Excellence of Performing Salat (Prayer) in Masjid al-Haram (the Sacred Masjid) and the Best Place Therein

1. A number of our people have narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from ibn Faddal from al-Hassan ibn al-Jahm who has said the following: “I once asked abu al-Hassan, al-Rida عليه السلام, about the most excellent place for salat (prayer) in Masjid al-Haram (the Sacred Masjid). He (the Imam) replied, ’It is al-Hatim, between the Black Stone and the door of the house.’ I then asked, ‘Which place is excellent thereafter?’ He (the Imam) said, ‘It is Maqam of Ibrahim عليه السلام .’ I then asked which one is excellent thereafter?’ He (the Imam) said, ‘It is inside al-Hijr.’ I then asked, ‘Which is excellent thereafter?’ He (the Imam) said, ‘Whichever is closer to the House.’”