He—exalted is He—also said:

“Recall when We made the House a place to which people would constantly return and a sanctuary of safety. Take, then, the Station of Abraham as a place of prayer. And We entrusted Abraham and Ishmael with the charge, ‘Purify My House for those who circumambulate it, for those who stay there in devotion, and for those who bow and prostrate themselves.’ And when Abraham said, ‘My Lord, make this a secure city and provide its people—those among them who believe in Allah and the Last Day—with fruits,’ He answered, ‘As for the one who disbelieves, I will let him enjoy himself for a little while, then I shall drive him to the punishment of the Fire—how wretched an end!’” (2:125).

Thus Allah—exalted is He—tells us that Abraham asked Him to make Mecca a land of safety, and Allah answered his prayer, mentioning this in more than one place. It was there that Abraham built the House, as He—exalted is He—says:

“When Abraham and Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House they prayed, ‘Our Lord, accept this from us; indeed, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. Our Lord, make us wholly devoted to You, and from our descendants raise up a community devoted to You. Show us our rites and turn toward us in mercy; You are indeed the Ever-Relenting, the Most Merciful. Our Lord, raise up among them a messenger from their own ranks who will recite to them Your revelations, teach them the Scripture and wisdom, and purify them. Truly, You are the Almighty, the All-Wise.’” (2:127–129).