To what does the Shadharwan refer?

والصَّلَاةُ والسَّلاَمُ عَلَى سَيّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ أَشْرَفِ اْلمُرْسَلِيْنَ وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ الطَّيّبِيْنَ الطَّاهِرِيْن

The Shadharwan is a slender structure affixed to the wall of the Ka^bah. Its height above the ground varies, ranging from approximately two and a half hand spans in some areas to one and a half hand spans in others.

The term Shadharwan is derived from the Persian word ‘shawzar’, meaning ‘’izar’ (a wraparound garment). It refers to the sloping, hump-like base that extends outward from the walls of the Ka^bah, positioned at the level of the tawaf. This feature is constructed from marble on three sides. However, the threshold on the side of the Hatim (the Stone of ‘Isma^il), is not a Shadharwan; rather it is part of the original structure of the Ka^bah. Furthermore, there is no Shadharwan beneath the wall of the door of the Ka^bah.

The Shadharwan is rooted in the original wall of the sacred Ka^bah, as it existed when established upon the foundations laid by Prophet ‘Ibrahim. However, the Quraysh reduced it from the width of the foundation of the Ka^bah when it became visible at the surface of the ground.

It is reported that ^Abdu l-Lah ibnu z-Zubayr constructed the Shadharwan to shield the Ka^bah's wall from water seepage. He also secured the ropes of the Ka^bah’s curtain to the 41 rings embedded within the Shadharwan, ensuring they were firmly anchored in place.