10 Fascinating Facts about Kaaba

In the centre of Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia stands the holiest shrine in Islam, the Holy Kaaba. While billions of Muslims offer Salah five times a day facing the Holy Kaaba, many from all around the world come to the House of Allah SWT to perform Tawaf (circumambulate around the Kaaba).

The Holy Kaaba is the spiritual centre of Islam. Thus, gathering in the House of the Almighty makes us feel united and equal, gives a sense of uniformity, and teaches us about our true purpose in life. In this article, we will be looking at ten amazing facts about Kaaba

Keep reading to learn more about the House of Allah SWT and its significance in Islam. 

What Is the Kaaba in Islam?

Meaning cube in Arabic, Kaaba is a square-shaped monument beautifully draped in a black-coloured cotton and silk veil with gold inscriptions from the Holy Quran, also known as the Kiswah. It covers all the walls of the House of Allah SWT.

The Holy Kaaba is located in the middle of Masjid Al Haram (The Great Mosque) in the Hejaz Region of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the most venerated site in Islam.

In accordance with the command of Allah SWT and following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Muslims orient themselves towards the Kaaba during the five congregational prayers and relish the ambition of visiting the Holy Kaaba to perform the pilgrimage (Hajj). The Kaaba is also called Bait-al-Atiq, Bait-al-Haram, Bayt Allah, and Khana Kaaba. 

Why Is the Kaaba Important in Islam?

Also called Khana Kaaba, the Holy Kaaba isn’t the actual residence of Allah SWT but a metaphorical representation of the Almighty’s home. It is the Qibla (direction of prayers) and the centre point for Hajj and Umrah. 

The Holy Kaaba represents the oneness of Allah SWT and that all Muslims are equal in the eyes of the Almighty. Allah SWT in the Holy Quran says, “God has appointed the Ka’bah, the Sacred House, support for mankind, and the Sacred Month and the offerings and the garlands. That is so that you may know that God knows whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the Earth, and that God is Knower of all things.” [Holy Kaaba 5:97]

“And [mention] when We made the House a place of return for the people and [a place of] security.” [Sunrah Al-Baqarah: 125]

“Allah has made the Kaaba, the Sacred House, a [means of] sustentation for mankind, and [also] the sacred month, the offering and the garlands, so that you may know that Allah knows whatever there is in the heavens and whatever there is in the earth, and that Allah has knowledge of all things.” [Holy Kaaba 5:97]

Why Do Muslims Kiss the Black Stone?

When it comes to the rituals of pilgrimage – Hajj and Umrah – every pilgrim is instructed to follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from performing the act of Tawaf to kissing or touching Hajr e Aswad (Black Stone), reciting Nalf at Maqam-e-Ibrahim, Sai between Safa and Marwa, Rami of the Jamaraat, and Halq and Nasir.  

Kissing Hajr e Aswad is not obligatory but optional. It is believed to be the act of worshipping Allah SWT. When pilgrims touch or kiss the Black Stone, they have no connection with the stone itself but are carrying out the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), knowing that the stone is sacred and came from Jannah (Heaven). 

Umar (RA) once came to Hajr e Aswad, kissed it, and said, “I know that you are only a stone which can neither bring benefit nor cause harm. Were it not that I had seen the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) kiss you, I would not have kissed you.” [Narrated by al-Bukhari, 1520; Muslim, 1720]

10 Interesting Facts about the Kaaba

The Holy Kaaba is the most sacred, special, and holiest place for Muslims worldwide. It is the House of Allah SWT and the Qibla – the prayers’ direction. Without further ado, let’s look at ten flabbergasting facts about Kaaba that you might have or might not have known.

There Are Two Holy Kaabas 

Did you know that there are actually two Holy Kaabas? The one we see is located in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, whereas the other one is situated right above this Kaaba in the seven skies and is known as ‘Bait Al Mamoor.’

The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah, after returning from Miraj (Night Journey), said, “Then I was shown Bait-ul -Mamur (the Frequented House). I asked Angel Jibreel about it, and he said, “This is Al Bait-ul-Ma’mur, where 70,000 angels perform prayers daily, and when they leave, they never return to it (but always a fresh batch comes into it daily till the Day of Judgment”. [Sahih Bukhari]

What Is the Black Stone Made Of?

Located at the southeastern corner of the Holy Kaaba, Hajr e Aswad (Black Stone) is a combination of different types of rock cemented together. These fragments are believed to be made up of smaller pieces of unique rocks and tied together in a pure silver frame.

