are a lot of events linked with Hijr Ismail, making it a sacred site for worshippers. When Muslims do Umrah, they pray inside the Kaaba. Are you thinking of the pilgrimage in 2025? Get Umrah Packages from a reliable agency, like Muslims Holy Travel, for a smooth journey. Read on to learn more about the importance of Hijr Ismail!
What is Hijr Ismail?
Hijr Ismail, a low semi-circular wall, also called the Hateem, is a part of the sacred Kaaba. The white marble wall is up to 1.32 meters (4 feet 4 inches) and no more than 0.90 meters (2 feet 11 inches). Hijr Ismail is not directly associated with the Kaaba. However, this semi-circular space is believed to be a part of the divine Kaaba. That is the reason, even today, pilgrims are not allowed to walk inside the space between the wall of the sacred Kaaba and the Hateem when they do Tawaf. Adding more to this, it was given the name ‘Stone of Ismail’ as it was where our beloved Prophet Ibrahim (AS) built a shelter for his wife Hajrah (AS) and his son Ismail (AS).
Explore the History of Hijr Ismail
Hijr Ismail is one of the divine places in Islam. Long ago, when Ibrahim (AS), his wife Hajrah (AS), and his son Ismail (AS) came to the holy city of Makkah, they had no home. Allah Almighty told Angel Jibrael (AS) to guide them to a safer place. This is exactly where Hijr Ismail (Hateem) is today. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) used branches of the trees so that he could make a small shelter. That is why it was called ‘Bayt Ismail,’ which means ‘House of Ismail.’ When Hajrah (AS) passed away, many scholars believe she was buried in this area. A wall was later built by Ismail (AS) around her grave to protect it. Some also think Hazrat Ismail (AS) is buried at that place too.
A long time after a big flood, Quraysh rebuilt the holy Kaaba. They didn’t have enough money to include Hateem in the main Kaaba, which is why they built a short wall around it. This specific area, located adjacent to the sacred Kaaba, is now known as Hijr Ismail. When Hazrat Ayesha (RA) asked the Holy Prophet (PBUH) why it was not part of the divine Kaaba. He replied;
“Because your people (the Quraysh) did not have sufficient funds.” (Bukhari)
The Islamic Significance of Hijr Ismail
Even before Islam, there was great importance of the Hijr Ismail held in the eyes of believers. It was a sacred place for the grandfather of our beloved Prophet ‘Abd al-Muttalib.’ It was his space. No one used the area in his time. He saw dreams related to the birth of the Prophet, as well as the digging of the Zamzam well inside Hijr Ismail. Some scholars say that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also sat in the Hateem. He also worshipped Allah Almighty there and recited the holy Quran while answering the very questions of people. According to many narrations, Hateem was the place from where the Prophet ascended from Masjid al-Haram. It is believed that when you pray inside Hijr Ismail, the rewards are equivalent to the blessings one gets after praying inside the Kaaba. Check out the following narration of Hazrat Ayesha (AS);
“When I expressed the wish to perform salah within the Kaaba, the Prophet (ﷺ) took me by the hand and led me into the Hijr (Hateem) where he (SAW) said, ‘Perform salah here if you wish to enter the Kaaba because this is part of the Baitullah.” (Bukhari)
While performing the Umrah or Hajj, thousands of pilgrims offer two Rakat of Nafl within the divine area. If you also want to undertake this spiritual journey with comfort, get all-inclusive Umrah packages. This is how you can do your Umrah peacefully while making good memories.
Interesting Facts About the Hijr Ismail
The following are some of the interesting facts every Muslim need to know about Hijr Ismail;
The Secret Way to Pray Inside the Kaaba
Praying in Hijr Ismail (Hateem) is just like praying inside the sacred Kaaba. This special area allows Muslims to feel closer to Allah Almighty without entering or walking into the Kaaba.
Holy Prophet (PBUH) Stood on Hijr Ismail
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stood on Hijr Ismail. He prayed, read the holy book of the Quran and taught people about Islam at that place. This makes Hateem a holy area for Muslims.
Meezab-e-Rahmah
Meezab-e-Rahmah, sometimes also called ‘Water Outlet of the Mercy,’ is a means of water that starts from the roof of the divine Kaaba, ending at the Hijr Ismail area.
Concluding Remarks
Hijr Ismail has considerable importance in Islamic traditions as well as the hearts of Muslims all around the world. Its association with Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS), along with its proximity to the holy Kaaba. This makes it a focal point for worship and reflection. Hijr Ismail remains the most sacred place that shows the essence of faith, sacrifice, and divine connection. Pilgrims pray inside this place that is like praying inside the Kaaba during Hajj or Umrah each year. If you want to make your pilgrimage full of comfort and blessings, get All-inclusive Family Umrah Packages. From visa processing to lodges near the Haram, everything is covered in these deals.
