There are some places in the world that make your heart pause — Maqam Ibrahim is one of them. As Muslims, many of us pass it during Umrah or Hajj without fully knowing the story behind it. But when you do, your appreciation for its presence in the Haram deepens tenfold.
What Is Maqam Ibrahim?
Maqam Ibrahim, or the Station of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), is the sacred stone on which Prophet Ibrahim (AS) stood while building the Ka'bah with his son, Prophet Ismail (AS). Allah ﷻ honoured this moment by preserving the Prophet’s blessed footprints on the stone — a legacy for future generations.
How Was the Ka'bah Built?
Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to build the Ka'bah. Obeying the command, he and Prophet Ismail (AS) began the construction using stones from various mountains around Makkah — including Labnaan, Hira, Thubayr, Toor Seena, and others. As the structure grew taller, it became difficult for Ibrahim (AS) to reach the upper parts.
The Miracle of the Rising Stone
This is where the miracle happened. The stone that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) stood on rose with him, allowing him to continue building the Ka'bah. It’s said that the stone softened beneath his feet, leaving behind a clear imprint. Once the Ka'bah was complete, the stone was placed on the eastern side of the structure.
Where Is Maqam Ibrahim Now?
During the time of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), the stone was moved to its current location — right in front of the Ka'bah. This was done to manage the flow of pilgrims while still honouring its position. It’s believed that this is the very place where Prophet Ibrahim (AS) offered two rak’ahs of salah after completing the Ka'bah.
What Does Maqam Ibrahim Look Like Today?
Today, Maqam Ibrahim is enclosed in a beautifully crafted gold frame with reinforced glass. While the original footprints are no longer visible, a silver alloy casing now shows two deep imprints where his feet once stood. The current structure protects this historical relic while still allowing millions to witness it up close.
A Place of Prayer Mentioned in the Qur’an
Praying behind Maqam Ibrahim is part of the rites of Hajj and Umrah. After completing Tawaf, it is wajib (compulsory) to perform two rak’ahs behind it. This act is directly mentioned in the Qur’an:
“And take the Maqam Ibrahim as a place of salah.”
— [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:125]
A Symbol of Mercy and Obedience
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The stone is the station of Ibrahim. Allah made it soft and made it a mercy. Ibrahim would stand on it, and Ismail would hand the stones up to him.”
Maqam Ibrahim is more than a stone — it is a reminder of submission, legacy, and trust in Allah. When you next see it, pause and reflect on the footsteps that helped build the very centre of our faith.