Astonishing things about the Kaaba

The Kaaba is the most sacred site in Islam and the direction of prayer for Muslims all over the world. It is a cube-shaped building located in the center of the Masjid al-Haram, the Grand Mosque, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Millions of Muslims visit the Kaaba every year as part of the pilgrimage rituals of Hajj and Umrah. But how much do you know about this amazing structure? Here are 5 astonishing facts about the Kaaba that you may not have heard before:

1. The Kaaba was built by Abraham and Ishmael. According to Islamic tradition, the Kaaba was originally built by Adam, the first human being, but it was destroyed by the great flood during Noah's time. Allah then commanded Abraham and his son Ishmael to rebuild the Kaaba on the same spot. They used stones from nearby mountains and raised the foundations of the Kaaba with Allah's guidance¹².

2. The Kaaba contains a black stone that is believed to be from heaven. One of the most revered objects in the Kaaba is the Black Stone, which is embedded in one of its corners. Muslims believe that this stone was given to Abraham by the angel Gabriel as a sign of Allah's covenant with him. The stone was originally white, but it turned black due to the sins of humanity²³. Muslims kiss or touch the stone as a gesture of respect and devotion during their circumambulation of the Kaaba.

3. The Kaaba has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history. The Kaaba has witnessed many events and changes since its construction by Abraham and Ishmael. It has been damaged by fire, flood, war, and vandalism. It has also been renovated and expanded by different rulers and dynasties, such as the Umayyads, Abbasids, Ottomans, and Saudis. The current structure of the Kaaba dates back to 1629 CE, when it was rebuilt by Sultan Murad IV after a fire.

4. The Kaaba is covered with a black cloth that is changed every year. The Kaaba is draped with a black silk cloth called the kiswah, which is embroidered with gold Quranic verses and Islamic motifs. The kiswah is produced in a special factory in Mecca and costs millions of dollars. It is changed every year on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the day of Arafah during Hajj. The old kiswah is cut into pieces and distributed as gifts to dignitaries and pilgrims .

5. The Kaaba is not always empty inside. The Kaaba has a door that opens to its interior, which is usually closed to the public. However, some privileged people are allowed to enter the Kaaba on special occasions, such as religious officials, political leaders, and celebrities. The interior of the Kaaba contains nothing but three wooden pillars that support its roof and several lamps that hang from it. There are also some inscriptions and paintings on its walls that date back to different periods of history.

These are just some of the astonishing things about the Kaaba that make it a unique and fascinating place for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. The Kaaba is not only a symbol of Islam's unity and diversity, but also a testimony of its rich and remarkable history.