Besides the Black Stone, the Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Ibrahim) holds immense historical and spiritual significance in Islam. Maqam Ibrahim is believed to be the stone on which Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) stood while building the Kaaba with his son, Prophet Ishmael (peace be upon him). Historically, this stone bears the footprints of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), left when he climbed onto it to reach the top of the Kaaba during the construction process.

Allah SWT. says in surah Al-Baqarah regarding the station of Ibrahim,

وَاِذْ جَعَلْنَا الْبَيْتَ مَثَابَةً لِّلنَّاسِ وَاَمْنًاۗ وَاتَّخِذُوْا مِنْ مَّقَامِ اِبْرٰهٖمَ مُصَلًّىۗ وَعَهِدْنَآ اِلٰٓى God willing لِلطَّاۤىِٕفِيْنَ وَالْعٰكِفِيْنَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُوْدِ

“Dan (ingatlah), ketika Kami menjadikan rumah (Ka’bah) tempat berkumpul dan tempat yang aman bagi manusia. Dan jadikanlah maqam Ibrahim itu tempat salat. Dan telah Kami perintahkan kepada Ibrahim dan Ismail, “Bersihkanlah rumah-Ku untuk orang-orang yang tawaf, orang yang iktikaf, orang yang rukuk dan orang yang sujud!” (QS. Al-Baqarah,2: 125)

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Historical Origins of Maqam Ibrahim

1. Pembangunan Ka'bah: Nabi Ibrahim as diperintahkan oleh Allah Swt. untuk membangun Ka'bah sebagai tempat ibadah bagi umat manusia. Dalam prosesnya, Nabi Ibrahim dibantu anaknya, yaitu Nabi Ismail menggunakan batu Maqam Ibrahim sebagai alat bantu untuk mencapai ketinggian tertentu. Batu ini kemudian menjadi saksi sampai sekarang, atas ketaatan dan usaha Nabi Ibrahim dalam menjalankan perintah Allah.
2. Penempatan Awal: Pada awalnya, Maqam Ibrahim berada dekat bahkan menempel dengan dinding Ka'bah. Namun, seiring berjalannya waktu, sejak zaman Umar bin Khatab batu ini dipindahkan sedikit menjauh dari Ka'bah untuk memudahkan para jamaah dalam pelaksanaan ibadah haji dan tawaf. Saat ini batu pijakan tersebut dilindungi dalam kotak yang berkaca.

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3 things about the importance of Maqam Ibrahim

1. History and Memories: Maqam Ibrahim reminds Muslims of the story of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail and their sincerity and obedience to Allah SWT. between an exemplary father and son. This is a symbol of struggle and sacrifice in carrying out God's commands.
2. Salat Sunah: Maqam Ibrahim menjadi salah satu tempat penting dalam pelaksanaan haji dan umrah. Setelah melakukan tawaf mengelilingi Ka'bah 7 kali, jamaah dianjurkan untuk melaksanakan salat sunnah dua rakaat di belakang Maqam Ibrahim. Jika berdesakan mungkin boleh mundur agak ke belakangnya.
3. Keberkahan: Dalam Al-Quran, Allah Swt. berfirman: "Dan jadikanlah sebagian maqam Ibrahim tempat salat" (QS. Al-Baqarah: 125). Ini menunjukkan pentingnya Maqam Ibrahim sebagai tempat yang diberkahi untuk melaksanakan ibadah salat. Tempat mustajab terkabulnya doa.

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4 Virtues of Maqam Ibrahim for Muslims

1. Mustajab Place to Pray: Maqam Ibrahim is known as one of the mustajab places to pray. Muslims who visit Maqam Ibrahim are encouraged to pray and ask Allah SWT. with full confidence that their prayers will be answered.
2. Increased Faith and Devotion: Visiting and contemplating the story behind Maqam Ibrahim can increase a Muslim's faith and devotion. Seeing the footprints of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). reminds Muslims of their obedience and steadfastness in their faith.
3. Performing Sunnah Prayers: Performing two rak'ahs of Sunnah prayers behind Maqam Ibrahim after tawaf is one of the highly recommended practices. This provides an opportunity for Muslims to draw closer to Allah SWT, bow down and prostrate to ask for the blessings of life.
4. Strengthening the Bonds of Tracts and History: Visiting Maqam Ibrahim strengthens the ties of Muslims with history and the unity of the teachings of the prophets. This reminds us of the foundation of faith that was built by Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail. There is a prophetic bond between the Masjidilaqsa in Palestine and the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

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Conclusion

The conclusion regarding the station of Ibrahim, basically goes back to surah Al-Baqarah verse 125,

وَاتَّخِذُوْا مِنْ مَّقَامِ اِبْرٰهٖمَ مُصَلًّىۗ

"And make the station of Ibrahim a place of prayer"

Maqam Ibrahim is a trace of the apostolate, a witness of struggle, of holiness which has very high historical and spiritual value for Muslims. By understanding the history and priorities of Maqam Ibrahim, Muslims can appreciate and take advantage of the blessings that surround it.

Through prayers performed around Maqam Ibrahim, we pray, do dhikr, bow down, prostrate, and at the same time remember the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim Swt. beloved of Allah swt. with these practices we strengthen our faith, increase our devotion, and draw closer to Allah SWT. Amen

And God knows best

By: Heri Mahbub

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