Prophet Abraham’s Footprints

Q. How can we be sure of the authenticity of Prophet Abraham’s footprints near the Kaaba, where we are recommended to pray?

On a different note, may I mention that there are several websites that are very hostile to Islam. Action is needed to answer these. Please comment.

R. Hassan

A. We are ordered in the Qur’an to make Maqam Ibraheem a place of worship. This is the meaning of the verse that says: “Make the place where Abraham stood as a place of prayer.” (2: 125) This does not mean the exact spot where he stood, because he did not always stand in the same spot, but it means the area where he stood, which is close to the Kaaba where he was comfortable. Nowadays with thousands of worshippers doing the tawaf at the same time, it is difficult to pray in this area. Since Islam always prefers what is easier for people, we can pray the Sunnah after tawaf anywhere in the Sacred Mosque, but preferably closer to where Abraham used to stand. As for the footprints preserved in the special glass structure, these are not real footprint. If you look at them you immediately conclude that they are not the prints of human feet. They may be the mark of sandals or slippers, but not the feet themselves. Besides, we are not sure of their being authentic. Nothing of this matters, because whether they are authentic or not, marks of feet or slippers, they have no religious value. The value is in following Abraham’s example and submitting oneself to God, praying to Him in complete devotion.

The war against Islam will continue for the rest of human life and will take different forms. An important aspect of this war is hostile propaganda and false presentation. This started in the very early days of Islam, when the Prophet began to advocate his message in Makkah. It will continue as long as people believe in the truth of the Islamic faith and present it to mankind for their guidance. It utilizes the latest means of influencing people’s thinking. Nowadays when the Internet seems to be the fastest way of spreading ideas, it uses hostile websites. While it is important that websites be established to present the true image of Islam, we cannot stop others from using the same means. However, our means should be equal if not better in quality, form of presentation and accuracy, in addition to presenting the right image of Islam.