In early Islam, Muslims faced in the general direction of Jerusalem as the qibla in their prayers before
changing the direction to face the Kaaba, believed by Muslims to be a result of a Quranic verse
revelation to Muhammad.
According to Islam, the Kaaba was rebuilt several times throughout history, most famously by Ibrahim and
his son Ismail, when he returned to the valley of Mecca several years after leaving his wife Hajar
(Hagar) and Ismail there upon Allah's command. Circling the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise, known as
Tawaf (Arabic: طواف, romanized: tawaaf), is a Fard (obligatory) rite for the completion of the Hajj and
Umrah pilgrimages.The area around the Kaaba where pilgrims walk is called the Mataaf.
The Kaaba and the Mataaf are surrounded by pilgrims every day of the Islamic year, except the 9th of Dhu
al-Hijjah, known as the Day of Arafah, on which the cloth covering the structure, known as the Kiswah
(Arabic: كسوة, romanized: Kiswah, lit. 'Cloth'), is changed. However, the most significant increase in
their numbers is during Ramadan and the Hajj, when millions of pilgrims gather for Tawaf.
2. Structure and Architecture :
The Kaaba is cube-shaped, approximately 13.1 meters (43 feet) tall, with sides about 11 to 12 meters
(36-40 feet) long.
Materials :
The building is made of grey stone and marble, sourced from the surrounding hills.
Exterior :
It is covered by the Kiswah, a black silk cloth embroidered with Quranic verses in gold and
silver thread. The Kiswah is replaced annually during the Hajj pilgrimage.
Corners of the Kaaba :
Each corner of the Kaaba has a specific name: the eastern corner is called Rukn
al-Aswad (corner of the Black Stone), the northern corner is Rukn al-Iraqi, the western corner is Rukn
al-Shami, and the southern corner is Rukn al-Yamani.
Door :
The Kaaba's door is made of solid gold, installed in 1979. It is located on the northeast wall and
stands about 2 meters above the ground.
Interior :
Inside the Kaaba, the walls are lined with marble, and the floor is made of stone. There is a
staircase leading to a roof hatch, but access is restricted to special occasions.
Mizab (Rain Spout) :
The Kaaba has a golden spout on its roof called the Mizab al-Rahmah (The Spout of
Mercy), which allows rainwater to flow off the roof.
Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad) :
This stone is set into the eastern corner of the Kaaba and is highly
revered. According to Islamic tradition, it was brought from heaven by the Angel Jibril (Gabriel).
Pilgrims touch or kiss it during the Tawaf if possible.
3. Historical Background :
Origins :
The Kaaba is believed to have been built by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail
(Ishmael) as a place dedicated to the worship of the one true God, Allah. They are said to have laid the
foundations and raised the walls as instructed by Allah.
Reconstruction :
The Kaaba has been rebuilt and renovated multiple times throughout history:
Before the time of Islam, it was damaged by floods and rebuilt by the Quraish tribe, during which time
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) helped place the Black Stone.
After the advent of Islam, the Kaaba underwent significant renovations, including during the reigns of
Caliph Umar and Caliph Uthman.
The last major renovation was carried out in 1996 to reinforce the structure and ensure stability for
future generations.
Pre-Islamic Use :
Before the advent of Islam, the Kaaba was a center for idol worship by various Arabian
tribes, but it remained associated with the worship of Allah even amid polytheistic practices.
4. Significance in Islam :
Spiritual Centrality :
The Kaaba is considered the "House of Allah" and symbolizes the unity of Muslims.
It is believed that worship and prayers offered in Masjid al-Haram, especially near the Kaaba, are
multiplied in reward.
Direction of Prayer (Qibla) :
Muslims across the world, regardless of their location, pray facing the
Kaaba. This unity in direction symbolizes the oneness and solidarity of the Muslim Ummah (community).
Sanctity :
The area surrounding the Kaaba is called the Haram, a sacred sanctuary where certain actions
like hunting and uprooting plants are prohibited. This area holds deep spiritual significance, as it is
believed to be a place where prayers are particularly accepted.
5. Rituals Associated with the Kaaba :
Hajj :
One of the Five Pillars of Islam, Hajj is an obligatory pilgrimage for Muslims who have the financial
and physical means to perform it at least once in their lifetime.
It takes place annually in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah and includes a series of rituals that
commemorate the actions of Prophet Ibrahim, Hajar (Hagar), and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Key rituals include :
Tawaf :
Pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise, starting from the Black Stone. This act
symbolizes the unity of believers in the worship of the one true God.
Sa'i :
Pilgrims walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah, reenacting Hajar's search for water for her
son Ismail.
Standing at Arafat :
Pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafat, seeking forgiveness and praying to Allah.
Eid al-Adha Sacrifice :
After the Day of Arafat, Muslims perform the sacrifice of an animal,
commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah.
Umrah :
A non-mandatory pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year.
It includes Tawaf around the Kaaba and Sa'i between Safa and Marwah but does not require the stay at
Arafat or other Hajj-specific rituals.
6. The Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad) :
Located in the eastern corner of the Kaaba, the Black Stone holds special reverence.
Pilgrims often attempt to kiss or touch it during the Tawaf, emulating the practice of the Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him).
According to Islamic tradition, it was originally white and turned black due to the sins of humanity. It
is believed to have come from Paradise, sent by Allah as a sign of His presence.
7. Symbolism of the Kaaba :
Unity:
The Kaaba represents the spiritual center for all Muslims, symbolizing the unity and equality of
the Islamic community.
Submission to Allah :
It serves as a reminder of the submission to the will of Allah, as demonstrated by
Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail. It is a place where believers can reflect upon their relationship with God.
Continuity of Faith :
The Kaaba connects Muslims with the legacy of the Prophets and the shared history
of monotheistic worship that spans from Prophet Adam to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them).
The Kaaba is more than just a physical structure; it represents a deep spiritual connection for Muslims
around the world, symbolizing unity, devotion, and the eternal message of monotheism.
