Kaaba mecca aerial

Aerial view of the Kaaba, the center of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Islam's holiest site and focal point of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

About this subject

The Kaaba is a cube-shaped structure at the center of Al-Masjid al-Haram, the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the holiest site in Islam, considered the House of God (Baitullah), and the direction (qibla) towards which Muslims pray five times daily. According to Islamic tradition, the Kaaba was built by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Ishmael) as a monotheistic house of worship, though it has been reconstructed multiple times. Modern dimensions are approximately 13.1 meters high, with sides measuring 11.03 by 12.86 meters. It is covered by a black silk cloth known as the Kiswah, embroidered with Quranic verses in gold and silver thread. Inside, the floor is marble and three wooden pillars support the roof; the door is about 2 meters above ground, reached by stairs. Every year, millions of pilgrims perform Tawaf, circling the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise during Hajj and Umrah. The Black Stone, set in its southeastern corner, is believed to have descended from Paradise and was originally white, but turned black from absorbing human sins. The surrounding mosque has undergone massive expansions since the 1950s to accommodate the growing number of worshippers, especially during Ramadan and Hajj. The current complex features multi-story buildings with escalators, footbridges, air-conditioned prayer areas, and the Abraj Al-Bait clock tower dominating Mecca's skyline. An aerial view reveals the concentric geometry of the courtyard, with the Kaaba at the focal point, flanked by symbolic sites such as the Zamzam Well and the hills of Safa and Marwa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Kaaba for Muslims?

The Kaaba is the holiest site in Islam, considered the House of God on Earth. Muslims view it as the physical and spiritual center of their faith, facing it during daily prayers and circumambulating it during pilgrimage.

Why is the Kaaba covered with a black cloth?

The black cloth, called the Kiswah, is a tradition dating back to ancient times. It is replaced annually during Hajj and embroidered with Quranic verses in gold. The black color symbolizes modesty and the unity of Muslims.

What is the Black Stone and why is it important?

The Black Stone (Al-Hajar al-Aswad) is a rock set in the southeastern corner of the Kaaba. Islamic tradition holds that it was sent from Paradise and was originally white, but turned black from absorbing human sins. Pilgrims kiss or touch it during Tawaf.