Abraham A.S And Mecca
To further explore the connection between Abraham and the Kaaba, let’s examine some non-Islamic sources: Jewish Traditions 1. Midrash: The Midrash describes the covenant of circumcision, which included an altar built by Abraham and Ishmael. Although the location is not specified, it’s intriguing to note the connection between Abraham, Ishmael, and an altar. 2. Talmud: The Talmud (Yoma 10a) mentions that Abraham built an altar in the desert, but the exact location is not provided. Christian Traditions 1. Syriac Christian Tradition: The Syriac Christian writer, Ephrem the Syrian (306-373 CE), wrote about the Kaaba in his work “Commentary on Genesis.” He described it as a place of worship built by Abraham and Ishmael. 2. Byzantine Christian Sources: The Byzantine Christian historian, Procopius of Caesarea (500-565 CE), mentioned the Kaaba in his work “History of the Wars.” Although he didn’t explicitly connect it to Abraham, he described it as a sacred place of worship for the Arabs. Archaeological and Historical Records 1. Inscriptions and Coins: Archaeological findings, such as inscriptions and coins, provide evidence of the Kaaba’s existence and importance as a center of worship in pre-Islamic Arabia. 2. Pre-Islamic Arabian Traditions: Historical records suggest that the Kaaba was a revered site in pre-Islamic Arabia, associated with the worship of multiple deities.