Overview (Verse 26)

Establishing the Sanctuary

The sūrah now refers to the establishment of this Sacred Mosque which the idolaters had usurped. They worshipped idols there and prevented believers in God’s oneness, who had purged themselves from idolatry, from entering it. Yet it was built by Abraham (peace be upon him) on God’s own instructions. The sūrah also mentions the fundamental basis of God’s oneness which served as the basis of the foundation of the Sacred Mosque. It also adds the purpose of its building as a place to worship God alone, a place where the dedicated could walk around it, and stand before it in submission to God: When We assigned to Abraham the site of the [Sacred] House, [We said]: Do not associate anything as partner with Me. Purify My House for those who will walk around it, and those who will stand before it, and those who will bow down and prostrate themselves in prayer. ’ (Verses 26) It was for celebrating the glory of God alone that this House was built. God showed its place to Abraham, and gave him clear instructions so that he raised it on proper foundations: “Do not associate anything as partner with Me.” It belongs to God alone, without partners of any sort. Abraham was also required to purify the House for those who come to it to perform the pilgrimage and for those who stand up in prayer there. “Purify My House for those who will walk around it, and those who will stand before it, and those who will bow down and prostrate themselves in prayer.” (Verse 26) It is for those who worship God alone that this House was built. It has nothing to do with others who associate partners with Him or address their worship to anyone other than Him.