Makkah: On the northern side of the Holy Kaaba lies Hijr Ismail (Al-Hateem), occupying its distinctive position within the Grand Mosque. Though simple in appearance, this space holds within it a profound history of events and narratives tied to the construction of the Holy Kaaba and the succession of eras in Makkah.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Hijr Ismail is considered an integral part of the Kaaba's structure. Historical sources indicate that the foundations raised by the Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail included this area within the original building of the Ancient House. However, when the Quraysh tribe rebuilt the Kaaba prior to the mission of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), they excluded this section from the construction due to limited financial resources, confining the building to the portion that stands today.
Since that time, the Hijr has become a distinctive architectural feature, enclosed on its northern side by a semicircular wall approximately 1.3 meters high and about 90 centimeters thick, while the stone arch extends nearly 21 meters, forming an open space adjoining the wall of the Holy Kaaba.
The name 'Hijr Ismail' is attributed to historical accounts that indicate that Ismail and his mother Hajar resided in that part of the Sacred House. Some narrations also suggest that the area was used to shelter Ismail's livestock, hence the term Hijr - meaning a reserved or enclosed place.
Throughout successive Islamic eras, the Hijr has remained a constant element of the Kaaba's architectural scene, undergoing several modifications to its structure. The most notable occurred during the Umayyad period, when Abdullah ibn al-Zubair rebuilt the Holy Kaaba on the foundations of Prophet Ibrahim, incorporating the Hijr into the structure. It was later excluded again during the Umayyad rule, settling into the form that has remained unchanged to this day.
Within the Hijr lies a space where many who perform circumambulation (Tawaf) and visitors are keen to pray, in light of Prophetic traditions stating that prayer in the Hijr is considered prayer inside the Kaaba, since it was originally part of its first construction.
Over the centuries, the Hijr has received great care as part of the maintenance of the Holy Kaaba. Its semi-circular wall was built of polished white marble, while its floor was paved with fine marble, harmonizing with the architectural character of the Grand Mosque, within a continuous system of care aimed at preserving the historical landmarks associated with the Holy Kaaba.
In the Saudi era, the wise leadership has accorded great attention to preserving the Hijr Ismail as part of the comprehensive care system for the Grand Mosque. Regular maintenance has included restoring the marble, safeguarding the structural integrity of the stone barrier, and ensuring its design remains integrated with successive expansions of the Grand Mosque.
Today, the Hijr Ismail stands as one of the most prominent landmarks associated with the Holy Kaaba, not only for its architectural significance but also for its historical and religious symbolism. It remains a living witness to the stages of construction of the Holy Kaaba and to the centuries that have preserved the sanctity of this sacred place at the heart of the Grand Mosque.