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

"And (remember), when We made the house (Kaaba) a gathering place and a safe place for people. And made Ibrahim's station a place of prayer. And We commanded Ibrahim and Ismail, "Cleanse My house for those who are tawaf, those who are iktikaf, those who bow and those who prostrate!" (QS. Al-Baqarah, 2: 125)

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Historical Origins of Maqam Ibrahim

1. Construction of the Kaaba : Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was commanded by Allah SWT to build the Kaaba as a place of worship for mankind. In the process, Prophet Ibrahim, assisted by his son, Prophet Ishmael, used the Maqam Ibrahim stone as a tool to reach a certain height. This stone remains a witness to the Prophet Ibrahim's obedience and efforts in carrying out Allah's command.
2. Initial Placement : Initially, the Maqam Ibrahim (Maqam Ibrahim) was located close to, or even attached to, the wall of the Kaaba. However, over time, since the time of Umar ibn al-Khattab, this stone was moved slightly away from the Kaaba to facilitate pilgrims performing the Hajj and Tawaf (circumambulation). Currently, the stepping stone is protected in a glass case.

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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. Sunnah Prayer : Maqam Ibrahim is one of the most important places in the Hajj and Umrah. After circumambulating the Kaaba seven times, pilgrims are encouraged to perform two rak'ahs of sunnah prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim. If crowded, they may move back slightly.
3. Blessings : In the Quran, Allah SWT says: "And make the Station of Ibrahim a place of prayer" (QS. Al-Baqarah: 125). This shows the importance of the Station of Ibrahim as a blessed place for performing prayer. A place where prayers are answered.

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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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