The Holy Kaaba is the most sacred site in Islam and a structure of unity and devotion for Muslims around the world. Located in the heart of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the Holy Kaaba is a focal point for Islamic worship. The holy structure is also known as the ‘Baitullah Sharif’ or the ‘House of Allah’.
The Kaaba's construction is an important part of Islamic history. It is believed that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son, Prophet Ismail (AS), built it as a house of worship for the One True God- Allah (SWT). This sacred building has been a key part of the Muslim faith ever since.
The Kaaba holds great spiritual importance as the Qibla, the direction Muslims face during their daily prayers (Salah). This shared direction of prayer brings Muslims together, reinforcing a sense of brotherhood and equality. No matter where they are in the world, Muslims bow in unison in reverence and submission to the Almighty. In this blog, we are going to discuss this holy structure and many more things related to this.
History and Formation of Holy Kaaba
The Holy Kaaba has a rich history that dates to pre-Islamic times when it was not so popular. According to Islamic belief, the structure was originally built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son, Prophet Ismail (AS). After receiving the command of Allah (SWT), they constructed the Holy Kaaba as a simple, unroofed rectangular structure dedicated to the worship of the Divine.
In around 608 C.E., the Quraysh tribe, who were the rulers of Mecca, rebuilt the Holy Kaaba using alternating courses of masonry and wood. To protect the shrine from intruders and floodwaters, they raised the door above ground level.
When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was forced to leave Mecca in 620 C.E., he moved to Yathrib (now known as Medina). Upon his victorious return to Mecca in 630 C.E., he made the Holy Kaaba the central place of worship and pilgrimage for Muslims. During this time, the pre-Islamic Kaaba housed the Black Stone and statues of pagan gods. Muhammad (PBUH) cleansed it of these idols, restoring its status as a symbol of worshipping the one Allah (SWT) as intended by Ibrahim.
Later the Prophet (PBUH) established the rites of pilgrimage during his final pilgrimage in 632 C.E., the year of his death, solidifying the Kaaba's significance in Islam.
Where is the House of Allah?
The House of Allah, known as the Holy Kaaba, is located in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It is situated within the Masjid al-Haram, the largest mosque in the world.
Changes of the Holy Kaaba with Time
The Holy Kaaba has undergone many changes throughout its history. The second caliph, ‘Umar, expanded the area around it to accommodate more pilgrims between 634-644. The next caliph, ‘Uthman, added colonnades around the open plaza where the Kaaba stands and included other important monuments in the sanctuary.
In 683 C.E., during a civil war, the Kaaba was set on fire. The Black Stone broke into three pieces, which Ibn Zubayr reassembled with silver. With the wood and stone, He rebuilt the structure following the original dimensions and made a space around it. When Abd al-Malik regained control of Mecca, he restored the parts of the building that were designed during Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) time.
Later, under the Umayyad caliph al-Walid (705-715), the mosque around the House of Allah was decorated with mosaics similar to those in the Dome of the Rock and the Great Mosque of Damascus.
The Abbasid caliphs (750-1250) expanded and modified the mosque around the holy structure several times. The Mamluks of Egypt controlled the region from 1269-1517 and added a religious school next to the mosque. The Ottoman sultans, Süleyman I and Selim II, heavily renovated the complex. In 1631, after a flood, the Kaaba and the surrounding mosque were completely rebuilt. This mosque, which is what exists today, has a large open space with colonnades on four sides and seven minarets.
The last major changes were made in the 1950s by the Saudi Arabian government to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.
Kiswa: The Black Cover on the Kaaba
The curtain that covers the Holy structure is called Kiswa. After the conquest of Makkah in the ninth Hijri year, Prophet Muhammad covered the Kaaba with Yemeni cloth during his farewell pilgrimage. Today, the Kiswa, the black cover on the Kaaba, is replaced annually during Hajj. This happens after the pilgrims go to Mount Arafat, preparing the Kaaba to receive worshippers on Eid Al-Adha.
Throughout history, the Kiswa has seen various changes. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) initially used white-and-red striped Yemeni cloth. His companions, Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq, Umar ibn Al-Khattab, and Uthman ibn Affan, covered it with white cloth. Ibn Al-Zubayr chose red brocade for the cover.
During the Abbasid era, the Kiswa was alternately white and red, and the Seljuk Sultan covered it with yellow brocade. The Abbasid Caliph Al-Nassir changed its color to green and then to black brocade, a tradition that continues to this day.
The Kiswa is adorned with Quranic verses written in silver and gold thread, adding to its beauty and significance. These intricate designs make the Kiswa not just a cover but a work of art that reflects the respect Muslims have for the Kaaba.
Why is the Kaaba called Allah's House?
The Kaaba is called Allah's House because it is the most sacred site in Islam, built as a house of worship dedicated solely to the One True God - Allah (SWT). Muslims believe that it was originally constructed by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son, Prophet Ismail (AS).
- Significant Parts of the Holy Kaaba
The Holy Kaaba, located in the centre of the Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah, is the most sacred site in Islam. Here are the significant parts of this revered structure:
- The Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad)
The Black Stone is set in the eastern corner of the Kaaba. Muslims believe it was sent from paradise. Pilgrims aim to kiss or touch the stone during Tawaf (circumambulation), as the Prophet (PBUH) did.
- The Door (Bab al-Kaaba)
The Kaaba has a door made of gold, situated about 2.2 meters above the ground on the northeastern wall. It is used for entering the Kaaba, but this privilege is reserved for select individuals during special occasions.
