Prayer in the Hijr and its naming as the Hijr of Isma'il

Question:
Is there any basis for naming it the Hijr of Isma'il? Is there any obligatory prayer performed in it? And in which direction should one face when praying in it?

Answer:
Voluntary prayer inside it has merit, because it is part of the Ka'bah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) prayed voluntary prayer inside the Ka'bah, so whoever prays in it is praying inside the Ka'bah, a voluntary prayer. As for the obligatory prayer, no, it is not prayed in the Hijr or inside the Ka'bah. Rather, the one praying the obligatory prayer faces the Ka'bah, , so there is merit in the Ka'bah. As for naming it the Hijr of Isma'il, I do not know any basis for this name. I do not know of this name being true, unless it is due to being influenced by the superstitions that are circulated. The superstitious people promote the idea that the Hijr contains a graveyard, in which is Isma'il, and so-and-so, and how many prophets. This is among the superstitions for which Allah has not sent down any authority.