If you’ve ever seen images or videos of a striking black ‘cube’ in Mecca, where throngs of people seem to revolve around it, you might have wondered, “What is this place? Why do so many people gather here?”
This structure is known as the Ka’aba, and it holds profound significance in the Islamic faith. This year, I had the privilege of travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, a pilgrimage that many Muslims undertake. As part of this spiritual journey, one of the first acts is to make an intention and approach the Ka’aba, and walk around it in a ritual known as Tawaf. While I went there with only a cursory understanding of the Ka’aba’s meaning, our guide shared insights that deepened my appreciation for this sacred space.
What is the Ka’aba?
The Ka’aba, meaning cube in Arabic, is the holiest site in Islam and is also known as the Bayt Allah (House of God). Located at the centre of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, it serves as a focal point (qiblah) for Muslims around the world, with millions directing their prayers towards it daily.
This cuboid structure stands approximately 15 metres (49 feet 3 inches) tall, with dimensions of 12 metres (39 feet 4 inches) by 10.5 metres (34 feet 5 inches) wide (some sources note it as 10 metres (32 feet 10 inches) wide). The door of the Ka’aba is made of pure gold, and its weight is 280 kilogrammes. Inside, the floor is made of marble and limestone, and the walls are clad in white marble tiles up to the ceiling, accented with darker trims. The interior floor is about 2 metres (6 feet 7 inches) above the area where tawaf, or circumambulation, takes place.
History and Evolution
The origins of the Ka’aba date back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim, who, along with his son Ismail, was commanded by Allah (SWT) to build it. When it was first built, it was a simple rectangular structure with no roof. The Quraysh tribe who ruled Makkah then rebuilt the Ka’aba in 608 CE with wood and stone. While Prophet Ibrahim was building the Ka’aba, an angel brought to him the Black Stone which he placed in the eastern corner of the structure. Another stone was the Maqam Ibrahim, the Station of Ibrahim, where He stood for elevation while building the structure. The Black Stone and the Maqam Ibrahim are believed by Muslims to be the only remnant of the original structure made by Ibrahim as the remaining structure had to be demolished and rebuilt several times over history for its maintenance.
The Ka’aba has undergone numerous renovations throughout its history.
The structure has been rebuilt multiple times since its original construction. During 634 – 44 CE, Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (634–44 CE) expanded the area around the Ka’aba to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims. Caliph Uthman ibn Affan (644–56 CE) constructed colonnades around the plaza, enhancing the worship experience. In 683 CE, during a civil war, the Ka’aba was set on fire, and the Black Stone broke into three pieces. Ibn Zubayr reassembled it with silver and rebuilt the Ka’aba, following the original dimensions given to Ibrahim (AS). Under Abd al-Malik, the Ka’aba was restored once again. Over the centuries, it has seen many changes, including decorations and structural enhancements during the Umayyad, Abbasid, and Ottoman periods.
Over the centuries, its coverings have reflected the wealth and tastes of different eras. In the time of the Prophet Muhammad, the Ka’aba was adorned with white-and-red striped Yemeni cloth. During the conquest of Makkah, the Prophet chose to retain the old Kiswa from the era of polytheism until an incident involving incense led to its burning.
Afterward, he replaced it with a new Yemeni cloth, setting a precedent for Muslim leaders who followed in his footsteps, caring for the Ka’aba and ensuring its coverings were regularly updated. This practice continued into the Saudi era, where the Kiswa received great attention, with contributions of fabric from the Islamic State in Egypt enduring for centuries. This tradition of covering continued with notable figures like Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq, Umar ibn Al-Khattab, and Uthman ibn Affan, who chose simple white cloths for the revered structure. Ibn Al-Zubayr, on the other hand, draped it in luxurious red brocade, highlighting the significance of the Ka’aba in their time.
As the Abbasid era progressed, the Ka’aba would see a variety of fabrics – it was once draped in white and then in red, while the Seljuk Sultan opted for yellow brocade. A significant change occurred under the Abbasid Caliph Al-Nassir, who introduced a green covering that later transformed into the iconic black brocade, a choice that has remained to this day. Dr. Fawaz Al-Dahas, the Director of the Centre of Makkah History, notes that the colour of the Ka’aba’s Kiswa has always been influenced by the financial capabilities of each era, revealing the evolving relationship between material wealth and sacredness.
Qubati fabric, known for its quality, often came from Egypt, and the famous Yemeni Kiswa was held in high regard as well. As time passed, perceptions of the Kiswa changed; it was occasionally adorned with red brocade or qubati Egyptian cloth, complemented by leather rugs or collections of rough cloths. Throughout the years, this ceremonial garment would be changed whenever new fabric became available, a tradition that persisted through the Rashidun Caliphate, the Umayyads, and the Abbasids.
The choice of black for the Kiswa at the end of the Abbasid period was pragmatic – it proved durable enough to withstand the touches of countless visitors and pilgrims from diverse backgrounds.
The last significant modifications were carried out in the 1950s by the Saudi Government to accommodate the ever-growing number of pilgrims. Today, the mosque surrounds the Ka’aba and covers nearly forty acres.
Originally Published on Ceylon Today