- The Gutter (Mizab al-Rahmah)
The Mizab al-Rahmah, or "Gutter of Mercy," is a gold-plated spout on the roof of the Kaaba. It drains rainwater from the roof and symbolizes Allah's mercy pouring onto the world.
- The Hatim
The Hatim is a semi-circular wall opposite the northwestern wall of the Kaaba. It is believed to mark the boundary of the original Kaaba built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS). Praying within the Hatim is highly recommended, as it is considered part of the Kaaba.
- The Station of Ibrahim (Maqam Ibrahim)
Located near the Kaaba, the Maqam Ibrahim is a stone where Prophet Ibrahim stood while constructing the holy structure. It has the imprint of his feet and is enclosed in a glass and metal structure. Muslims pray behind it after completing the Tawaf.
- The Corners
The Kaaba has four corners, each pointing towards a cardinal direction. They are the Black Stone corner (east), the Yemeni corner (south), the Syrian corner (north), and the Iraqi corner (west). Each has its own significance, especially the Black Stone and Yemeni corners, which are touched during Tawaf.
- The Multazam
The Multazam is the area between the Black Stone and the Kaaba’s door. It is a place where prayers are believed to be especially answered, and pilgrims often cling to this spot, seeking blessings and forgiveness.
These parts of the Kaaba, each with its own history and significance, collectively make it a focal point of Islamic worship and devotion. The Kaaba's structure and its elements symbolize the unity and sanctity of the Muslim Ummah, drawing millions of pilgrims from around the world.
Inside the Holy Kaaba
The interior of the Holy Kaaba is simple yet holds deep spiritual significance. Here’s a glimpse of what lies within this sacred structure:
- Three Pillars
Inside the Kaaba, there are three wooden pillars that support the roof. These pillars are made of sandalwood and have been there for centuries. They are arranged in a triangular formation, creating a stable support system for the roof.
- Inner Walls and Floor
The inner walls of the Kaaba are covered with marble up to halfway. The floor of the Kaaba is made of high-quality marble. There is a tiny table on the side for objects such as perfume and incense burners.
- Hanging Lamps
Several lamps hang from the ceiling of the Kaaba, adding to its serene and holy atmosphere. These lamps are not only a source of light but also symbolize the divine light that guides believers.
- Roof
The roof of the Kaaba is flat, unlike its sloping exterior. It is accessed through a staircase inside it, which is not visible from the outside.
The Place of Repentance
In the interior, there is a place designated for repentance, where pilgrims can offer prayers and seek forgiveness. This spot is believed to be especially blessed, and many feel a profound sense of peace and closeness to Allah (SWT) when praying here.
Visiting the inside of the Kaaba is a rare privilege, granted only to a few. However, its simple, serene interior continues to inspire millions of Muslims worldwide, serving as a powerful reminder of their faith and devotion to Allah (SWT).
Kaaba Being the Qibla
The Kaaba, located in the holy city of Makkah, is the Qibla, the direction that Muslims face when performing their daily prayers (Salah). This sacred orientation has profound spiritual and symbolic significance in Islam.
- Facing the Kaaba during prayer unifies Muslims around the world, creating a sense of brotherhood and equality. No matter where they are, Muslims turn towards the same point, symbolizing their unity and collective submission to Allah (SWT). This shared direction of worship emphasizes the concept of Ummah, the global community of Muslims.
- Initially, the Qibla was directed towards Jerusalem. However, after 16-17 months in Madinah, a divine commandment through revelation instructed Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to change the direction to the Kaaba in Makkah. This change is mentioned in the Holy Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah, highlighting the importance of the Kaaba as the central point of Islamic worship.
- Facing the Qibla is an essential part of the prayer ritual. Mosques around the world are constructed with a niche called the Mihrab, which indicates the direction of the Kaaba. For those outside a mosque, various tools and apps are available to help determine the Qibla direction, ensuring that Muslims can correctly orient themselves during prayer.
The Kaaba, as the Qibla, is more than just a physical direction; it is a focal point that embodies the spiritual and communal essence of Islam. It unites Muslims in their faith, reminding them of their shared beliefs and their connection to the divine.
Kaaba Being the Centre of Pilgrimages
The Kaaba is the central focus of Islamic pilgrimages, particularly Hajj and Umrah. Every year, millions of Muslims travel to Makkah to perform these sacred rites, demonstrating their devotion and fulfilling a fundamental aspect of their faith. During Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, pilgrims circle the Kaaba in a ritual known as Tawaf, symbolizing unity and submission to Allah (SWT). Similarly, Umrah, a lesser pilgrimage, also involves Tawaf and other rites performed around the Kaaba. This central role in both pilgrimages emphasizes the Kaaba's significance as the spiritual heart of Islam. The Kaaba serves as a powerful symbol of unity, as Muslims from all over the world come together to worship and seek forgiveness, reinforcing their global community and their shared faith in the Almighty.
Why do Muslims kiss the Holy Kaaba?
Muslims kiss the Holy Kaaba, specifically the Black Stone embedded in one corner, as an act of respect and devotion. It is a gesture of love and respect for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who kissed the stone. The act symbolizes a connection to the divine and the traditions of the Prophet (PBUH).
Conclusion
The Kaaba remains a timeless symbol of faith, unity, and devotion in Islam. Its historical significance as the first house of worship and its spiritual role as the Qibla highlight its central place in Muslim life. By uniting millions of Muslims in worship and pilgrimage, the Baitullah Sharif reinforces a sense of global brotherhood and shared belief. Let its legacy inspire peace and unity among all, reminding us of our common faith and the power of coming together in devotion to the Divine.
