One day, I saw historical documenter on Youtube , and the Youtuber said: Masjidil Haram is only metaphor and not meant to Masjidil Haram in Mecca now. True, is contradict with Islamic Teaching that glorifies Masjidil Haram for prayer direction. In this episode, I will try to critize this opinion.
We must know, Masjidil Haram is a noble place in Islam. Why? According the account of Imam Adz-Dzahabi, because Masjidil Haram is Rasulullah Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam start point for Isra Miraj.
Masjidil Haram built before Allah create Adam Alaihissalam.But, Masjidil Haram lost because flood in Propeth Nuh Alaihissalam s era.
Several century ago, Allah give a command to Propeth Ibrahim and his Son, Propeth Ismail for built Masjidil Haram for second time. Since age of Propeth Ibrahim Alaihissalam, Masjidil Haram guarded by Propeth Ismail s descedants.
Getting longer, more pilgrims come to Masjidil Haram for hajj or Umrah.
A Muslim traveler, Ibnu Batutta praised the residents of Mecca s as nobles men. And they like to alms.
From this facts, I don't believes Masjidil Haram is only metaphor . Clear, Masjidil Haram is a important place for Muslims, because we pray facing Masjidil Haram. Why? Because in Al-Quran, Quran clearly call Masjidil Haram as prayer s direction.
Surah Al-Baqarah: 144
Truly We (often) see your face looking up to the sky, then truly We will turn you to the Qibla that you like. Turn your face facing the Masjidil Haram. And wherever you are, turn your face toward him. And indeed those (Jews and Christians) who were given the Bible (Torah and Gospel) did know that turning to the Masjidil Haram was true of their God; and Allah was never careless of what they were doing.
Clearly, we must respect to Masjidil Haram because this command from Allah Subhanahu wataala and we must understand Islam with understanding previous generation , that are companions the Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Not with unfounded understanding.