One of the most sacred sites in Islam is the Kaaba. It is located right in the center of the Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Qibla, also known as the Kaaba, is the site where Muslims from all over the world face while offering their daily prayers. Moreover, Kaaba is also the central point of Hajj which is the annual pilgrimage of Muslims.
The entire structure of the Kaaba holds great religious significance. Yet, there are certain parts or areas of the structure that are considered sacred due to a variety of reasons. Some consider these areas important due to their connection to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) or the other prophets. In this article, we will discuss the sacred parts of the Kaaba and their importance in Islam.
The Sacred Parts of the Kaaba
Muslims from all over the world face the Kaaba when offering their prayers. This means that Muslims face the Qibla direction five times a day, which is one of the reasons why it is so important. If you are wondering where your Kaaba is, you can easily navigate here to find its location. Since the Kaaba is so significant, we must also know its sacred parts. Let us discuss some of the important parts of the Kaaba.
1. The Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad)
The black stone is located on the Eastern side of the Kaaba. It is a dark, oval-shaped stone which is fixed in a silver frame. Every year, pilgrims visit the Kaaba for the hajj and try to kiss or touch the Hajar Al-Aswad while performing tawaf. According to many scholars, this black stone is descended directly from heaven. Some even say that the stone was originally white, but it turned black due to the sins of human beings on Earth. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had kissed the stone during his lifetime, and therefore, every Muslim tries to follow the sunnah by doing the same.
2. The Door of the Kaaba (Bab al-Kaaba)
The golden door of the Kaaba is elevated 2.2 m (7.2 ft) from the ground. Bab Al-Kaaba serves as a symbol of pure entrance. Not everyone is allowed to use this door, and only a few lucky selected Muslims are allowed to enter. Anyone who enters through the door of the kaaba considers himself to be blessed with spiritual honor. The door of the kaaba leads to the empty sanctum inside the kaaba.
3. The Station of Ibrahim (Maqam Ibrahim)
When you visit the Kaaba and walk just a few meters from it, you will see a stone with footprints on it. This stone is enclosed in a small glass structure. According to Muslim scholars, Prophet Ibrahim stood on this stone when he was building the Kaaba with his son, Prophet Ismail. This sacred spot of the Kaaba is also mentioned in the second chapter of the Quran. It is also suggested that the Muslims offer their prayers behind it after tawaf.
4. The Hatim (Hijr Ismail)
Right adjacent to one of the sides of the Kaaba, you will notice a semicircular white wall. This wall is also technically a part of the kaaba, and it is said that Prophet Ibrahim himself set its foundation. However, due to a shortage of materials, the Quraish excluded it from the Kaaba when rebuilding it. Anyone who prays within the Hatim can consider himself to pray inside the Kaaba.
5. The Drain (Mizab al-Rahmah)
There is a golden spout right at the rooftop of the Kaaba. It drains rainwater from the roof. The other name for this spout is Mazab of Mercy. Muslims believe that any water spilling from the Mizab carries numerous blessings. You will often find pilgrims standing beneath it to pray and offer supplications.
6. The Corners of the Kaaba (Arkan al-Kaaba)
There are four corners of the Kaaba, and each of these faces a certain direction:
1. Rukn al-Aswad (Black Stone Corner) – this corner contains the Black Stone or Hajr Al-Aswad.
2. Rukn al-Yamani (Yemeni Corner) – the Prophet traditionally touched this corner, and it also faces Yemen.
3. Rukn al-Shami (Levantine Corner)
4. Rukn al-Iraqi (Iraqi Corner) – This corner faces Iraq
7. The Kiswah (Kaaba Covering)
A rich black cloth, which is embroidered with various verses of the Quran, covers the structure of the Kaaba. The embroidery is done with gold and silver threads. Every year during the Hajj season, the kiswah is replaced by a new one. Kiswah is a symbol of reverence and one of the most beautiful parts of the House of Allah.
8. The Interior of the Kaaba
Very few people have had the privilege of seeing the inside of the Kaaba. It contains just three pillars, such as hand lamps and incense burners. The floor of the Kaaba is made from white marble, and the interiors of the Kaaba are lined with a green cloth. You can also see the inscription of the Quran on the interior walls of the Kaaba.
9. The Multazam (Clinging Place)
The area between the black stone and the door of the kaaba is a sacred space. Muslims often press their chest, face, and hands against the kaaba. Any dua made during this moment will be answered. You may also find pilgrims weeping with sorrow at this location.
10. The Roof of the Kaaba
The roof of the Kaaba is not accessible to the pilgrims now. However, the roof of the Kaaba has deep historical and religious significance. It was during the conquest of Makkah that Prophet Muhammad stood on the roof of the Kaaba to say thanks to Allah. These days, only authorized personnel can access the roof, and that too for cleaning and maintenance.
Most people believe that Kaaba is just a physical structure for Qibla. Truly speaking, it is the heart of Islamic worship. Every part of Kaaba has a deep spiritual meaning. Pilgrims gather in the Kaaba with unity and humility just so they can find their connection with these sacred elements of Islam.
Understanding the various parts of the Kaaba helps deepen one’s connection to Islamic history. It also improves the spiritual experience of Hajj or Umrah. When one is blessed to visit the Kaaba, whether alone or with their family, they should try and see all of these parts in detail. These serve as a powerful reminder of our undying faith and the connection between Allah and his followers.
Author Bio:
Mughees Qureshi provides copywriting services and writes quality articles and blogs. He is experienced in writing on topics related to all domains with impactful knowledge. He occasionally writes articles for Muslim & Quran.