Special areas around the Kaaba for the Pilgrims to note

While every part of the Kaabah is special, there are specific areas that pilgrims should focus on during their visit to the Holy Mosque. These places are listed below:

• Exploring the interiors of the Kaabaa

• Hateem (Al Hijr)

• Al Multazam (the space between the black stone and the Kaaba's door)

• Al Hajar Aswad (The black stone)

• Maqam Ibrahim

• Between Mount Safa and Marwa

• Mataf Area (Tawaf area)

1. Prayer Inside the Kaabah

Al-Bukhaari (505) and Muslim (1329) narrated from ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) entered the Ka’bah, accompanied by Usaamah, Bilaal and ‘Uthmaan ibn Talhah al-Hajabi. He closed the door and remained inside. Ibn ‘Umar said: I asked Bilaal when he came out: What did the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) do? He said: He put two pillars on his left, one pillar on his right, and three pillars behind him – and at that time the House was built on six pillars – then he prayed. 

supplicating inside the kaabah

2. Hateem (Hijr Ismaheel)

   
   

   

   The Hijr is part of the Ka‘bah, so whoever prays in it has prayed in the Ka‘bah, and praying in the Ka‘bah is permissible with regard to naafil prayers only, as the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) did.

Abu Dawood (2028), al-Tirmidhi (876) and al-Nasaa’i (2912) narrated from ‘Aa’ishah that she said: I wanted to enter the House (the Ka‘bah) and pray inside it, but the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) took me by the hand and led me into al-Hijr and said: “Pray in al-Hijr if you want to enter the House, for it is a part of the House, but your people ran out of funds when they (re)built the Ka‘bah, so they left it outside the House.” 

In al-Saheehayn it is narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “I asked the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about the wall – is it part of the House? He said, ‘Yes.’ I said, ‘Why did they not incorporate it into the House?’ He said, ‘Your people ran out of money.’” 

3. Al Multazam

   
   

   

   The multazam (place of clinging) is the part of the Ka’bah that is between the Black Stone and the door of the Ka’bah. What is meant by iltizaam (clinging) is when the supplicant (person making du’aa’) places his chest, face, forearms and palms against it and calls upon Allaah saying whatever du’aa’ he wishes. 

It was narrated that ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn Safwaan said: When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) conquered Makkah, I said: I will put on my garments, as my house was on the road, and I will wait and see what the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) does. So I went and I saw that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had come out of the Ka’bah, he and his companions, and they were touching the House from the Door to the Black Stone. They had placed their cheeks against the House and the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was in the midst of them. Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1898; Ahmad, 15124. 

4. Al Hajar Aswad

   
   
   
   

   

   It was narrated that Ibn `Abbas said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The Black Stone came down from Paradise.”  (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi, 877; An-Nasa’i, 2935. The Hadith was classed as authentic by At-Tirmidhi)

   
   

Ibn `Abbas said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “When the Black Stone came down from Paradise, it was whiter than milk, but the sins of the sons of Adam made it black.” (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi, 877; Ahmad, 2792. Classed as authentic by Ibn Khuzaymah, 4/219. Al-Hafidh ibn Hajar classed it as sound in Fat-h Al-Bari, 3/462)

Touching, kissing or pointing to the Black Stone – this is the first thing to be done when starting Tawaf, whether it is for Hajj or `Umrah, or voluntary Tawaf.

Jabir ibn `Abdullah (may Allah be pleased  with him) that when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came to Makkah, he came to the Black Stone and touched it, then he walked to the right of it and ran three times and walked four times [around the Ka`bah].   (Narrated by Muslim, 1218)

If a person is unable to kiss the Stone, he should touch it with his hand or something else, then he can kiss the thing with which he touched it.

If a person is unable to do the above, then he can point to it with his hand and say “Allahu akbar

It is not permissible for a Muslim to annoy other Muslims at the Stone by hitting or fighting. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) told us that the Stone will testify in favour of those who touched it in sincerity, which is not the case when a person touches it by disturbing the slaves of Allah.

5. Maqam Ibrahim

   

   Maqaam Ibraaheem (the Station of Ibraaheem) is the stone on which he stood when the building became higher than he could reach. So his son put this famous stone there for him so that he could stand on it when the building grew tall… The footprints of al-Khaleel (Ibraaheem, peace be upon him) remained on the rock until the beginning of Islam. From al-Bidaayah wa’l-Nihaayah, 1/163 

   
   

Ibn Jareer narrated that Qataadah said: “ ‘And take you (people) the Maqaam (place) of Ibraaheem (Abraham) [or the stone on which Ibraaheem (Abraham) stood while he was building the Ka‘bah] as a place of prayer (for some of your prayers, e.g. two Rak‘at after the Tawaaf of the Ka‘bah at Makkah)’ [al-Baqarah 2:125 – interpretation of the meaning]. This means that they were commanded to pray at that place; they were not commanded to touch it. This ummah went beyond what was prescribed for it, to an extent that no previous nation did. We have heard from those who saw the marks of his heels and toes on it, but this ummah kept touching them until they disappeared.” From Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 1/117 

