Maqam Ibrahim Remains One of the Most Significant Landmarks at the Grand Mosque
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Riyadh, March 10, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Maqam Ibrahim remains one of the most prominent religious and historical landmarks inside the Grand Mosque, symbolizing the story of the construction of the Kaaba.
According to Islamic tradition, the stone bears the footprint marks of the Prophet Prophet Ibrahim, left while he was building the Kaaba with the help of his son Prophet Ismail.
The Maqam holds a special place in Islamic belief and is referenced in the Qur’an in the verse: “And take the Maqam of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.” Pilgrims commonly perform two units of prayer behind the site after completing the ritual of Tawaf around the Kaaba.
Located a few meters from the Kaaba within the Mataf courtyard, the Maqam is enclosed in a transparent crystal structure that allows visitors to view the stone while protecting it. A gold-plated metal frame surrounds the structure to preserve the artifact while keeping it visible to worshippers.
Historical sources indicate that Prophet Ibrahim stood on the stone while raising the walls of the Kaaba, with the stone said to have risen as construction progressed.
Historians describe the stone as a soft type of water-formed rock rather than flint. It measures approximately 50 centimeters in length, width and height, with two oval depressions believed to mark the footprints of Prophet Ibrahim.
Over centuries, Muslim rulers and custodians have preserved the Maqam through various coverings and protective structures, leading to its current design that combines architectural protection with visual accessibility.
Today, Maqam Ibrahim remains an integral element of the Tawaf area in the Grand Mosque, reflecting the deep connection between Islamic history and faith while highlighting the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to preserve the sacred landmarks of Islam and facilitate access for pilgrims.
