Kaʿbah (كعبة)
Definition
Kaʿbah (كعبة): Lit. “A cube.” The Kaʿbah is the cubic-shaped building at the center of the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It houses the Ḥajaru’l-Aswad (Black Stone) and is the qiblah (direction of prayer) for Muslims worldwide.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: كعبة (Ka‘bah)
- Turkish: Kâbe
The term “Kaʿbah” literally means “cube” in Arabic, referring to its cubic structure.
Architectural Description
The Kaʿbah stands 35 feet high with an 18 paces length and a 14 paces breadth. Built from grey Makkan stone blocks, the structure is mortared with a cement likened to Roman mortar. The building stands on a base two feet high with a sharply inclined plane. The roof is flat, giving the building the appearance of a cube from a distance.
- Entrance Door: Only one door, on the east side, located about seven feet above the ground and opened only a few times a year.
- Black Stone (Ḥajaru’l-Aswad): Positioned in the southeast corner, about four to five feet above the ground. The stone is an irregular oval, encased in a silver frame.
- Yaman Pillar (ar-Ruknu’l-Yamānī): A Makkan stone, positioned upright and placed about five feet from the ground at the south corner.
- al-Miʿjan: A hollow ground near the door, supposedly where Abraham and Ishmael kneaded clay to construct the Kaʿbah.
- Inscription: An ancient Kufic inscription exists above the Miʿjan, but its details remain undeciphered.
- Miʾzābu’r-Raḥmah: A golden water spout on the northwestern side, positioned two feet below the roof, said to discharge rainwater onto Ishmael’s grave.
- Mosaic Pavement: Surrounding the Kaʿbah, made of various colored stones, laid in A.H. 826.
- al-Hatim and al-Hijr: A semicircular wall enclosures part of the area, known as al-Ḥijr, traditionally believed to be Ishmael’s grave.
- Kiswah: The black silk and cotton cover inscribed with verses from the Qur’an, changed annually during Hajj.
Historical Background
The history of the Kaʿbah traces back to Islamic traditions which ascribe its original construction to Adam, two thousand years before Earth’s creation. It was later reconstructed by Abraham and his son Ishmael following divine instructions after being destroyed during the Deluge.
- Pre-Islamic Era: The Kaʿbah housed various deities and was in control of several tribes including Banū Jurhum, Banū Khuza’ah, and eventually the Quraysh tribe.
- Prophet Muhammad’s Era: The Kaʿbah, originally housing numerous idols, became central to Islamic monotheism post the Prophet Muhammad’s conquest of Makkah. Idols were removed, and it was dedicated to Allah.
Qur’anic References
- al-Baytu’l-Mamur: Mentioned in Surah lii. 4 and refers either to the Kaʿbah itself or its heavenly counterpart.
- Israel’s Journey: Mentioned in Surah xvii.1, referring to Muhammad’s journey from the Sacred Mosque in Makkah to the Remote Mosque in Jerusalem.
- Changing of Qiblah: In Surah ii. 108–145, the direction of prayer changes from Jerusalem to Makkah, under divine command.
Ritual Significance
- Hajj and ‘Umrah: The Kaʿbah is the pivotal point for the rituals of Hajj and ‘Umrah, attracting millions of Muslim pilgrims annually who perform the Tawaf (circumambulation) around it.
- Qiblah: Muslims direct their prayers towards the Kaʿbah from anywhere on the globe, symbolizing unity and submission to Allah.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- “The Hajj: The Muslim Pilgrimage to Mecca and the Holy Places” by F.E. Peters
- “The Mantle of the Prophet” by Roy Mottahedeh
- “The Spirit of Islam” by Syed Ameer Ali
- “Islam: The View from the Edge” by Richard W. Bulliet
Takeaways
- Central Worship Place: The Kaʿbah is the cornerstone of Islamic worship and unity, embodying millennia of religious heritage.
- Symbol of Monotheism: Transitioned from a paganic pantheon to symbolize pure monotheism.
- Islamic Pilgrimage: Plays a crucial role in Muslim pilgrimage rituals, reaffirming faith and obedience to Allah.
Conclusion
The Kaʿbah holds unparalleled importance in Islam, serving as the focal point of Muslin prayers and pilgrimage. Its rich history, evolving from pre-Islamic polytheism to Islamic monotheism, and its enduring cultural and spiritual significance continue to unify the global Muslim Ummah.
