Hajir Ismail, Sacred space at Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Hajir Ismail is a semi-circular space beside the Kaaba building in Mecca, enclosed by low marble walls on three sides. The open arc attaches directly to the sanctuary's northwest wall and forms a clearly visible extension.
The foundations trace back to the time when Abraham and Ishmael built the first house of prayer, according to tradition. Later expansions altered the surrounding courtyard, yet this section remained in its semi-circular shape.
Worshippers circle this area during their seven rounds of the sanctuary and often touch the marble boundary in prayer. The name recalls Hagar and her child, whose memory remains alive in the rituals pilgrims perform today.
It is advisable to come outside the five daily prayer times, when the crowd is lighter. The polished floors can become slippery when wet, so careful walking is recommended.
The arc encloses the part that remained outside the rebuilt foundation after an earthquake in the seventh century. The wall thus marks a historical building boundary that has been respected for centuries.
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