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said: 

Undoubtedly Maqaam Ibraaheem is proven and that on which the glass enclosure is built is indeed Maqaam Ibraaheem. But the engraved marks that appear on it do not seem to be footprints, because what is well known from an historical point of view is that those footprints disappeared a long time ago. But these engraved marks were meant as a marker only, and we cannot be certain that these are the footprints of Ibraaheem (peace be upon him). Islamqa.info

6. Mount Safa and Marwa

   
   

   

   When embarking on the spiritual journey of Umrah or Hajj, it is a profound and recommended practice to ascend Mount Safa, a symbolic act that holds great significance in the Islamic faith. As you stand upon this sacred mount, facing the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, it is a moment to offer supplications and prayers from the depths of your heart, seeking blessings and guidance from the Almighty.

   
   

   Similarly, when you find yourself on Mount Marwa, another integral part of the pilgrimage, you are retracing the footsteps of Hajar, the revered Mother of Ismail. It is here that she traversed back and forth in a desperate quest for water for her son, a poignant moment of struggle and faith that has been immortalized in the annals of Islamic history.

   
   

   These acts of walking between Safa and Marwa not only commemorate Hajar's unwavering trust in the divine providence but also serve as a reminder of the power of perseverance and devotion in the face of adversity. The spiritual significance of these rituals lies in their ability to connect the pilgrim with the profound stories of faith and resilience that form the foundation of Islam.

   
   

   Thus, as you follow in the footsteps of Hajar, let your heart be filled with humility and gratitude, knowing that you are treading upon sacred ground imbued with the echoes of devotion and sacrifice. May your supplications on Mount Safa and Mount Marwa be a reflection of your deepest aspirations and a testament to your unwavering faith in the path laid out before you.

   
   

7. Mataf

   
   

   

   When you enter the mataf area, it is highly recommended in Islamic tradition to engage in supplication, or du'a, as a means of seeking blessings and guidance from the Divine. This act of supplication serves as a way to connect with Allah, express gratitude, seek forgiveness, and ask for one's needs and desires to be fulfilled. The act of supplicating during tawaf, the ritual of circumambulating the Kaaba, is considered a special time to seek spiritual closeness and divine favor.

   
   

   Supplicating during the tawaf not only demonstrates humility and devotion but also reinforces the intention behind performing the sacred ritual. It allows the individual to reflect on their purpose, seek spiritual purification, and strengthen their faith. The act of supplication can be a deeply personal and intimate moment between the worshipper and their Creator, fostering a sense of connection and reliance on Allah.

   
   

   Furthermore, the practice of supplication during tawaf serves as a reminder of the importance of mindfulness and presence in worship. By consciously engaging in du'a while performing the ritual, one can cultivate a deeper sense of awareness and focus, enhancing the spiritual significance of the act of worship. This act of devotion can bring about a sense of peace, tranquility, and spiritual fulfillment, enriching the overall experience of performing tawaf.

   We extend our heartfelt wishes for a truly fulfilling and enriching experience as you embark on your journey to the revered House of Allah. May your pilgrimage be filled with moments of spiritual awakening, deep reflection, and profound connection with the divine. The sacred atmosphere of the Holy Kaaba and the surrounding holy sites is sure to inspire a sense of awe and humility within you, as you partake in the rituals and prayers that have been performed by countless believers over the centuries.

   
   

   Remember us in your dua

   
   

   As you stand in the presence of the Kaaba, the symbolic center of the Islamic world, take a moment to absorb the energy and significance of this sacred place. Feel the weight of history and tradition as you join fellow pilgrims in circling the Kaaba during the Tawaf, a powerful expression of unity and devotion. Let the words of your prayers echo through the halls of the Masjid al-Haram, knowing that you are following in the footsteps of prophets and saints who have come before you.

   
   

   In the midst of the bustling crowds and the solemn rituals, find moments of stillness and contemplation to connect with your inner self and with the Almighty. Seek forgiveness for past transgressions, offer gratitude for blessings received, and pray for guidance and strength in the days ahead. Remember that this journey is not just a physical one, but a spiritual one as well, a chance to cleanse your soul and renew your faith.

   
   

   As you complete the rites of Umrah or Hajj, know that you are joining a global community of believers who have answered the call to visit the House of Allah. Your pilgrimage is a testament to your faith and devotion, a reflection of your commitment to seeking closeness to the Divine. May your time in the sacred precincts of Mekkah be a source of blessings and grace, and may you return home with a heart full of peace and a spirit uplifted by the experience.