Known in Arabic as the Maqam Ibrhm (Arabic: مَقَام إِبْرَاهِيْم), this small square stone is associated with Ibrahim (Abraham) and Ismail (Ishmael), during the construction of the Kaaba. According to Islamic tradition, Abraham's feet left an imprint on the stone, which was later discovered.
Its History
There are two traditions associated with the foot imprint.According to one story, the stone became loose while Ibrahim was constructing the Kaaba; in order to continue construction, Ibrahim stepped on the maqam, which rose and then fell to allow Ismail to supply him with stones.
The other tradition holds that Ibrahim's head was washed by Ismail's wife, and that when he stood on top of the wet head, the footprint emerged.
The Current Structure
The square-shaped stone measures 40 cm (16 in) in length, 20 cm (7.9 in) in width, and 20 cm (7.9 in) in height and is contained within the casing. Prior to the construction of the structure known as the Maqsurat Ibrahim, it was surrounded by a large structure covered in a satara, which was an ornately embroidered curtain of intricate design.
In its current state, the capsule is protected by a golden metal casing. Historical photographs reveal that the outer casing was once flanked by the arch of the Banu Shaybah Gate, which can be seen in one of the photographs.
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