Why is the Kaaba Important to Muslims?
Aug 19, 2024
A magnificent cube-shaped stone building, the Kaaba is the holiest site in Islam, nestled at the very heart of the Masjid al-Haram (also called the Sacred Mosque) in Mecca (or Makkah), Saudi Arabia. The holy mosque is also referred to as the House of Allah (SWT), or bayt Allah. If you've ever wondered what direction do Muslims pray, this holy site is the answer. It is called qibla in Arabic, which means "direction," indicating that regardless of where they are in the world, Muslims will face the Holy Kaaba when praying to Allah (SWT). It is the sacred site where millions of devout pilgrims go to perform Umrah and Hajj each year.
Those wondering why Kaaba is important should know that it is integral to the Islamic faith for various significant reasons. Many are also curious about who built Kaaba or when was Kaaba first built, hoping to learn more about this blessed site. The ensuing guide elucidates the answers to these important queries, explaining the undeniable importance of the Holy Kaaba to Muslims everywhere.
What is the Kaaba in Mecca?
Sometimes referred to as the al-Kaaba al-Musharrafa, the Holy Kaaba is Islam's most sacred structure. The hallowed site serves as the focal point of Muslim prayer and worship, wherein devotees face it during their five obligatory congregational prayers every day. It is a pivotal symbol of unity in the Muslim community and Oneness of Allah (SWT), holding unparalleled religious significance.
Draped in an elegant veil, the shrine represents the metaphorical House of Allah (SWT), circled during the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages to testify that there is one God, as a circle has a single centre. Many wonder what's inside the Kaaba and if they're permitted to enter this holy site. Like other Kaaba facts, it's important to know the answer to these before making the journey to the Holy Land. The ensuing sections elaborate on the answers to these in detail.
Why is the Kaaba Important to Muslims?
There are several crucial reasons why Kaaba is important to Muslims. A sacred place in Islam, the Holy Kaaba is the first house of worship dedicated to Allah (SWT), according to Islamic tradition. It is critical to observe that the Kaaba isn't the actual House of Allah (SWT), but a symbolic representation. Hence, note that Muslims revere the sacred structure but do not worship it. They regard it as the symbol of Oneness and Supremacy of Allah (SWT). The sacred Oneness of the Almighty is the first pillar of Islam, making it the very foundation of every devout Muslim's faith and belief that there is no God except for Allah (SWT).
The Holy Kaaba is integral to the rituals of Hajj and Umrah, helping pilgrims reaffirm their faith in God and foster a sense of equality and community among them. Many travel to Mecca to perform Umrah during Ramadan for the additional rewards this blessed month of fasting brings to pilgrims.
The Holy Quran mentions the sacred Kaaba and its importance in several verses, including:
- Behold, the first House (of prayer/worship) established for mankind is the one at Makkah. It is full of blessings and guidance for the world. - Surah Al-Imran (3:96)
- Allah has appointed the Kaaba, the Sacred House, a support (sanctuary) for the well-being of mankind, and the Sacred Month and the (sacrificial) offerings and the garlands. - The Holy Quran (5:97)
Who Built the Kaaba and Why?
Who built the Kaaba in Islam? As per Islamic history and tradition, the Holy Kaaba was built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS) upon receiving a divine command from Allah (SWT) to do so. It is the first holy house of worship dedicated to Allah (SWT), believed to have been done thousands of years ago. Muslims revere Ibrahim (AS) as an honourable Prophet, deeming his acts of devotion, obedience, and the construction of the sacred Muslim Kaaba as examples of righteousness and faith.
According to tradition, the Kaaba was first a roofless building. The Kaaba has been modified and rebuilt several times and quite extensively over the years. However, the foundation of the revered shrine remains the same, even if its safety structures have been changed to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims each year.
Here is a scripture from the Holy Quran that speaks of the Kaaba's construction:
- And remember when Ibrahim and Ismail raised the foundations of the House (the Holy Kaaba) with this prayer: "Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us; Verily, Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-knowing." -The Holy Quran (2:127)
Knowing why the Kaaba was built is just as important as knowing who built the Kaaba. Although they built it upon Allah's (SWT) instruction, as per Islamic sources and historical tradition, when Kaaba was built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS), they dedicated the sacrosanct structure as a symbol of their love for the Almighty. The first house on Earth, it is a symbol of obedience and unity reserved for the servants of Allah (SWT).
What is the Kaaba Made Of?
The sacred Islamic cube in Makkah is made of marble, granite and limestone masonry. The Kaaba measurements are roughly 35 by 40 feet (10 by 14 metres) at the base and about 50 feet (15 metres) in height. The holy structure is made of grey stones in such a unique way that its corners align with the points of the compass.
