Understanding Islam

Explaining Islam in Light of the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ‎)

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What is the Ka’bah?

April 30, 2003

Islamic tradition relates that the Ka’bah was built by the Prophet Abraham and his son Ismai’l. The stone structure, cubed in design, was built for the purpose of worshiping and maintaining a relationship with God. The rites performed by the two Prophets, thousands of years ago, are to this day performed by pilgrims the world over. It is the center, on earth, where hundreds of millions of people face every day in transcendental unity and harmonious prostration for the purpose of reverence of the One God. It symbolically represents the universality and unity of conviction and purpose of those whom worship the Almighty.

The Ka’bah is a spiritual meeting place for the souls of the Believers to join and reach their destination of communion with one another and their Creator. It is merely a marker that points to the direction of God’s House for those who wish to offer up their prayers.  There is nothing inside the Ka’bah and its physical construction is of no significance. The worshipers go around the Ka’bah, counterclockwise, symbolizing walking the righteous path towards God. Full circle is marked by the Black Stone. The worshipers walk by and touch or raise their hands towards it symbolizing the renewal of their pledge of allegiance with the Lord of the Ka’bah. They physically reach out to God and God in return spiritually reaches out to them. Here, in the house of God, mankind finds tranquility and a Welcoming, Loving and Compassionate Landlord. The Ka’bah is a sanctuary for the souls of mankind to express their devotion and seek harmony with God and His way.

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