What Is Hijr Ismail?

Hijr Ismail, also known as the Hijr of Al-Kaaba Al-Musharrafa, is a semicircular wall located to the north of Al-Kaaba Al-Musharrafa. It was named "Hijr" because the Quraysh tribe enclosed it to mark it as part of Al-Kaaba Al-Musharrafa.

It has five names: Hijr, Juder, Hijr Ismail, Hufrat Ismail, and Al-Hateem. Over time, it has undergone several renovations until it reached its current form. During the Saudi era, as part of the restoration of Al-Kaaba Al-Musharrafa in 1996, the old marble covering the walls and floor of the Hijr was replaced with new marble. The lanterns on the walls were cleaned and reinstated in their original positions. A rope barrier was installed at the entrance of the Hijr, which remains open at all times and is closed only when necessary. The floor was paved with cool stone, similar to the Mataf area, and three metal lanterns, illuminated by electricity, were placed on its wall.