Prophet Ibrahm (as) built the Kaaba The increasing number of idols in the Ka’bah and the burying of the well of Zam-zam are significant events in the history of Makkah, leading up to the restoration by Qusay bin Kilab and later efforts by Abdul-Muttalib:
Increase in Idols
- Cultural Shift: Over time, the Ka’bah, originally established by Prophet Ibrahim as a monotheistic sanctuary, saw an increase in the number of idols worshipped by various tribes across the Arabian Peninsula. This practice spread until there were reportedly 360 idols housed within the Ka’bah, as documented by Al-Kalbi in his work “The Idols”.
Burial of Zam-zam
- Cultural Shift: As tribal conflicts and wars intensified, the well of Zam-zam, a crucial source of water in Makkah, became buried and lost to the residents and pilgrims. The loss of access to Zam-zam symbolized a decline in spiritual and practical amenities in Makkah.
Qusay bin Kilab’s Leadership
- Restoration Efforts: Qusay bin Kilab, a leader from the Quraysh tribe and a great-grandfather of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), took charge of the custodianship of the Ka’bah from the tribe of Khuza’ah. He gathered the scattered Quraysh families, relocated them to Makkah, and reinstated the sanctity of the city.
- Services and Maintenance: Under Qusay’s leadership, Makkah underwent a revitalization. Services such as food, water, and the upkeep of the Ka’bah were provided freely to visitors and residents alike, reestablishing Makkah as a center of pilgrimage and trade.
Restoration of Zam-zam by Abdul-Muttalib
- Divine Revelation: Abdul-Muttalib, the grandfather of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), had a dream revealing the location of the buried well of Zam-zam. Acting on this dream, he excavated the area and rediscovered the well, restoring it to its function as a vital water source for pilgrims and residents of Makkah.
Spiritual and Cultural Significance
- Symbol of Faith: The events surrounding the idols, the burial of Zam-zam, and its restoration under Qusay and Abdul-Muttalib underscore the theme of faith, divine providence, and the preservation of sacred traditions in Makkah. These events laid the foundation for Makkah’s central role in Islamic faith and pilgrimage.
In summary, the story of the increasing idols, the burying and restoration of Zam-zam, and the leadership of figures like Qusay bin Kilab and Abdul-Muttalib are pivotal in understanding the historical and spiritual development of Makkah, shaping its significance as the holiest city in Islam.
The passage highlights the foundational events in Makkah’s history according to Islamic tradition:
Establishment of the Sacred Mosque (Ka’bah)
- Prophet Ibrahim’s Role: According to Islamic belief, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Isma’il (Ishmael) were directed by Allah to establish the Sacred Mosque, which includes the Ka’bah, in Makkah. This act was accompanied by a divine command to maintain the purity of the house for those who perform Tawaf (circumambulation) and engage in prayer.
Lineage and Custodianship
- Descendants of Isma’il: The descendants of Isma’il, particularly the tribe of Jurhum, settled in the region of Hijaz (where Makkah is located) and multiplied. They assumed the responsibility of caring for the Sacred House and maintaining its sanctity over successive generations.
- Transition to Khuza’ah: Eventually, the tribe of Khuza’ah took over the custodianship of the Ka’bah from the descendants of Isma’il. This transition marked a period of continuity in the preservation of monotheism (Tawhid) as originally established by Prophet Ibrahim.
Introduction of Idol Worship
- Amr bin Lahy Al-Khuza’i: The narrative also mentions the pivotal moment when idol worship was introduced into the Ka’bah by Amr bin Lahy Al-Khuza’i. This event marked a departure from the monotheistic principles established by Prophet Ibrahim, leading to the proliferation of idols within the sacred precinct.
Spiritual and Historical Significance
- Monotheism and Continuity: The story underscores the significance of monotheism as the foundational belief system in Makkah from the time of Prophet Ibrahim. It emphasizes the continuity of custodianship and the sanctity of the Ka’bah, which remains central to Islamic faith and pilgrimage (Hajj).
- Divine Guidance: Throughout these events, the narrative emphasizes divine guidance and intervention, particularly in the establishment of the Sacred Mosque and the provision of Zam-zam water, as symbols of Allah’s mercy and blessings upon Prophet Ibrahim and his descendants.
In summary, the history of Makkah, as narrated in Islamic tradition, revolves around the establishment of the Sacred Mosque by Prophet Ibrahim, the discovery of Zam-zam, the custodianship passed down through generations, and the challenge posed by idol worship before the advent of Islam. These events hold profound spiritual and historical significance in shaping the identity of Makkah as the holiest city in Islam.
