Apparently...

Apparently, the preceding sentence is a sort of introduction, pointing to the reason why prayer in that place was prescribed; that is why this sentence does not put emphasis on "prayer" in other words, it does not say, and pray in the standing-place of Ibrahim; it literally says, and take on the standing-place of Ibrahim (a.s.) a place of prayer. QUR'AN: And We enjoined Ibrahim and Isma'il (saying): "Purify (you two) My House . . . ": al- 'Ahd (= to enjoin, to obligate).

The order to purify the House may mean to keep it exclusively reserved for the worship by those who go around it making circuits, those who abide in it for devotion, and those who pray in it. In this sense, it would be an isti'arah bi 'l-kinaya and would imply: keep My House exclusively reserved for My worship. Alternatively, the order may be to keep it clean; to be on guard lest careless people dirty it.

ar-Rukka' and as-sujud are plurals of ar-raki' (= one who bows down) and as-sajid (one who prostrates, one who does sajdah) respectively, the phrase refers to those who pray. QUR'AN: And (remember) when Ibrahim said: "My Lord! make it a secure town. . . ": In this way Ibrahim (a. s.) called on his Lord to bestow security and safety as well as sustenance on the residents of Mecca; and the prayer was granted.

Far be it from Allah to quote in His speech an unaccepted prayer without hinting at its rejection; if He were to do so, His talk would amount to a vain ridicule - far beneath the sublime dignity of His truthful speech. He says: . . . and the truth do I speak (38:83); Most surely it is a decisive word, and it is no a jest (86:13-14).

The Qur'an has quoted numerous prayers which this great prophet had pleaded before his Lord for; for example, his prayer for himself in the beginning of his life; his prayer at the time of his emigration to Syria; his invocation to keep his good name alive; his prayer for himself, for his progeny and parents, and for the believing men and women; his invocation, after building the House, for the residents of Mecca; his prayer and pleading for a Prophet to be sent from among his progeny.

His prayers and the favors he asked from Allah are a canvas that graphically shows his hopes and expectations, creates before our eyes a clear picture of his endeavors and efforts in the way of Allah, and provides a glimpse of his sublime spiritual virtues. In short, these prayers show his status before Allah and his nearness to Him.