حِجر إسماعيل / الحَطيم
The Hijr Ismail (also called Hatim) is the semi-circular white marble wall on the northwest side of the কাবা শরীফ. Originally part of the কাবা শরীফ structure, praying inside this area is considered equivalent to praying inside the কাবা শরীফ itself. It is associated with Prophet Ismail (AS) and his mother Hajar.
When the Quraysh rebuilt the কাবা শরীফ before Islam, they ran short of lawful funds and could not complete the full original foundation laid by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The portion they left out was marked by a low wall called the Hatim. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) confirmed that the Hijr was originally part of the কাবা শরীফ. It is also associated with Prophet Ismail (AS) and his mother Hajar (AS), and some narrations state they are buried in this area.
Praying inside the Hijr Ismail is considered equivalent to praying inside the কাবা শরীফ, as it was originally part of the sacred structure. It is one of the most blessed spots in মসজিদুল হারাম and holds deep connections to the family of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
The Hijr Ismail is accessible to all visitors and is a highly sought-after place for সালাত since praying here is equivalent to praying inside the কাবা শরীফ. It becomes very crowded, especially after ওয়াজিব সালাতs. The best times to access it are late at night or early morning. During তাওয়াফ, হাজীগণ must walk around the outside of the Hijr wall, not through it.