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Why Is The Kaaba Important To Muslims?

by Deccan Voice

The Significance of the Holy Kaaba

The Holy Kaaba, located at the center of the Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is a revered structure in Islam. It is a cube-shaped shrine draped in a black silk and cotton veil, measuring ten and a half meters in breadth and length and fifteen meters in height. Muslims worldwide aspire to visit the Kaaba for the Hajj pilgrimage or Umrah and face it during the five daily prayers, symbolizing the unity and direction in worship as commanded by Allah (SWT) in the Quran.

Why the Kaaba is Important

The Kaaba, also known as Bait-al-Haram (the Sacred House) and Bait-al-Atiq (the Ancient House), is not the literal house of Allah (SWT) but symbolizes His presence on Earth. Muslims do not worship the Kaaba itself but see it as a representation of Allah’s supremacy and oneness, fundamental to Islamic belief. The Kaaba serves as the Qibla, the direction Muslims face during prayers, highlighting its central role in Islamic practice.

Historical and Religious Significance

The Kaaba, one of the oldest religious sites, was built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS) following Allah’s command. Initially, it was a roofless structure that the Quraysh tribe later reconstructed. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) restored the Kaaba to monotheistic worship by removing idols after conquering Mecca in 630 CE. The Kaaba has undergone several modifications to accommodate increasing pilgrim numbers while retaining its foundational structure.

Construction and Appearance

The Kaaba is constructed from limestone, marble, and grey stone, with its corners aligned to the compass points. It is covered with a black silk cloth called the kiswah, embroidered with Quranic verses in gold thread. The kiswah is changed annually during Hajj to protect the structure from the elements.

Access and Interior

Due to the large number of pilgrims, the Kaaba is generally closed during Hajj and Umrah. Only Muslims can enter, and access is limited even then. Inside, the Kaaba has three wooden pillars supporting the roof, suspended gold and silver lamps, and a staircase to the ceiling. The interior walls are decorated with red silk curtains and Quranic inscriptions.

Significant Sites Around the Kaaba

Musallah Jibraeel: Where angel Jibraeel (AS) taught Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) how to pray.
Hajr e Aswad: The Black Stone at the eastern corner of the Kaaba, which pilgrims try to touch or kiss.
Maqam Ibrahim: The stone on which Prophet Ibrahim (AS) stood while building the Kaaba.

Summary

The Kaaba is a symbol of Allah’s oneness and holds profound significance for Muslims. Millions visit annually for Hajj, reflecting its status as one of the most sacred places in Islam.

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