Hijr Ismail is also known as the Hateem, a semi-circular area adjacent to the wall of the Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram Makkah. Marked by a low small wall, this sacred section was originally part of the Kaaba itself during the time of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail. When the Quraysh tribe began the building of the Kabah before the Prophet Muhammad’s time, due to shortage of funds including on its northern wall of the Kabah, the Quraish left this portion outside the Kaaba during reconstruction. Even though Hijr Ismail isn’t inside the current structure, it remains a part of the house and carries deep importance in Islam.
Today, Muslims know about Hijr Ismail as a place of deep spiritual significance. It is not just an open space but an integral link to the history of the Kabah, directly connected to Ibrahim, Prophet Ismail, and his wife Hagar and son Ismail’s legacy.
Why is it called Hateem?
The term Hateem means “broken” or “ruined”. Historical narrates explain that when the Kaaba’s original structure could not be completed due to insufficient funds, this section was left aside, symbolizing what was broken off from the building of the Kaaba. Though Hijr Ismail isn’t directly connected to the cube-shaped structure, it forever remains part of the holy Kabah. Despite being outside the Kaaba’s current walls, it retains its sanctity as part of the holy Kaaba.
Historical Narrations and Abdul Muttalib’s Vision
The grandfather of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Abdul Muttalib, cherished being close to the Kaaba. He would often rest by sleeping in Hateem within the area of Hijr Ismail. One night, while inside the Hijr Ismail, he experienced a vision: a shadowy figure instructed him where he found the buried Zamzam well which had been lost since the era of the Jurhum tribe. Acting upon this vision Abdul Muttalib rediscovered Zamza’m, reviving one of the spiritual elements of the Haram. This moment in Hijr Ismail history shows its importance in the eyes of Allah.
The Reconstruction of the Ka’bah by Quraysh
When the Prophet reached the age of 35 years old, a flood struck Makkah and caused severe damage to the Kaaba. The sacred structure had already been weakened by an earlier fire during the period of ignorance, and they thought it would collapse completely. To preserve their holy sanctuary, they decided to reconstruct the Kaaba with strong foundations and durable materials. However, they made a pact to avoid using any wealth obtained through unjust means such as usury, prostitution, or theft.
Aisha’s Narration on the Ka’bah and Hijr Ismail
The hijr Ismail history is clarified in a description from Aisha (رضي الله عنها). She asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ about the semicircular area, and he explained that it is part of the Ka’bah. He wished to restore and rebuild the Kaaba on the foundations of Ibrahim (عليه السلام) to include it, but refrained as the Quraish were newly embracing Islam. In another narration, when Aisha wished to pray inside the Ka’bah, the Prophet ﷺ led me into the Hijr and said: “Pray in Hijr Ismail, for it is part of the House.”
Aisha (رضي الله عنها) says, “When I expressed the wish to perform salah within the Ka’bah, the Prophet (ﷺ) took me by the hand and led me into the Hijr (Hateem) where he said, ‘Perform salah here if you wish to enter the Ka’bah because this is part of the Baytullah.’”
The Ruling of Prayer in Hijr Ismail
Since Hijr Ismail is considered a part of the Kaaba, praying in Hijr Ismail holds a greater significance. The Prophet himself clarified that praying inside the holy area is like praying inside the Kaaba. It is also the area that lies directly beneath the Mizab al-Rahma. Today during Hajj and Umrah, those who pray inside Hijr Ismail recognize this space as a place of high virtue and closeness to Allah. However, because tawaf must be performed outside the Hateem area, worshippers often struggle to enter the Kaaba’s semicircle. Yet those who manage prayers in Hateem experience a unique level of the ground connection and tranquility.
The Symbolic and Spiritual Value of Hijr Ismail
Hijr Ismail is also believed to be a place where Ismail and his mother Hajar were buried, though scholars differ on the graves of Ismail. Some followings mention that Ibraheem constructed a shelter for Ismail there, making it a place where Ibrahim and his family arrived in Makkah and continued devotion. Whether the Hateem was part of the original cube or not, it remains a part of Hijr and part of the Kabah. The semicircular wall around the Hateem reminds Muslims that, although the Quraish excluded it during reconstruction, it remains an inseparable part of Kaaba in essence and devotion.
Architectural Features
Wall design: A low curved small wall surrounding the semicircular area.
Marble construction: Distinct white stone, polished and easily identifiable.
Mizab al-Rahma: The golden spout of the Ka‘bah directs rainwater into Hijr Ismail, symbolizing Allah’s mercy.
Sacred boundary: Though open-air, it is legally part of the Kaaba.
Entrances to the Hijr: Open sides allow worshippers to step inside Hijr Ismail.
North-west wall of the Kaaba: The Hateem area extends from this section, adjacent to the wall.
The Prophet’s Longing and Later Attempts at Restoration
The Prophet longed to restore the Kaaba to its original form, including Hijr Ismail. This vision was briefly realized during the leadership of Abdullah ibn Zubayr (رضي الله عنه), who rebuilt the Kaaba to encircle Hijr Ismail within its structure. However, later rulers altered the Kaaba again, restoring it to the form established by the Quraish. Despite these changes, lsmail isn’t directly removed from its honor, and it continues to hold importance in Islam and in the eyes of every believer. Uncle Abbas also narrated its virtues, stressing that the side of the Hateem actually belongs to the Kaaba.
Conclusion
Hijr Ismail stands as one of the most sacred spaces in Islam, deeply rooted in history and faithfulness. From Abdul Muttalib’s vision of the Zamzam well to the Quraysh reconstruction, from Aisha’s description to the Prophet’s longing, every detail of its past carries weight. Praying inside it is equal to praying inside the Kaaba, and tawaf must be performed outside it. For pilgrims performing Hajj or Umrah, this northern side of the Kaaba represents not just an architectural enclosure but a spiritual treasure, a place where Ibrahim, Ismail, and Muhammad ﷺ continue to inspire the Islamic world.
