The Ka'aba
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 1.1.20
The Ka'aba
The Ka'aba is the holiest place for Muslims. The Ka'aba is cube-shaped, is roughly 50 feet (15 metres) high, and it is about 35 feet by 40 feet (10 by 14 metres) at its base.
The Ka'aba
- The Ka'aba is made of grey stone and marble.
- During most of the year, the Ka'aba is covered with an enormous black cloth called the kiswah.
- At the eastern corner of the Ka'aba is the Black Stone of Mecca.
- According to Islamic tradition, this stone was given to Adam. This was when he was sent away from paradise to obtain forgiveness for his sins.
- Legend has it that the stone was originally white. But has become black by absorbing the sins of the pilgrims who have kissed and touched it.
The Ka'aba and pilgrimage
- Every Muslim who makes the pilgrimage has to walk around the Ka'aba seven times. During which he or she kisses and touches the Black Stone.
- The stone structure existed before Islam. In those days many people worshipped idols and prayed to lots of different gods.
- When Muhammad began teaching the lessons that became the Qur'an, the idols were smashed and the Ka’aba was dedicated to worshipping the One true God.
Adam, Ibrahim & Ismail
- Muslims believe that Adam first built a shrine to worship Allah.
- This shrine was destroyed in the flood story.
- Ibrahim and Ismail then rebuilt it.
- Over the years, the structure was destroyed a few times. Today it is the focal point for all Muslims.
- The Qur’an tells Muslims “Turn then thy face towards the sacred mosque and wherever ye be turn your faces towards that part" (2: 139-144).
Test yourself on The Ka'aba
Before Muhammad, what was the Ka'aba used for?
Which important figures have been involved in the development of the Ka'aba?