04.30.25
The Ka’aba
In Islam, the Ka’aba is central to a large part of the faith. But how and why is the Ka’aba important to Islam? As the first House of Worship, it is fundamental to Hajj (pilgrimage). It’s also the qibla (direction) towards which we turn towards in prayer five times a day.
What is the Ka’aba?
The Ka’aba (“cube”) is the most sacred site in Islam, known as the sacred bayt Allah (House of God). It is located at the heart of the sacred mosque Masjid al-Haram in Makkah (Mecca, Saudi Arabia).
Every day we pray facing the direction of Makkah. And, if we’re fortunate enough to undertake Hajj, we make tawaf around the Ka’aba.
History of the Qibla
In the early days of Islam, Muslims would pray facing Jerusalem. Now, we pray facing Makkah following the Qur’anic revelation to change direction.
Quran | Al-Baqarah | 2:127
And remember Ibrahim and Ismail raised the foundations of the House (With this prayer): “Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-knowing.”
Who built the Ka’aba?
The Ka’aba was built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS). As stated in the Quran:
And remember Ibrahim and Ismail raised the foundations of the House (With this prayer): “Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-knowing.”
Quran | Al-Baqarah | 2:127
When it was first built, it was a simple rectangular structure with no roof.
The Quraysh tribe, who ruled Makkah, then rebuilt the Ka’aba in 608 CE with wood and stone.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Ka’aba and Hajj
Upon receiving the first revelation and sharing the message of Allah (SWT), Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) faced ongoing persecution. Soon, he was forced to flee Makkah (Mecca) for Madina (Medina) in 622 CE.
After many years in Madina, following the call from Allah (SWT) to undertake Hajj,
Call all people to the pilgrimage. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel from every distant path
Quran | Al-Hajj | 22:27
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his followers returned to Makkah in 629 CE. There, he back to the Ka’aba and removed the idols, declaring the Oneness of God:
Say, the Truth has come and falsehood gone. Verily falsehood is bound to vanish.
Quran | Al-Isra | 17:81
He, however, kept the Black Stone inside that was given to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) by the Angel Gabriel.
The Last Hajj of the Prophet (SAW)
In 632 CE, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) led his first and final Hajj. Realising this would be his last, he established the final steps of Hajj.
On the 9th of the month of Dhul Hijjah, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) delivered his final sermon on Mount Arafah.
Shortly after, aged 62/63, he then returned to our Creator, Allah (SWT).
During Eid al-Adha when we mark the end of Hajj and make our sacrifice (Qurban) for the sake of Allah (SWT), we replicate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), ready to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) for the sake of Allah.
By giving Qurban, we follow in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and remember his devotion to Allah (SWT). Don’t forget to make your sacrifice and give your Qurban in time for Eid!
