🕋 History of Makkah – The Sacred City By: Sardar Azeem

Makkah is the holiest, most sacred, and most honored place on earth. Its history is rooted in divine revelation, the legacy of prophets, and centuries of spiritual significance. The most authentic sources describing Makkah are the Noble Qur’an and authentic Ahadith, which reveal both its ancient origins and its condition before and after the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Over the centuries, Muslim scholars documented the city’s chronicles. Among the most notable works is “Chronicles of Makkah and its Ancient Monuments” by Abu Al-Waleed Al-Azraqi, and the monumental writings of Imam Taqiyyud-Deen Al-Fasi Al-Makki (775–832 AH), who authored the renowned “The Therapy for Those Who Harbour Affection for the History of the Sacred City.”

🕋 The Establishment of Makkah

The foundation of Makkah is directly connected to Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Following Allah’s command, he left his wife Haajar (AS) and their infant son Isma’il (AS) in the barren valley of Makkah.

According to a narration in Sahih Al-Bukhari, Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that there was no water, tree, or human in Makkah at that time. When Haajar (AS) saw Ibrahim leaving, she asked several times:

“How can you leave us in this deserted valley?”
When he did not respond, she asked:
“Has Allah commanded you to do this?”
He replied, “Yes.”
She answered with full faith:
“Then He will never forsake us.”

This moment marked the beginning of Makkah’s divine history.

💧 The Miracle of Zamzam

After Ibrahim (AS) made dua on a nearby hill—
“O our Lord! I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near Your Sacred House…” (Surah Ibrahim 14:37)—
Allah blessed Haajar and Isma’il with the miracle of Zamzam.

The water flowed at Haajar’s feet after she ran between Safa and Marwah seven times searching for help. Soon after, the tribe of Jurhum settled in the valley, and Isma’il (AS) grew up among them.

🕋 The Building of the Kaaba

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Isma’il (AS) were later commanded by Allah to build the Kaaba, as stated:

“And when Ibrahim was raising the foundations of the House and Isma’il…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:127)

Another verse confirms the sanctity of this site:

“Do not associate anything with Me, and purify My House for those who perform Tawaf…”
(Surah Al-Hajj 22:26)

A hadith narrated by Abu Dharr (RA) states that the Kaaba was the first mosque built on earth, followed by Masjid Al-Aqsa 40 years later.

Thus, the Kaaba became the first structure established in Makkah and the spiritual center of the world

🕌 The Spread of Idolatry in Makkah

For generations, the descendants of Isma’il (AS) upheld monotheism. But when Amr bin Luhayy Al-Khuza’i introduced idol worship into Arabia, idols gradually filled the Kaaba.

By the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, there were 360 idols in the Kaaba, as recorded by Al-Kalbi in “The Book of Idols.”

The well of Zamzam also became lost due to tribal conflicts and remained buried until the time of Abdul-Muttalib, the Prophet’s grandfather, who rediscovered it after seeing its location in a dream.

🐘 The Year of the Elephant

A major event occurred when Abrahah, the Abyssinian ruler, marched toward Makkah with an army and a massive elephant to demolish the Kaaba. Allah destroyed his army, as described in Surah Al-Fil.

This year became known as “The Year of the Elephant”—the same year the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born.

🕋 The Sacred Status of Makkah

Makkah’s status is unmatched. Allah made it sacred and secure from the beginning of creation:

“Have they not seen that We made Makkah a safe sanctuary…”
(Surah Al-Ankabut 29:67)

 

Allah sent Angel Jibreel (AS) to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to mark the boundaries of the Sacred City. Later, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ rebuilt the Kaaba, restored pure monotheism, and reinforced Makkah’s sanctity.

🕌 The Birthplace of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Makkah holds unmatched honor as:

  • The birthplace of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

  • The land where revelation began

  • The location of Cave Hira, where the Qur’an was first revealed

  • The direction of prayer (Qiblah) for all Muslims

The Prophet ﷺ loved Makkah deeply and declared:

“You are the best of Allah’s lands and the most beloved land to Allah.”
(Tirmidhi)

🌙 Virtues of Worship in Makkah

Allah multiplied the rewards of good deeds performed in the Sacred City:

  • One prayer in Masjid Al-Haram equals 100,000 prayers elsewhere.

  • Acts of worship like fasting, charity, and dua carry multiplied rewards.

  • Hunting, cutting trees, and harming people within its boundaries are prohibited.

Allah says:
“Whoever honors the sacred ordinances of Allah, it is best for him…”
(Surah Al-Hajj 22:30)

And:
“Whoever honors the symbols of Allah, it is from the piety of the hearts.”
(Surah Al-Hajj 22:32)