The History of Makkah | Islamic Stories in 3D

Summary

The story of Makkah begins with Adam and Eve's separation after being expelled from paradise, later reuniting in the city. Makkah is also the site of the first monotheistic worship, where Abraham and Ishmael built the Kaaba, and a divine stone from paradise was placed within it. Over time, paganism spread to Makkah, influenced by a merchant named Amaru ibn Luhai who introduced idols. Despite this, many anticipated the arrival of a new prophet. Ultimately, it was in this land, where God’s first worship took place, that the last prophet would emerge.

Takeaways

• 😀 The city of Makkah is deeply significant in Islamic tradition, as it is considered the first place on earth where God was worshipped alone.
• 😀 Adam and Eve were separated after being expelled from paradise, with Eve landing near Makkah and Adam in the far east. After many years, they reunited at Mount Arafat near Makkah.
• 😀 Makkah is also the site where Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael built the first house of worship for God, the Kaaba.
• 😀 According to tradition, God created a similar building in the heavens for angels, and 70,000 angels visit this heavenly structure every day to perform prayers.
• 😀 The final stone used to complete the Kaaba was not from this world, but a sacred stone sent by the angel Gabriel from paradise, initially white but later turned black due to mankind's sins.
• 😀 Despite surrounding regions practicing paganism, the people of Makkah held on to pure monotheism, worshipping one God alone.
• 😀 The arrival of a new prophet was anticipated, with many believing the Arabian Peninsula was the most likely place for this prophet's emergence due to the hostile political environments of the Roman and Persian Empires.
• 😀 A merchant named Amaru ibn Luhai introduced idols into Makkah after witnessing pagan practices during a trip to the Levant, leading to the worship of over 360 idols by the end of the 6th century.
• 😀 The people of Makkah gradually accepted the practice of idol worship, starting with the idol Amaru brought back from the Levant.
• 😀 As paganism spread, those who still believed in monotheism sensed that the coming of the final prophet was near, and many moved to the Arabian Peninsula to await his arrival.
• 😀 The Arabian Peninsula was seen as a suitable place for the final prophet's emergence due to its lack of a central government and its open, tribal society.

Q & A

What is the significance of Makkah in Islamic tradition?

Makkah is considered the first place on Earth where God Almighty was worshipped alone. It is also where the first house of worship was built by Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael. Additionally, Makkah is home to the Kaaba, which holds a sacred stone brought from paradise by the angel Gabriel.

How does the story of Adam and Eve relate to Makkah?

According to Islamic tradition, after Adam and Eve were expelled from paradise, they were separated. Eve landed near Makkah, while Adam traveled through the Arabian Peninsula to reach her. They were eventually reunited on Mount Arafat, near Makkah.

What is the role of the black stone in Makkah's history?

The black stone, initially pure white, was brought from paradise by the angel Gabriel and placed in the Kaaba by Prophet Abraham. Over time, it turned black due to the impurities of the world and human sin, symbolizing the spiritual state of humanity.

Why was the Kaaba significant to the angels, according to Islamic tradition?

In the heavens, there is a structure similar to the Kaaba where angels pray. It is said that 70,000 angels visit the heavenly Kaaba every day to perform prayers, and they leave, never to return again, highlighting the sacredness of this structure.

How did paganism enter Makkah and affect its people?

Paganism entered Makkah when Amaru ibn Luhai, a merchant, traveled to the Levant, where he encountered pagan practices and idols. He brought one of these idols back to Makkah and placed it in front of the Kaaba, eventually leading to the worship of over 360 idols by the end of the 6th century.

What was the state of the world when the new prophet was expected to emerge?

At the time, the Roman and Persian Empires were repressive, hostile toward rebellion, and ideologically rigid. In contrast, the Arabian Peninsula, though steeped in paganism, was a region governed by tribal law, making it an ideal place for a new prophet to emerge.

Why did many people believe the Arabian Peninsula was the likely place for the next prophet to emerge?

Many believed the Arabian Peninsula was the most likely place for the new prophet because it was not under the control of repressive central governments, unlike the Roman and Persian empires. The region's tribal law allowed for more ideological freedom and the possibility of a new message.

What was the impact of the introduction of idols into Makkah?

The introduction of idols, particularly by Amaru ibn Luhai, led to the gradual shift from pure monotheism to polytheism in Makkah. By the end of the 6th century, over 360 idols were worshipped around the Kaaba, replacing the worship of the one true God.

What role did Abraham and Ishmael play in the history of Makkah?

Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael built the first house of worship in Makkah, the Kaaba, which was dedicated to the worship of the one true God. Their actions laid the foundation for Makkah's spiritual significance in Islam.

What does the stone from paradise symbolize in Islamic tradition?

The stone from paradise, brought by the angel Gabriel, symbolizes the purity and divine connection to God. Initially white, it turned black due to human sin, serving as a reminder of the fallen state of humanity and the need for redemption.