While the exact composition of the Black Stone is unknown, some say it is a stony meteorite, agate, basalt stone, or a piece of natural glass. 

How Old Is the Kaaba?

The Holy Kaaba is originally more than 5000 years old. The foundation of the Kaaba was laid by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). However, the Quraysh rebuilt it in 608 CE (6th Century) to protect the Kaaba from floods in the future. 

Who Can Go Inside the Kaaba?

Every Muslim is allowed inside the Holy Kaaba. However, not everyone can enter the House of Allah SWT. Only people who are authorized by the Al-Shaibi family, guardians of the Kaaba, are allowed to pray inside the sacred monument twice a year. These include government officials, exclusive guests, and dignitaries. 

Another interesting fact about going inside the Holy Kaaba is that once you step in, you can pray Salah in any direction you like.

Lined with green coloured cloth and marbles, the interior of the Kaaba has three wooden pillars, several silver and gold lamps, a golden door (Bab al-Tawbah), and eight sacred stones featuring Arabic calligraphy.

Who Built the Kaaba?

Even in pre-Islamic times, the Holy Kaaba was a sanctuary. According to some scriptures, it is believed that the original Kaaba was first built either by angels or by Prophet Adam (AS).

However, when Prophet Ibrahim (AS) arrived in Makkah along with his son, Prophet Ismail (AS), Allah SWT commanded the Messenger to build the Holy Kaaba. The father-son duo worked devotedly to reconstruct the walls of the Holy Kaaba with their own hands. Describing this event, Allah SWT in the Holy Quran says:

“Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place of safety; and take ye the station of Ibrahim as a place of prayer, and We covenanted with Ibrahim and Isma’il, that they should sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).

And remember Ibrahim (AS) said: “My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and feed its people with fruits, such of them as believe in God and the Last Day.’ He said: ‘(Yea), and such as reject Faith, for a while will I grant them their pleasure, but will soon drive them to the torment of Fire, an evil destination (indeed)!”

And remember Ibrahim and Isma’il 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.” [Holy Quran 2:125-127]

“Behold! We gave the site to Ibrahim, of the (Sacred) House, (saying): ‘Associate not anything (in worship) with Me; and sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or stand up, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).” [Holy Quran 22:26]

When Was the Kaaba Built?

After being constructed by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS) over 5000 years ago, the Holy Kaaba was rebuilt under the leadership of the Quraysh tribe in 608 CE. The latest reconstruction of Bayt Allah took place in 1996, during which many stones were replaced, and the foundation was made stronger. 

What Is the Kaaba Built From?

Granite is used to make the structure of the Holy Kaaba. The floors within the Khana Kaaba are made from marble and limestone.

Scientific Facts about the Kaaba

The Holy Kaaba is a major aspect of the faith of Muslims globally for its symbolic representation as the House of Allah SWT and the centre of the religion of Islam. Listed below are two eye-opening facts about the Holy Kaaba:

The Holy Kaaba Was Never Meant to Be a Cube

The original dimensions of the Holy Kaaba included a semi-circle area known as Hijr Ismail (Hateem). Because the Holy Kaaba is located in the deep valley of Farhan, it was flooded almost every year.

Considering this, the Quraysh leaders decided to rebuild the revered monument just a few years before Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the first revelation.

The Quraysh leaders agreed to use income from pure sources only for the reconstruction, so they could only renovate the cubic structure. Today, the height of the Holy Kaaba is 43 ft (13.1 metres) and can be seen from outer space. 

There’s a High Magnetic Force Around the Holy Kaaba

A lesser-known fact about the Holy Kaaba is that birds and planes cannot fly over the Bayt Allah because of the high magnetic attraction in the area. This is precisely why despite the popularity and significance of Mecca, there is no airport in the city. 

Summary – Facts about Kaaba

Every day, millions of Muslims all around the world prostrate five times a day to pray in the direction of the Holy Kaaba, the cube-shaped House of Allah SWT. Bayt Allah, situated in the valley of Hejaz region in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, is one of the holiest places on Earth.

It is a dream of every Muslim and an obligation of all physically and financially stable followers of Islam to visit the Holy Kaaba at least once in their lifetime in order to perform Hajj. 

We hope that this article helped you learn some surprising yet interesting facts about Kaaba. When visiting the House of Allah SWT, use the opportunity to seek forgiveness, cleanse your soul, and strengthen your connection with the Almighty.