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Is there any landmark more sacred than the Holy Kaaba for Muslims? Known as the house of the Almighty in this world, this holy cubic structure stands all in its glory in the heart of Makkah. As it is the primary pilgrimage site for Muslims, you might think that it was built after the arrival of Islam in the world. But you will be surprised to know that the history of the Kaaba is older than that of Islam itself. This makes everyone curious about the history of this cubic structure to ensure that they can have a more enlightening experience during a trip to the house of the Almighty.
Islamic history is one of the richest in the world, and the sacred land of Makkah is known for being one of the holiest in the world. Every year, countless Muslims from around the globe arrive in this city to fulfil their religious obligation to the Almighty. If you have booked Umrah packages 2025 from the UK, you will visit this sacred city soon. So, make sure that you learn about the history of the Kaaba before embarking on the spiritual retreat.
Origin of the Holy Kaaba
As we have already mentioned, the history of the Holy Kaaba is older than that of Islam itself. Some Muslims believe that the Holy Kaaba was built by the first human and the first Prophet of Islam, Prophet Adam (AS). But it fell in ruins and was rebuilt by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail (AS).
First Structure of the Holy Kaaba
A period after the flood of Noah, Allah Almighty commanded Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son, Prophet Ismail (AS), to build the Holy Kaaba as the monotheistic house of worship. This became the hub of prayer and circulation long before the origin of Islam.
First Human Settlement in Makkah
As Muslims, we are not unaware of the story of Hajar and her son, Prophet Ismail (AS). Many grand sacrifices were made by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son, Prophet Ismail (AS). From the ultimate grand sacrifice of both beloved prophets to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) leaving Hajar and Prophet Ismail (AS) in the desert on divine command, we have heard many stories and sacrifices of the two prophets.
One of these events also led to the first human settlement in Makkah. With the emergence of Zamzam and a miracle of the Almighty for Hajar and Prophet Ismail (AS), people started settling around the water source, which led to the first human settlement in the area, Makkah.
Quraysh’s Role in Rebuilding the Kaaba:
Quraysh was one of the most prominent and respected tribes in the holy city of Makkah during pre-Islamic times. They were responsible for taking care of the Holy Kaaba. Even before Islam, the Holy Kaaba was a sacred site. Over time, the sacred cubic structure became the central hub of pagan worship. It used to house 360 idols worshipped by the pagans of Makkah.
When a flood damaged the Holy Kaaba in 605 AD, the Quraysh rebuilt it. During this time, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) resolved a dispute between the Quraysh and Muslims by allowing them to place the sacred Black Stone, Hajr-e-Aswad, in the Holy Kaaba.
The Holy Kaaba in Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) Time:
630 AD was the year of the conquest of Makkah. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) took back the Holy Kaaba from Quraysh and removed all the idols from it to revive it as the monotheistic house of worship which it was initially built for. This was also when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasised the importance of Hajj and taught Muslims how to perform it.
The Holy Kaaba became the focal point of Hajj and Umrah. Before that, it was also declared the Qibla of the Muslims. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) led Muslims in prayer while facing the Holy Kaaba and taught them to do so permanently. To this date, Muslims from around the globe turn in the direction of the Holy Kaabah to offer their daily prayers.
Modifications in the Holy Kaaba Over Time:
Even after the conquest of Makkah and the establishment of the Holy Kaaba as a pilgrimage site for Muslims, there were numerous conflicts surrounding the cubic structure. In 692 AD, a conflict between the Umayyads damaged the Holy Kaaba. Another conflict happened in 930 AD when the Martians stole the sacred Black Stone and hid it away for 22 years.
The Ottoman Empire renovated the Holy Kaaba from the 19th to 20th century. They also introduced the modern-day covering of the cubic structure, the adorned black silk cloth named Kiswa. The Ottoman also reinforced the Holy Kaaba structure, which helped secure it after all the damage from the past conflicts.
Modern Developments and Present-Day Structure:
From the 20th to the 21st century, the Saudi authorities have extensively renovated and developed the Holy Kaaba. In the 20th century, King Abdul-Aziz expanded the Holy Kaabah to accommodate the millions of pilgrims who arrived in the city every year. This expansion continues with the ever-increasing number of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
The Saudi authorities also established a special factory to produce only Kiswa, the black covering of the Holy Kaaba. The Kiswa is now changed every year. Pilgrims love to visit the factory to see how Kiswa is created and adorned. It is truly an enlightening experience. You can also visit it during your Umrah journey if you have time.
Another modern element and renovation at the Holy Kaaba are the floors surrounding it. These floors have a specialised cooling system to facilitate the pilgrims who gather around the sacred cubic structure for their Hajj and Umrah. Saudi Arabia has undoubtedly introduced many facilitative measures at the pilgrimage sites, especially the Holy Kaaba, to ensure that the pilgrims have a safe and convenient pilgrimage.
Conclusion:
Are you among the lucky UK citizens embarking on this spiritual journey? Many pilgrims choose Umrah packages from Birmingham, making their travel seamless and stress-free. You might be excited to be among the million pilgrims gathering around the Holy Kaaba. This sacred landmark is undoubtedly dear to all Muslims, and the feeling of witnessing it with your own eyes is unmatched. If your dream is coming true and you are preparing for your pilgrimage, you might have enjoyed reading the history of the Kaabah above before you stand in front of it. It is an enlightening and rewarding experience that will change your perspective on this journey.