8 facts about Maqam-e-Ibrahim in Masjid al Haram

Maqam e Ibrahim is stone with the footprint of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام placed in Masjid al-Haram, Makkah near the Holy Kaaba.

During the construction of the upper level of the Kaaba, Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام stood upon an extensive stone piece which was moved along with him as each area was finished. 

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1 – Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Bakkah [i.e., Makkah] – blessed and a guidance for the worlds. In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. – Quran 3:96

2 – Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام footprints are there on a stone located at the eastern side of Kaaba i.e. Maqam e Ibrahim.

3 – The stone inside the casing is square-shaped and measures 40 cm (16 in) in length and width, and 20 cm (7.9 in) in height. The depth of one Prophet Ibrahim footprint is 10 centimeters and the second is 9 centimeters. 

4 – One of the amazing facts was that the stone he stood upon while constructing the Holy Kaaba, was transformed into a soft and delicate piece into which his feet sank so that one can perceive the impressions of His feet on that rock. 

5 – The place it stands today is the spot where Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام offered two raka’t prayers after the completion of construction of Holy Kaaba. Thus, its significance is that when the seventh round of the Tawaf is finished, two raka’t of prayers are offered at this spot.

We made the House a resort and a sanctuary for people, saying, ‘Take the spot where Abraham stood as your place of prayer.’ We commanded Abraham and Ishmael: ‘Purify My House for those who walk round it, those who stay there, and those who bow and prostrate themselves in worship.’ – Quran 2:125

6 – During Umar bin Al-Khattab’s رضي الله عنه reign, he shifted the place and moved the Maqam more towards the east, so that the individuals who try to perform Tawaaf are able to perform it conveniently, without being in the way for individuals who pray after completing their Tawaaf next to Maqam-e-Ibrahim.

7 – This stone was sent from heaven to Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام along with 2 more stones. One being Hajr-e-Aswad, and the second is the stone of children of Israel.

8 – Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said that undoubtedly, the glass enclosure of the Maqam-e-Ibrahim is proven with respect but the engraved pattern doesn’t seem to be the actual footprints as historically it vanished a long time back. This is only as a marker to denote where Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام stood.