Hijr Ismail, or the Hatim, is the curved wall beside the Ka'bah, part of which belongs to the Ka'bah itself. Here is its history and merit.
Hijr Ismail is a semicircular area bounded by a low curved wall on the northern side of the Ka'bah. It is also known as the Hatim. Although it lies outside the Ka'bah building we see today, part of this area is in fact part of the Ka'bah according to the foundation built by Prophet Ibrahim.
It is reported that when the Quraysh rebuilt the Ka'bah shortly before the time of prophethood, their lawful funds were not enough to cover the entire foundation of Ibrahim. As a result, part of the Ka'bah was left out of the building and marked with a curved wall now known as Hijr Ismail. This is why scholars affirm that part of the Hijr belongs to the Ka'bah.
An important consequence of this concerns tawaf. Pilgrims performing tawaf must circle Hijr Ismail from outside its wall, not cut through its interior. If someone enters and passes through the inside of the Hijr during tawaf, that circuit is invalid because he did not encircle the entire Ka'bah.
Another merit is that praying inside Hijr Ismail is considered like praying inside the Ka'bah. In one narration, when Aisha wished to pray inside the Ka'bah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) pointed to the Hijr and said it was part of the Ka'bah, so praying there would suffice. This is why many pilgrims strive to offer two rak'ah inside the Hijr when circumstances allow.
Bear in mind, however, that the Hijr area is often extremely crowded. If you wish to pray inside it, wait for a less busy time; do not force your way in amid the crush or step over someone in prostration. Prioritise the safety and comfort of fellow pilgrims, for harming others does not align with the values of worship.
It should also be stressed that the merit of Hijr Ismail is not because of its stones, but because of its status as part of the Ka'bah and a place Allah has honoured. Wiping the wall or seeking blessings from it in unprescribed ways is not recommended.
Understanding Hijr Ismail helps pilgrims grasp the history of the Ka'bah and perform tawaf correctly. With this knowledge, your worship becomes more mindful, orderly, and in line with guidance, so that every step around the House of Allah feels more meaningful.
Above Hijr Ismail is the Mizab ar-Rahmah, a spout that channels rainwater from the roof of the Ka'bah into the Hijr area. This spout is one of the parts of the Ka'bah familiar to pilgrims, though of course it must never be made an object of veneration.
For pilgrims, recognising Hijr Ismail is also a reminder of the long history of the Ka'bah, which has been rebuilt several times over the ages, from Prophet Ibrahim, the Quraysh, to renovations in the Islamic era. All of this affirms that the Ka'bah is the qibla uniting Muslims worldwide. When near the Hijr, take a moment to reflect on the greatness of this first house of worship built for humankind. Increase supplication and remembrance, yet still prioritise order and the safety of other pilgrims, for that is the reflection of the true character of a guest of Allah.
