There are two legends concerning the trip of Prophet Muhammad to Damascus, and his refusal to enter the great city.

The first and most popular legend says that the Prophet took the mountain road to Damascus. On the horizon, he saw the beautiful and enchanting oasis city, and he decided to stop his journey because "man should only enter Paradise once

The other legends says that the Prophet approached Damascus from the southern side in an area called "Qadam" "قدم" which means "foot". He turned back and didn't continue the trip, because he stumbled in the road and took it as a bad sign.

That area "Qadam" (foot) is probably named after the footprint impression on a piece of marble in its mosque. In old times, the footprint was believed to be made by Moses, but nowadays, it is believed to be made by the Prophet Muhammad.