Jabal al-Abu Qubays

Jabal al-Abu Qubais is a revered mountain situated approximately 100 meters east of the Kaaba, atop Safa Hill, with an elevation of 420 meters. This mountain holds a place of honor and significance. Today, it is the location of a hotel. Even prior to the advent of Islam, Jabal al-Abu Qubais was considered sacred by the people. The ascetic and devout individuals of Mecca used to climb this mountain and engage in spiritual retreat here. During a period when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was returning to Mecca from Ta’if, an angel appeared to him and pointed to the mountains of Abu Qubais and Kuaykian, offering to unite these two mountains over the people of Mecca. However, the Prophet responded that he wished for Allah to raise from among the Meccans those who would worship Him alone, free from associating any partners with Him.
      The name “Abu Qubais” is attributed to several possibilities:

1. Adam (AS) is said to have taken the first fire (symbolizing the Kaaba) from this mountain;
2. Hajar al-Aswad (the Black Stone) is believed to have been taken from here;
3. The name might have been derived from the tribe of Iyad or Mezhic, who attempted to construct a building on this mountain.

      Numerous historical events are associated with Jabal al-Abu Qubais:

1. From the time of Noah’s flood until the era of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Hajar al-Aswad was kept preserved at the peak of this mountain.
2. The miracle of splitting the moon (Shak al-Qamar) mentioned in Surah Al-Qamar occurred over this mountain, commemorated by the construction of a mosque known as Masjid Inshiqak al-Qamar. However, this mosque was removed during the expansion of Masjid al-Haram.
3. It is widely believed that Prophet Ibrahim (AS), upon Allah’s command to proclaim Hajj among people, invited them to the pilgrimage from the summit of this mountain.
4. Adam (AS) is said to be buried here upon his demise.
5. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) prayed here, and a mosque was built on the land where he prayed.
6. During the conquest of Mecca, Bilal ibn Rabah recited the call to prayer (adhan) from this mountain.

Until the 1980s, a mosque known as “Masjid Ibrahim” existed on top of Jabal al-Abu Qubais, commemorating the declaration of Hajj by Prophet Ibrahim and the prayers of Prophet Muhammad. However, the entirety of Jabal al-Abu Qubais was later utilized for various purposes, including the construction of tunnels connecting Aziziye and Mina to the Haram al-Sharif complex.