Residential Construction in the Vicinity of the Ka‘bah — Seal of the Prophets Vol. 1
Introduction
In this discourse from The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 1), Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra) details the historical events and scholarly insights surrounding Residential Construction in the Vicinity of the Ka‘bah.
Book Series: The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 1)
Author: Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra)
Section: III-Makkah, the Ka’bah & the Quraish
Pages: Book pp. 107–110 (PDF pp. 131–134)
Navigation: Book Table of Contents | « Previous: [Sanctity of the Ka‘bah] | Next: [The Quraish] »
Historical Account
At this point it will be appropriate to mention that until the time of Qusaiyy not a single nation had built homes in the vicinity of the Ka‘bah. As a matter of fact, they resided in temporary homes and pavilions situated at some distance. However, upon Qusaiyy’s encouragement, the Quraish constructed homes in the surrounding perimeter of the Ka‘bah and Makkah became a proper city. However, these homes were not adjoined to the Ka‘bah, rather, in
order to facilitate the Ṭawāf of pilgrims, a vast area was left to all four sides of the Ka‘bah. This open space was as if the courtyard of the Masjid-e-Ḥarām. During the era of the Khulafā’-e-Rāshidīn this area was deemed narrow and restricted in space, thus, the courtyard of the Masjid-e-Ḥarām was expanded by demolishing the homes in its immediate proximity. A map depicting the current state of the Ka‘bah and Masjid-e-Ḥarām is shown below:
[The Sacred Mosque (Publishers)]
[The Successors of the Holy Prophetsa (Publishers)]
(Refer to the following page)
109
Ḥaṭīm
Maṭāf
The Holy Ka‘bah
Ṣafā
Muqām-e-Ibrāhīm
Marwah Map of the Ka‘bah & Masjid-e-Ḥarām
Note: The area within the circle surrounding the Ka‘bah signifies the Maṭāf, i.e., where pilgrims perform their Ṭawāf around the Ka‘bah.
The numerous filled areas pointing towards the Ka‘bah shown in the diagram is where worshippers align in rows to offer their Ṣalāt.
Book Series: The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 1)
Section: III-Makkah, the Ka’bah & the Quraish | Navigation: « Previous: [Sanctity of the Ka‘bah] | Next: [The Quraish] »