The term Maqam Ibrahim refers to the “Station of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham),” a sacred site located within Masjid al-Haram, facing the Kaaba in Makkah. It is a glass and metal enclosure that houses the stone bearing the footprints of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). According to Islamic tradition, this is the exact stone he stood upon while constructing the upper walls of the Kaaba with his son, Prophet Ismail (AS).
The stone miraculously rose and lowered as he built, leaving behind his footprints as a divine mark of faith and devotion. Maqam Ibrahim holds deep spiritual and historical value, symbolizing obedience, sacrifice, and trust in Allah’s command. Today, millions of Muslims around the world view it as a living connection to Ibrahim’s legacy, and it plays an integral role during the rituals of Umrah and Hajj.
History of Station of Prophet Ibrahim
Maqam-e-Ibrahim, also known as the Station of Abraham, is a sacred stone situated inside the Great Mosque of Mecca, about 46 feet away from theHoly Kaaba. It is the stone on which Prophet Ibrahim (AS) stood while constructing the Kaaba with his son Prophet Ismail (AS). According to Islamic tradition, when the walls became too high, Ismail handed him the stones, and Ibrahim stood on this stone, which miraculously rose and softened beneath his feet. The two footprints of Prophet Ibrahim imprinted on the surface of the stone remain preserved as a symbol of faith and dedication.
The Maqam Ibrahim stone, measuring about 40 cm in length and 20 cm in height, became an enduring relic of this sacred event. Due to frequent touching for blessings, the footprints became larger over time. During the caliph of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), the stone was moved a few feet back into the Mataf area to avoid troubling pilgrims performing Tawaf.
Later, Saudi rulers such as King Faisal bin Abdulaziz and King Fahd bin Abdulaziz added protective enclosures from iron to glass and gold-plated brass. Today, Maqam-e-Ibrahim stands near its original location, revered as a place of prayer and a lasting reminder of Ibrahim’s obedience and devotion to Allah.
Religious Importance: Quranic Reference and Hadiths
Maqam Ibrahim, or the station of Ibrahim, holds immense significance in Islam and is directly mentioned in the Holy Quran.
Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:125): “And take the station of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.”
This command establishes the Maqam as a site of devotion within the Great Mosque of Mecca, where believers reflect on Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith. According to Islamic tradition, this is the stone on which Prophet Ibrahim stood while constructing the Holy Kaaba with his son Ismail (AS). After performing Taw’af, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed two rak’ahs behind the Maqam, following this divine instruction a Sunnah still practiced by Muslim today.
Authentic hadiths narrated by Ibn Umar (RA) confirm that the Prophet (PBUH) recited this verse and prayed behind the station of Ibrahim, emphasizing its sanctity. Scholars describe it as a symbol of continuity between prophets from Ibrahim and Ismail to Muhammad (PBUH). The footprints visible on the surface of the stone remind worshippers of Ibrahim’s devotion. Visitors who stand behind Maqam Ibrahim not only witness history but engage in a timeless act of faith that unites generations in submission to Allah.
Physical Description: Appearance and Location
Maqam Ibrahim is located about 13 meters east of the Kaaba’s door, enclosed in a gilded glass and brass case. In earlier centuries, it was sheltered under a small dome, later replaced by a transparent enclosure to ensure visibility and protection. The light yellowish- brown stone, about 40 centimeters high and wide, bears two distinct footprints believed to mark where Prophet Ibrahim (AS) stood while rebuilding the Kaaba with his son Prophet Ismail (AS).
The enclosure, maintained under strict supervision by Saudi authorities, keeps the stone elevated and illuminated for continuous viewing. Despite the steady flow of pilgrims performing Taw’af nearby, the Maqam remains a deeply respected site. During Umrah and Hajj, Maqam Ibrahim holds great significance as Muslims perform two units of prayer (rak’ahs) behind it after completing Taw’af, a Sunnah that connects worshippers to the faith and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
How to perform Umrah: Praying at Maqam Ibrahim
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Take the Maqam of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.” (Sahih Bukhari) Steps for Performing Prayer at Maqam Ibrahim:
- After completing Tawaf, move towards Maqam Ibrahim while keeping the Kaaba in front of you.
- Find a suitable place behind the Maqam (not too close to block others).
- Pray two rak’ahs — reciting Surah Al-Kafirun in the first and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second (as per Sunnah).
- Make dua sincerely, asking Almighty for acceptance, forgiveness, and steadfastness in faith.
Common supplications include:
“O Allah, make me among those who follow the path of Ibrahim in sincerity and devotion.” After this, pilgrims may proceed to the next rituals Sa’i between Safa and Marwah. These steps reflect the unity of belief and action, connecting every Muslim to the faith of Ibrahim (AS).
How to visit Maqam Ibrahim
Because of the crowd near the Kaaba, pilgrims should approach Maqam Ibrahim with patience and humility. It is not necessary to pray directly behind the structure; any place within Masjid al-Haram facing the Maqam is acceptable. Muslims are advised not to touch or kiss the enclosure, as it is a symbolic site, not one of physical blessing.
Visiting during non-peak hours early morning or late night allows more time for reflection and dua. Women are encouraged to perform the prayer in a comfortable and uncrowded space to ensure proper khushu’ (focus).
Authorities maintain the area with strict organization, so following designated walking paths helps ensure smooth movement for all visitors. Observing respect, patience, and modesty are key etiquettes while visiting this sacred site.
Maqam Ibrahim Mentioned in the Qur’an
Maqam-e-Ibrahim, is directly mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, affirming its sacred position inside the Great Mosque of Mecca. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:125):
“And take the station of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.”
This command establishes the stone on which Prophet Ibrahim stood as a place of worship and reflection for all believers. The footprints of Ibrahim on the surface of the stone serve as a physical reminder of his faith and obedience during the construction of the Kaaba. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) honored this command by praying two rak’ahs behind the Maqam Ibrahim stone after Tawaf a Sunnah followed by Muslims worldwide, symbolizing continuity between prophets and eternal devotion to Almighty.
Lessons from Maqam Ibrahim
Maqam Ibrahim is more than a historical relic; it represents the essence of faith, obedience, and perseverance. The stone stands as a timeless reminder of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) submission to Allah’s will building His house with sincerity, guided only by divine command.
For believers, standing before the Maqam invites reflection on their own spiritual journey. It reminds every visitor that true worship requires effort, trust, and consistency. The footprints on the stone symbolize a path of faith carved through devotion and struggle a legacy all Muslims are encouraged to follow. Each glance at Maqam Ibrahim is a call to purify one’s intentions, renew faith, and strengthen connection with Allah.
Conclusion
Maqam-e-Ibrahim, also known as the Station of Abraham, continues to embody the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Prophet Ismail (AS) during the construction of the Holy Kaaba. The sacred stone on which Ibrahim stood remains preserved within its glass dome near the Great Mosque of Mecca, reflecting centuries of reverence and careful preservation by caliphs and Saudi rulers. For those engaging in Ziyarat around the Haram, Maqam-e-Ibrahim is a site of deep reflection — a place where faith, history, and devotion converge. From its original location beside the Kaaba to its current place in the Mataf area, Maqam-e-Ibrahim symbolizes unwavering faith and remains a focal point for millions performing Tawaf and offering prayers behind it.
