“In the heart of Makkah’s Al-Haram Mosque stands the revered Kaaba, central to Islamic culture. Pilgrims performing Hajj or Umrah circle it seven times, offering prayers. Few know what lies within. Here, we explore the secrets of the Kaaba’s interior.” The Kaaba, constructed by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismael to honor God, remains the focal point of prayer for Muslims worldwide, facing it during their five daily prayers. Witnessing numerous modifications over centuries, both its exterior and interior hold magnificence. In the 1950s, significant changes were made to accommodate the influx of Hajj pilgrims, including expanding the mosque’s boundaries to over 40 acres of land under the Saudi Arabian government’s auspices. The Kaaba, a cubical structure standing at 15m tall, boasts corners meticulously aligned with the cardinal directions. In 1982, its door was adorned with solid gold, enhancing its splendor. Originally sourced from Egypt, the black silk cloth, known as the Kiswah, now originates from Saudi Arabia. Intricately embroidered with golden Quranic verses, it undergoes an annual replacement ritual on the second day of Hajj pilgrimage. The Holy Kaaba, or Khana Kaaba, holds symbolic significance as a metaphorical abode of Allah rather than His physical dwelling. It embodies the concept of monotheism, central to Islamic faith, marking the transition from polytheism. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) received divine guidance to rededicate the Kaaba to the worship of one God, ending the era of idol worship. Both the Kaaba and the Black Stone symbolize unity among Muslims, serving as a focal point, or Qibla, for prayers directed towards Allah, emphasizing His singular supremacy.
The Kaaba, meaning ‘cube‘ in Arabic, is a black stone structure situated at the center of the Grand Mosque. Embedded on its eastern side is the Black Stone, believed to have descended from heaven during the time of Adam and Eve. Islamic tradition holds that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) kissed this sacred stone inside the Kaaba, and pilgrims emulate his actions by attempting to kiss it during the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage.
The interior of the Kaaba spans an area of 180 square meters and features three ancient wooden columns supporting the ceiling. Each column, dating back approximately 1,350 years, has a perimeter of 150cm and a diameter of 44cm. These columns, attributed to Abdullah bin Zubair, a prominent Muslim leader and Quranic compiler, serve as suspension points for gifts within the building. Enclosed within the Kaaba is a staircase leading to a hatch, a closed rectangular structure devoid of windows, featuring a door covered by a silk curtain adorned with gold and silver engravings. Originally lacking a roof, the Kaaba was rebuilt by the Quraysh, who added one and closed the west door.
The Holy Kaaba has undergone multiple reconstructions throughout history due to natural disasters and human interference, with the latest repair occurring in 1999. Originally, before the black Kiswa, the Kaaba was adorned with various colors, predominantly green, white, and red.
Previously accessible to all Muslims twice weekly, the Kaaba now opens only twice yearly for VIP Muslims due to the overwhelming influx of pilgrims. Inside, a plaque commemorates the rulers involved in its reconstruction.
Initially intended as semi-circular, the Kaaba evolved into its present cubic form over time. Before Islam, it housed numerous idols worshipped by pagan inhabitants of the region.
Despite its historical evolution, the Kaaba remains the holiest site in Islam, symbolizing the house of Allah. It embodies the essence of surrender, prayer, and forgiveness, serving as the ultimate path to paradise, where eternal happiness prevails.
