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Maqam of Prophet Harun (عليه السلام)

Tomb of Prophet Harun
Tomb of Prophet Harun - Photo: Dr.Azzouqa (Panaramio)

The white building on top of this mountain is believed to house the tomb of Prophet Harun (عليه السلام) who was the brother of Prophet Musa (عليه السلام). It is situated on top of Mount Hor, close to the valley of Petra. It was built in the 13th century, by the Mameluk Sultan Al Nasir Mohammad.

  • Harun (عليه السلام) is mentioned by name in the Holy Quran 20 times. In the Bible he is known as Aaron.
  • When Musa (عليه السلام) was commanded by Allah (ﷻ) to go to Firawn (Pharoah) he made dua for Prophethood to be bestowed on his brother Harun so he could help him. Allah (ﷻ) reproduces this dua in the Holy Quran in Surah Ta Ha:

“Musa (Moses) said, ‘Lord, lift up my heart and ease my task for me. Untie my tongue, so that they may understand my words, and give me a helper from my family, my brother Harun (Aaron) – augment my strength through him. Let him share my task so that we can glorify You much and remember You often: You are always watching over us.[20:25-35]

  • Harun (عليه السلام) was a gifted speaker, and would often speak for Musa (عليه السلام) who suffered from a speech impediment. He was largely responsible with teaching the Israelites the way of worship as it was laid out in the Torah of that time.
  • Islam holds that Harun (عليه السلام) held no part in causing the Israelites to worship the golden calf. Rather, he was overpowered and was threatened with being killed by his people. When Musa (عليه السلام) returned from the mount, he immediately blamed Harun (عليه السلام) and seized him by his beard, but Harun (عليه السلام) then gave his explanation, after which Musa (عليه السلام) prayed to Allah to forgive both of them.
  • Amir bin Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas (رضي الله عنه) reported (on the authority of his father) that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “You are in the same position with relation to me as Harun was in relation to Musa but with (this explicit difference) that there is no prophet after me. [Muslim]
  • Harun (عليه السلام) is said to have lived for 122 years.
The Maqam on top of Mount Hor
The Maqam on top of Mount Hor

References:  Stories of the Prophets – Ibn Kathir, Atlas of the Quran – Dr. Shauqi Abu Khalili

Note that this entry has been shown for information purposes only. On no account should anybody pray to a grave or seek supplication through them as this is tantamount to committing shirk, associating partners with Allah (ﷻ)

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