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2026-10-06

What Are Multazam, Hijr Ismail, and Maqam Ibrahim? Learn About Their Locations and Significance

When performing Hajj or Umrah at Masjid al-Haram, pilgrims will not only see the Kaaba as the center of tawaf. Around the Kaaba, there are several places with important historical and religious significance in Islam, including Multazam, Hijr Ismail, and Maqam Ibrahim.

All three are located very close to the Kaaba, but each has a different location, history, and connection to Islamic worship. Understanding these differences can help pilgrims become more familiar with the area around Masjid al-Haram and perform their worship in a more orderly manner.

So, what are Multazam, Hijr Ismail, and Maqam Ibrahim? Here is an explanation.

What Is Multazam?

Multazam is a section of the Kaaba wall located between the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) and the door of the Kaaba. Saudipedia, citing sources from the authority responsible for Masjid al-Haram, explains that Multazam is located on the eastern side of the Kaaba, precisely between the corner where the Black Stone is located and the door of the Kaaba.

The name Multazam comes from an Arabic word associated with the meaning of “clinging” or “holding closely.” The name is connected to the practice of some of the Prophet Muhammad's companions, who would make dua while placing their chest, face, and hands against this part of the Kaaba. Narrations about this practice have become part of scholarly discussions regarding making dua at Multazam.

Where Is Multazam Located?

When facing the door of the Kaaba directly, Multazam is the section of the wall between the Kaaba's door and the Black Stone.

What Is Special About Multazam?

Multazam is known as a place where pilgrims can make dua and supplicate to Allah SWT. The practice of making dua at this location is supported by narrations from the Prophet's companions.

However, it is important to understand that visiting Multazam is not a compulsory part of Hajj or Umrah. Pilgrims should also avoid forcing their way toward Multazam when the area around the Kaaba is extremely crowded.

Dua can still be made from other areas within Masjid al-Haram without having to push through crowds or disturb pilgrims who are performing tawaf.

What Is Hijr Ismail?

Hijr Ismail is a semicircular or crescent-shaped area located on the northern side of the Kaaba. The area is bordered by a low, curved wall that is easily recognizable from the tawaf area.

Where Is Hijr Ismail Located?

Hijr Ismail is located next to the northern side of the Kaaba, beneath the direction of the Kaaba's rainwater spout, known as the Mizab. It consists of a curved wall with open access on both sides.

Why Is Hijr Ismail Considered Part of the Kaaba?

The status of Hijr as part of the Kaaba is supported by strong hadith evidence.

Aisha RA once expressed her desire to enter the Kaaba and perform salah inside it. The Prophet Muhammad SAW then instructed her to pray in the Hijr and explained that the area was part of the Kaaba that had not been included in the structure when the Quraysh rebuilt the Kaaba. This narration can be found in Jami' at-Tirmidhi and is classified as hasan sahih.

Another narration in Sahih al-Bukhari also explains that when the Quraysh rebuilt the Kaaba, as cited by Saudipedia, part of the Kaaba's original foundation was not included in the rebuilt structure.

For this reason, pilgrims performing tawaf must walk around the outside of Hijr Ismail rather than passing through it. Cutting through the inside of the Hijr during tawaf means that the pilgrim has not completely circled the entire Kaaba.

What Is Special About Hijr Ismail?

One of the main distinctions of Hijr Ismail is its status as part of the Kaaba.

In the hadith of Aisha RA, the Prophet Muhammad SAW instructed her to pray in the Hijr when she wished to perform salah inside the Kaaba.

For this reason, many pilgrims take the opportunity to perform salah and make dua inside Hijr Ismail when conditions allow.

However, as with Multazam, pilgrims should avoid pushing through crowds or forcing their way into the area when it is full. Maintaining order and avoiding disruption to other pilgrims should remain a priority.

What Is Maqam Ibrahim?

When hearing the word “maqam,” some people may assume that it refers to a tomb. However, Maqam Ibrahim is not the tomb of Prophet Ibrahim AS.

Maqam Ibrahim is the stone on which Prophet Ibrahim AS stood while building the Kaaba. The stone is now housed inside a transparent protective structure that pilgrims can see in the mataf area, not far from the Kaaba.

The stone bears impressions that, according to Islamic tradition and historical sources, are associated with the footprints of Prophet Ibrahim AS as he stood on it while raising the walls of the Kaaba.

Where Is Maqam Ibrahim Located?

Maqam Ibrahim is located on the eastern side of the Kaaba, facing the area of the Kaaba's door and Multazam. Today, the stone is protected by a transparent structure so that pilgrims can still see it without having to touch it.

It is located within the area where pilgrims perform tawaf, so the flow of pilgrims around it is usually quite busy.

What Is Special About Maqam Ibrahim?

Maqam Ibrahim holds a special position because it is mentioned directly in the Quran.

Allah SWT says in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 125:

“...And take the standing place of Abraham as a site of prayer...”

This verse forms the basis for performing two rak'ahs of salah after tawaf, which is recommended to be performed with Maqam Ibrahim positioned between the worshipper and the Kaaba when circumstances allow.

However, the prayer after tawaf does not have to be performed directly behind or very close to Maqam Ibrahim. When the area is crowded, pilgrims can perform it elsewhere in Masjid al-Haram to avoid obstructing the tawaf route.

Differences Between Multazam, Hijr Ismail, and Maqam Ibrahim

Although all three are located around the Kaaba, each has different characteristics.

Multazam is a section of the Kaaba wall located between the Black Stone and the door of the Kaaba and is known as a place for making dua and supplicating to Allah SWT.

Hijr Ismail is a semicircular area on the northern side of the Kaaba. Based on the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, part of the area within the Hijr is considered part of the Kaaba that was not included in the structure when the Quraysh rebuilt it.

Meanwhile, Maqam Ibrahim is a stone associated with the construction of the Kaaba by Prophet Ibrahim AS. It is also specifically mentioned in the Quran in connection with performing salah after tawaf.

Things to Keep in Mind When Worshipping Around the Kaaba

Multazam, Hijr Ismail, and Maqam Ibrahim have important historical significance and connections to Islamic worship. However, pilgrims should still pay attention to the conditions within Masjid al-Haram.

During Hajj season or busy Umrah periods, the area around the Kaaba can be filled with thousands of pilgrims. Therefore, avoid forcing yourself to touch Multazam, enter Hijr Ismail, or perform salah directly behind Maqam Ibrahim when conditions do not allow it.

The main purpose of worship is not simply to reach a particular location, but to follow the guidance of worship in an orderly manner while also respecting the safety and rights of other pilgrims.

Understanding Historical Sites Can Help You Appreciate the Journey of Worship

Understanding what Multazam, Hijr Ismail, and Maqam Ibrahim are can help pilgrims recognize that the area around the Kaaba carries a long history of tawhid and the journey of Prophet Ibrahim AS.

Multazam is known as a place for supplication, Hijr Ismail is considered part of the Kaaba based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, while Maqam Ibrahim serves as a reminder of the construction of the Kaaba and is directly mentioned in the Quran as a place associated with prayer.

By understanding their locations and significance based on reliable sources, pilgrims can perform Hajj or Umrah with greater knowledge without feeling the need to force themselves to perform practices that are not compulsory.

Start preparing for your journey to the Holy Land with Rindu Haji from Bank Muamalat, so you can have the opportunity to visit Multazam, Hijr Ismail, and Maqam Ibrahim in person soon. InsyaAllah.

What Are Multazam, Hijr Ismail, and Maqam Ibrahim? Learn About Their Locations and Significance

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