The Holy Kaaba is the structure around which millions of Muslims gather. It is a site at which they turn their heads to worship the Supreme Being. Located in the center of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, this holy building has a strong impact on the believers. Every year countless pilgrims go for Umrah or Hajj there.
They book different travel packages such as 4-star Umrah packages to have a memorable trip. But, why is Kaaba so holy? What makes this site one of the sacred places to visit? This blog will address these questions and explore the importance of the Holy Kaaba in the lives of worshippers.
Kaaba as the Holiest Site in Islam
This section will discuss the significance of the Holy Kaaba and what makes this building a holy pone for Muslims. Let’s understand!
1. Historical Importance
One of the aspects that makes Kaaba holy is its rich history. The history dates back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Ishmael). According to the Islamic narrations, the Kabba was originally built by Ibrahim and Ismail on the command of Allah Almighty, to be constructed as a place for Muslims.
During that time, praying to idols was quite common. God ordered the Kabba to be made to dedicate it to worshipping one true Being. Moreover, Muslims used to pray by turning their heads towards Al-Aqsa Mosque which is located in Jerusalem. However, the qibla was later changed from this to the Kaaba as it was revealed by the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Throughout its history, the Kaaba has undergone several reconstructions and renovations. At the time of Prophet Noah (AS), the Kaaba was destroyed in the flood. The Quraysh tribe rebuilt the structure, raising the door above ground level to prevent any intruders or water from entering.
One of the most important moments in its history happened when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reserved the Kaaba for the worship of Allah alone, clearing it of idols and marking it as the center of monotheism. This event, known as the Conquest of Makkah, was a pivotal incident in the history of Islam, affirming the Kaaba’s status as the holiest site in the religion.
2. Symbol of Unity
Kaaba is the holiest building as it is considered to be a symbol of unity. It is not a just physical structure, rather it is a standing example of faith. Muslims turn to pray five times daily. They gather on the Haj every year to perform the pilgrimage. They ut aide their social differences including that of gender, race, or social status, to bow in front of their One God.
This shared focus on the Kaaba serves as a reminder that, in the eyes of Allah, all Muslims are equal. The Kaaba unites believers in their devotion to Allah and spreads a sense of global solidarity among the Muslim community.
This unity is one of the most beautiful sides of Islam and is directly tied to the Holy Kaaba. This serves as a main point for people of religion.
3. Connects with God
Kabba’s holiness is not only because of its historical or physical features but also its power in spirituality. It is a direct bridge that connects worshippers with Allah. However, a common myth exists about this structure. People often believe that Kaaba is the House of God. However, this is utterly wrong and the Kaaba is just the spot to feel the presence of God Almighty strongly.
When pilgrims perform Tawaf during Hajj or Umrah, they submit themselves in bowing down, which marks a great devotion to Allah. This is a way to physically show your reverence to the Ultimate Creator and acknowledge his greatness. The act of circling the Kaaba is also a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the continuous worship of God.
4. Black Stone Carrier
The Kabba’s importance even increases because it holds the sacred Black Stone (Hajr e Aswad). This stone is set on the eastern corner of the holy building. It has great significance for Muslims coming to visit the country for worship reasons.
Devotees have this faith that this blessed stone was descended from the heavens by God as a symbol of His covenant. Moreover, it is said that this stone was white in color but later turned black from absorbing the sins of the Muslims when they kissed the Hajr E Aswad. However, there is a difference of opinion among scholars on this belief.
Muslims don’t see the Black Stone as a site of worship rather they see it as a gateway to develop a connection with Allah, making their faith even stronger.
How is Kaaba Built?
The Holy Kaaba is a cube-shaped structure, measuring up to 15 meters high and 10.5 meters wide on each side. The shape of the Kaaba is simple but has quite a powerful influence on Muslims. Its structure has undergone several changes over the centuries, but the basic design has remained the same since the time of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham).
The walls of the Kaaba are made from large granite stones, which are locally sourced from the hills around Makkah. These stones have been carefully fitted together to form a strong, durable structure.
The exterior of the Kaaba is covered in a black cloth, known as the Kiswah. This cloth is made of silk and cotton and is embroidered with gold thread. The Kiswah is weaved with different Arabic calligraphy and Quranic verses.
Kiswah is colored in black however, it changed colors over the years. In the past, many caliphates and rulers altered the clothing shade, ranging from red, and green to white. The black color was later finalized because of its strong nature to withstand millions of hands and drastic weather changes.
It is replaced annually during the Hajj season on the 10th Dhul Hajjah to ensure that the Kaaba always looks clean and respectful for the millions of Muslims who bow before it.
Can Pilgrims Go Inside the Kaaba?
The Inside of the Kaaba has remained a mystery for long. However, this mystery was over when a Saudi filmed the interior of the Kaaba secretly from his phone, leaving many worshippers awe-struck.
The interior of the Kaaba has a 180 square meter area. It is made from marble and grey stones and consists of three pillars, a few lamps, and a door that leads to the rooftop. The interior walls of this structure are covered with a red silk curtain that is adorned with Islamic scriptures.
Moreover, there is a marked point inside the Kaaba which indicates the spot where the Holy Prophet (PBUH) prayed. According to Hazrat Aisha (RA). “When I expressed the wish to perform salah (prayer) within the Kaabah, the Prophet (PBUH) took me by the hand and led me into the Hijr (Hateem) where he said, ‘Perform salah (prayer) here if you wish to enter the Kaabah because this is part of the Baytullah.’”
Muslims often wonder if they can go inside this sacred site or not. However, The Saudi government has put strict rulings on entering the Kaaba. No pilgrim is allowed to enter or pray inside to maintain the sacredness of this palace. Only the officials and the custodians can go inside.
Wrap Up
This blog has shared what makes the Holy Kaaba the holiest site in Islam. From being the symbol of unity to having a rich history and a spot for Hajr-Aswad, this building uplifts the faith. Muslims worship in front of this site as a sign to show their submission to Allah Almighty. People from around the world go to visit the holy city of Mecca to see this blessed structure. Are you looking for a way to visit the Holy Kaaba? Contact Muslims Holy Travel to get 4-star Umrah packages or Group Umrah packages at a wallet-friendly price.