Muslims believe Ibrahim built the Kaaba in Mecca. “And when Ibrahim and Ismail raised the foundations of the House …” (Qs 2:127). But do you know that the evidence does not say that? One must first learn the evidence before believing.
Ibrahim Lived 2,500 Years Before Mecca
Ibrahim and Ismail lived around 2000 – 1900 B.C. Mecca was built around 400 A.D. According to historical documents, the Khuzaa’h tribe from Yemen built Mecca. Abu Karb Asa’d led this, when he reigned over Yemen in 410-435 A.D. The Black Stone first appeared in Muhammad’s grandfather’s era between 495-520 A.D. So the time between when Ibrahim lived and when Mecca was built is more than 2,500 years.
Ibrahim and Ismail Never Went to the Arabian Peninsula
According to the Taurat, God commanded Ibrahim to leave his country, Ur (in Iraq). He told him to move to Canaan (in Israel/Palestine). Ibrahim lived there until he died. He was buried in the Machpelah Cave in Hebron in Israel/Palestine (Taurat, Genesis 22). The distance between Hebron and Mecca is about 1,400 km.
Ismail never went to the Arabian Peninsula either. The Taurat testifies that “ . . . he settled in the wilderness of Paran. His mother arranged for him to marry a woman from the land of Egypt” (Genesis 21:21).
What are the Muslim Expert’s Opinions?
Some Muslim experts do reject the assumption that Ibrahim and Ismail built the Kaaba. Taha Hussein said, “This is something really clear because the Kaaba was a new structure that was built before Islam existed. Islam uses it for religious reasons.”
W. Aliyudin Shareef wrote, “Before the era of Islam, Ismail was never mentioned as the father of the Arabs.” If Ismail was not recognized as the father of the Arabs, he didn’t build the Kaaba. If all of the above information is true, then Ibrahim and Ismail did not build the Kaaba.
What was Ibrahim’s Ultimate Hope?
The Taurat says that Ibrahim obeyed the true God. He hoped in the coming of Isa Al-Masih. Isa once said, “Your father, Abraham, rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; He saw it and was glad” (Injil, John 8:56). So, to follow Ibrahim’s faith, we must follow the living Word of God, who is Isa Al-Masih.
[We invite you to visit us at https://www.isaandislam.com/way-of-salvationto learn more about God’s gift of Salvation. God loves you and waits to hear from you. Jesus clearly said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (Injil, John 14:6). For a deeper understanding of Jesus, we suggest you subscribe to “Isa, Islam, and Al-Fatiha” at this link.]
SOME QUESTIONS FOR THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW
We encourage our readers to comment on the article above. Comments that don’t directly relate to the topic will be removed. Please start a dialogue with us by focusing on one of the following questions:
- If Ibrahim and Ismail did not build the Kaaba, it is not the House of God. So, whose house is it?
- If the Kaaba wasn’t built by Ibrahim, should Muslims pray facing the direction of the Kaaba?
- Why does the Quran give the impression that it was Ibrahim and Ismail who built the Kaaba, even though historically it can’t be proven?
If you have a question regarding this article, please contact us by clicking this link.
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No more evidence is needed when it’s written in the Quran.
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It is very clear that Ibrahim and Ismail died before Islam started. Therefore, it’s impossible for them to build the Kaaba.
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“Show us the straight way. The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray” (Quran, Al-Fatiha 6,7). Those who are astray refer to Christians.
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Idris,
Al-Fatiha (the first chapter of the Quran) is the most revered and recited prayer by Muslims who are seeking God’s guidance to the Straight Way. Who is this Straight Way according to the Quran?
The answer is written in Surah 43:61, “And (Jesus) shall be a Sign (for the coming of) the Hour (of Judgment): therefore have no doubt about the (Hour), but follow ye Me: this is a Straight Way.”
Therefore anyone who rejects the Straight Way & the Sign of Allah (Jesus) will perish. It’s written in Surah 10:95, “Nor be of those who reject the signs of Allah, or thou shalt be of those who perish.”
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Isa or Jesus is only a messenger not God.
“She said, How shall I have a son, whom no mortal has touched, neither have I been unchaste. He said, Even so thy Lord has said: Easy is that for Me; and that We may appoint him a sign unto men and a mercy from Us. It is a thing determined.
(Surah Miriam 19:20-21).”
“Say, “He is God, the One. God, the Absolute. He begets not, nor was He begotten. And there is nothing comparable to Him” (Surah Al-Ikhlas).” This is a clear statement by God describing Himself to humanity without any room for confusion. God is One and is exalted above everything He creates.
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Hanif,
Contrary to your statement, Quran writes that Isa [Jesus] is not only a messenger of Allah but most importantly Isa [Jesus] is the Holy Son who is the appointed Sign to mankind and mercy from Allah (Surah Maryam 19:19-21).
Isa [Jesus] is the Messiah [Savior] who is held in high honor nearest to Allah and Righteous (Surah Imran 3:45-46). Therefore, everyone is commanded to obey Isa and fear Allah because Isa shall be the Sign for Judgement Day and there is no doubt about it (Surah Zukhruf 43:61).