Overlooking Damascus sits the Maqam al-Arba‘in, crowned with its green dome atop the highest point of Mount Qasioun — a serene vantage point that watches over the city like a living masterpiece. But what’s the story behind this sacred site so revered by the people of Damascus, and why do they believe it was built at the location of the first murder in human history, when Qabil (Cain) killed his brother Habil (Abel)?
The Maqam al-Arba‘in is only 900 metres from the heart of Damascus, but reaching it demands a strenuous hour-long climb up nearly 750 uneven stone steps from the area of Shaykh Muhyiddin ibn Arabi, near the al-Maysat district. This rugged path has long discouraged many Damascenes from visiting this shrine, which contains 40 prayer niches said to have been used by 40 saints, known as the Abdal, who oversaw the site through generations.
The Story of the Cave of Blood
While various accounts exist about the shrine’s name and the adjacent Cave of Blood, all revolve around the story of the sons of our forefather Adam. According to authentic narrations, Qabil killed his brother Habil. The legend holds that this mountain cave marks the place of the crime — that Qabil carried his brother’s lifeless body westward for days until he learned from a crow how to bury him. In the town of Zabadani, Syrians revere another shrine they believe to be the burial site of the pious Habil (peace be upon him).
It is important to note that some ignorant people still cling to Darwin’s theory that Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) evolved from an ape — a claim that contradicts Islam. Such theories are mere speculations, not facts. Our father Adam was the father of mankind, created in the best of forms, beautiful in appearance and voice. He was never an ape nor resembled one.
Historic Blessings at the Cave
The great scholar Ibn Asakir mentioned, when writing about Ahmad ibn Kathir — a righteous man — that he once saw the Prophet ﷺ, Abu Bakr, Umar, and Habil. Habil swore to him that this was indeed his blood. He then asked Allah Almighty to make this place one where supplications are accepted, and Allah granted his request. The Prophet ﷺ confirmed his vision, saying that he, Abu Bakr, and Umar visit this place every Thursday. (Tarikh Dimashq, Ibn Asakir)
The Story of Qabil and Habil
The scholars of the early generations tell us that Adam (peace be upon him) married the sons and daughters of each generation to one another, with each male marrying a female from another womb. Habil wished to marry Qabil’s more beautiful sister. Qabil, out of envy, wanted her for himself and refused to obey Adam’s command to allow the marriage. Adam ordered them to present offerings to Allah.
Habil, a shepherd, offered a healthy fat lamb; Qabil, a farmer, offered a bundle of poor-quality crops. A fire descended, consuming Habil’s offering while leaving Qabil’s untouched. In his rage, Qabil swore to kill Habil so he could marry his sister. Habil reminded him: “Allah accepts only from the righteous.” (Al-Ma’idah: 27)
When Habil was late returning from grazing his flock, Adam sent Qabil to find him. When he did, he blamed Habil for Allah’s favour and struck him with an iron tool — or, according to other reports, smashed his head with a rock while he slept, or strangled him as a beast would. (Tafsir ibn Kathir)
Habil’s noble response remains a lesson in piety: “If you stretch your hand towards me to kill me, I will not stretch my hand towards you to kill you; indeed, I fear Allah, Lord of the worlds.” (Al-Ma’idah: 28) This showed his noble character and fear of Allah, refusing to repay evil with evil.
Our Prophet ﷺ said: “When two Muslims confront each other with swords, both the killer and the killed are in the Fire.” They asked: “O Messenger of Allah, we understand the killer, but why the killed?” He said: “He was eager to kill his companion.” (Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim)
The First Murder and Its Lasting Lesson
Scholars agree that the sins of the killed do not automatically transfer to the killer. But on the Day of Judgement, a murderer may be forced to bear some of the victim’s burden if his own good deeds are not enough to repay his injustice. As for the statement, “The killer leaves the victim with no sin,” there is no authentic hadith supporting it. It is not found in any sound collection of prophetic tradition.
The story of Qabil and Habil remains a powerful lesson: envy, pride, and defiance can lead man to the greatest of sins. And the Cave of Blood stands as a silent witness above Damascus — a reminder to generations that the first human blood was shed by a brother’s hand.
