We have rendered the shrine (the Kaaba) a focal point for the people, and a safe sanctuary. You may use Abraham?s shrine as a prayer house. We commissioned Abraham and Ishmael: ?You shall purify My house for those who visit, those who live there, and those who bow and prostrate.? ... And when Abraham and Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House, (Abraham prayed): Our Lord! Accept from us (this duty).

Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Hearer, the Knower. (2:125-127)
Lo! (the mountains) As-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the indications of Allah. It is therefore no sin for him who is on pilgrimage to the House (of God) or visiteth it, to go around them (as the pagan custom is). And he who doeth good of his own accord, (for him) lo! Allah is Responsive, Aware. (2:158)