Imagine the cries of infants echoing through this very ground. This is the Graveyard Al-Shabeka. It is a place of profound sorrow and historical significance. We stand on a site that was once witness to unspeakable acts. Before Islam, some pagan Arabs buried their daughters alive here. They saw them as a sign of disgrace. This horrific practice, known as “jahiliyyah,” filled this area with innocent blood.
The Graveyard Al-Shabeka is located south-west of the Masjid al-Haram. The new King Abdullah extension is close by. This place serves as a stark reminder of the darkness that once gripped this land. Imagine the desperation of parents driven by societal pressures. They committed this ultimate act of cruelty.
But this graveyard is also a place of hope. It reminds us of those who stood against injustice. One such person was Zayd ibn Amr ibn Nufail. He was a man respected among the Quraysh. Zayd rejected idol worship. He believed in one true God. He was one of the ‘Hunafa’. Zayd would rescue baby girls destined to be buried alive. He would say to the parents “Listen, if you want no part of this girl, just hand her over to me. You don’t have to worry about her anymore. You can consider her dead or buried or whatever you want. Just let me take care of her. Please don’t kill this innocent child.” He saved hundreds of girls.
The Graveyard Al-Shabeka is also the final resting place of Sumayyah Bint Khabbat. She was the first person to be martyred in the cause of Islam. Sumayyah was a former slave. She embraced Islam and faced brutal oppression. Abu Jahl, a cruel leader, tortured Sumayyah and her family. They were tied to poles and pressured to renounce their faith. The Prophet Muhammad saw their suffering. He offered them comfort and promised them paradise.
Sumayyah remained steadfast in her belief. She told Abu Jahl that he could not deter her from her faith. Enraged, Abu Jahl killed her. He thrust his spear into her body. Sumayyah’s martyrdom inspires Muslims to this day. Her courage in the face of unimaginable pain is a testament to her unwavering faith.
The Graveyard Al-Shabeka is known locally as ‘Maqbarah al-Shabeka’. Despite its proximity to the Masjid-ul-Haram, no buildings were ever constructed here. It is said that laborers heard strange noises while working on this land. They stopped construction out of fear. This place remains unchanged.
As you stand here at Graveyard Al-Shabeka, remember the daughters who lost their lives. Remember Sumayyah. Her story echoes through time. Remember the triumph of faith over cruelty. Let this place serve as a reminder of the importance of justice, compassion, and the sanctity of life.