Kaaba mecca aerial

Aerial view of the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest site in Islam, destination of millions of pilgrims each year.

About this subject

The Kaaba is a cubic building located at the center of Al-Haram Mosque (the Grand Mosque) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Known as the House of God (Baitullah) by Muslims, it is the direction (qibla) toward which believers turn five times a day during prayers. The current structure is approximately 13.1 meters high, 10.1 meters wide, and 12 meters long, covered with a black silk cloth called kiswa, embroidered with gold Qur'anic verses.

The Kaaba's significance dates back to pre-Islamic times, but it was consecrated by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century after the conquest of Mecca, when he removed pagan idols. Islamic tradition holds that the Kaaba was originally built by the prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) and his son Ishmael (Ismail). In the eastern corner of the Kaaba lies the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad), a meteoric rock believed to have been sent from paradise. Pilgrims attempt to kiss or touch it during Hajj or Umrah.

The Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and obligatory for every Muslim who is physically and financially able. In 2023, approximately 1.8 million pilgrims performed Hajj, a number that exceeded 2.5 million in pre-pandemic years. The area around the Kaaba has undergone successive expansions to accommodate the growing flow of worshippers, including the construction of upper floors of the mosque and the Abraj Al Bait complex, which features the world's tallest hotel, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower. Despite modernization, the Kaaba remains the spiritual heart of the Islamic world, inspiring devotion and unity among over 1.8 billion Muslims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Kaaba so important to Muslims?

The Kaaba is considered the House of God on Earth, the holiest site in Islam. Muslims believe it was built by Abraham and Ishmael, and it is the direction for daily prayers. It also serves as the focal point of Hajj, a compulsory pilgrimage that symbolizes the unity of the Islamic community.

What is the origin of the Black Stone of the Kaaba?

The Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad) is a fragment of meteoric rock. According to Islamic tradition, it was sent from paradise to Abraham. It is set into the eastern corner of the Kaaba and venerated by pilgrims, who attempt to kiss or touch it during rituals.

How many people visit the Kaaba annually?

Millions of Muslims visit the Kaaba each year to perform Hajj (annual pilgrimage) or Umrah (lesser pilgrimage). In 2023, about 1.8 million performed Hajj, while Umrah attracts tens of millions throughout the year, especially during Ramadan.