The floors of the Kaaba Mecca are made of limestone and marble, and it is covered in textiles, including a spectacular white silk curtain dyed black called Kiswah that hangs over the Bab al-Tawba door, and a beautiful green silk bag that holds the Kaaba’s key. The silk curtain is embossed with Arabic calligraphy containing Quranic verses, using gold and silver threads.
Other stunning features of the Kaaba include a solid gold door held around 2 metres above the ground. A rainwater pipe called al-Shadrawan shields the roof of the Holy Kaaba and its foundation from water damage. The shrine also has a glass and metal covering for the revered footprint of prophet Ibrahim (AS), called the "Station of Ibrahim."
What is Inside the Kaaba?
Countless people worldwide want to know what's inside the Kaaba. The Kaaba's interior consists of three pillars that keep the roof in place, marble flooring, religious inscriptions on the walls, and several suspended gold and silver lamps that illuminate the holy room. Among the most interesting Kaaba facts is that the three pillars holding the roof in place are around 1,350 years old, with a diameter of about 44 cm and a perimeter of 150 cm.
The most sacred place of Islam, the Holy Kaaba is covered by a massive gold door weighing a whopping 300 kilograms. It has an iron base, silver laminate, Javanese wood shutters, and Islamic decorations, including the names of Allah (SWT), Quranic verses, and special fonts.
The holiest object inside the Kaaba in Mecca is the Black Stone, otherwise called the Hajar al-Aswad, located in the eastern corner of the structure. Islamic history states that Adam first placed the Black Stone within the original Kaaba.
Who is Permitted to Go Inside the Kaaba?
The holiest, most sacred place in Islam, the Muslim Kaaba is kept closed during the pilgrimages of Umrah and Hajj due to the overwhelming number of devotees each year. Also, owing to the Kaaba's immense significance and status as the first of the most holy sites of Islam, the Saudi authorities have strict rules about who can enter this blessed shrine. It is strictly not permissible for non-Muslims to enter the Holy Kaaba.
Muslims who visit the glorious shrine during other months, except Dhul Hajj, may be allowed to enter and pray inside the revered House of Allah (SWT). It is essential to have authorisation from the Al-Shaibi family to enter the Kaaba, as they are the guardians of this sacred Islamic monument. As such, they possess the only key to it, and have held it for more than 15 centuries. They ensure the cleanliness and maintenance of the holy Muslim site.
Significant Places to Visit Near the Kaaba
The Islamic Kaaba is home to and near some of the most blessed and holy sites of Islam. These include:
Also called the Black Stone, it's located on the eastern side of the most sacred place of Islam. Millions of pilgrims from around the world attempt to kiss or touch the holy stone while performing Umrah and Hajj rituals. The sacred Islamic relic is believed to be from heaven and is a symbol of faith and unity in the Muslim community.
It is the revered spot where it is believed the angel Jibreel (AS) taught Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) how to offer the five compulsory daily prayers, also called Salaat. It is located near the door of the Kaaba, at the bottom right corner. The spot is highlighted with a stunning white-based marble, which is embossed with 8 beautiful pieces of Mary Stone.
Among the holiest sites for Muslims and the largest mosque in the world, the Masjid al-Haram is capable of accommodating millions of worshippers during the pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah each year. Holding prominent significance in Islam, the mosque serves as a focal point of Muslims' prayers as it houses the Holy Kaaba, and features several notable architectural elements, such as the Abraj Al-Bait clock tower.
It is the sacred stone or rock on which the blessed Prophet Ibrahim (AS) stood when the Kaaba was being constructed. The spot is located about 43 feet east of the Kaaba, containing two impressions made by the feet of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS). It is also believed he stood here to announce the pilgrimage, and perhaps later on to make prayers as well.
Also called the Al Muallaa Cemetery, it is where several prominent members associated with and related to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) have been laid to rest, including his wife Khadijah and companions like Abdullah ibn Abbas and Abu Talib. Holding tremendous significance in Islamic history, the cemetery is a crucial part of many Ziyarat tours in Makkah by Umrah pilgrims, serving as a reminder of the legacy of the blessed Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and his companions.
To Conclude
Before planning a pilgrimage, learn all the facts about the Kaaba to know why Kaaba is important to Muslims worldwide. To sum it concisely, the Holy Kaaba is the first house of worship, the very House of Allah (SWT). It was built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS) upon divine instruction by Allah (SWT).
Muslims worldwide turn toward the Kaaba when making their daily five compulsory congregational prayers, symbolising unity, faith, and Oneness of Allah (SWT). It is the chief sacred site for the holy pilgrimage of Hajj each year by thousands of Muslims, and also for the minor (lesser) pilgrimage of Umrah.