Ka’aba (ٱلْكَعْبَة), also known as Baytullah (بَيْت ٱللَّٰه,) or House of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ is the most sacred and holiest place on earth for Muslims. It is also called Qibla (قِبْلَة), which refers to the direction towards which Muslims turn their faces while offering prayers. It is situated in the present-day city of Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is located in the center of the Masjid Al-Haram, the Grand Mosque. Ka’aba remains covered by a specially fabricated curtain, commonly known as Ghilaf-e-Ka’aba or Kiswa (كسوة). Traditionally, Kiswa is replaced with a new one on the 1st of Muharram (the start of the new Islamic year).

It was constructed by the Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ and his son Prophet Ismael عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, by the Will and Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. Over the centuries, it has undergone different phases of reconstruction, renovation, and expansion. The last such renovation and expansion was done in 1996.

It is also believed that firstly, it was built by Prophet Adam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ when he was descended to earth. He built the Ka’aba at the place as marked by the Angel Jibril عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ on the Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. Per the traditions, the initial structure of Ka’aba was completely destroyed during the flood of Prophet Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ; hence Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ Commanded Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ and his son Prophet Ismael عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ to reconstruct it. Since then, the main structure of Ka’aba remained intact till the early 7th Century CE, some 5 years prior to the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. It was then re-constructed by the Meccans in 605 CE.

Brief History of Ka’aba

The majority of Islamic Commentators agree that the Ka’aba was constructed by the Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ. However, as per some traditions, it is believed that Ka’aba was initially built by the Prophet Adam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ when he descended down from the heavens. Per these traditions, Angel Jibril عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ marked the area where the structure of Ka’aba was to be built.

The Angel also helped him in this construction. When the initial structure was completed, Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ commanded the Prophet to circumambulate it. It was also commanded by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ to the Prophet Adam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ that you are the first human and this is the first house, built explicitly for worship.

During the historic event of the flood of the Prophet Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, Ka’aba was completely washed out. Some believe that the structure was ascended to the heavens by the Angels during that flood. So, the complete structure was lost in this historical flood. However, there is no such evidence in the Quran about the construction of Ka’aba by the Prophet Adam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ.

Construction of Ka’aba by Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ

As per the Quran, Ka’aba was constructed by the Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ along with his son Prophet Ismail عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, by the Will and Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, as mentioned in the 127th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah:

Translation – And remember that when Abraham and Ishmael were raising the walls of the House, they prayed, “Lord, accept this service from us; You are All-Hearing and All-Knowing.

Per the traditions, Angel Jibril عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ came down to mark the site of the foundations of Ka’aba, upon which both the Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ and his son Prophet Ismail عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ constructed the structure of Ka’aba. Some traditions narrate that Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ sent a piece of cloud that shadowed the place where Ka’aba was to be built. The fact of the matter is that the site of Ka’aba was, somehow revealed by Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ through the divine revelations of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. This is mentioned in the 26th verse of Surah Al-Hajj, as under:

Translate – Call to mind when We assigned to Abraham the site of the House (Kabah), directing him: “Do not associate aught with Me” and “Keep My House pure for those who walk around it, and for those who stand and who bow down and who prostrate themselves (in worship).

So, the Quranic verses also narrate that the Ka’aba was built by the Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, along with his son Prophet Ismael عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. Once the construction of Ka’aba was completed, Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, on the Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, called the entire mankind to come visit the Holy House of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ for worship and pilgrimage.

Similarly, Verse 96 of Surah Al-e-Imran narrates that Ka’aba was the first house on earth assigned for worship to the people:

Translate – Behold, the first House (of Prayer) established for mankind is the one at Bakkah: it is full of blessing and a center of guidance for the whole world.

Reconstruction of Ka’aba by the Quraysh Tribe

This structure remained intact for centuries, until the beginning of the seventh century CE, just 5 years before the Prophethood was revealed upon the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. At this point in time, the overall condition of the building of Ka’aba was quite shabby, mainly due to floods and partially by an unfortunate fire, which erupted accidentally.

The tribe of Quraysh, who at that time were the custodians of this sacred house, decided to demolish the existing structure and rebuild it on the same foundation, which was laid down by the Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ.

Subsequent Reconstructions of Ka’aba

Later on, Ka’aba was badly damaged during the first siege of Mecca, during the last days of the Umayyad rule. It was the year 683 CE. It was then rebuilt by Abdullah Ibn Zuabayr, with considerable amendments in the original structure of Ka’aba, such as including Hateem in it. Hateem is a part of the Ka’aba which was left outside its main structure during the reconstruction by Quraysh. It is still a semi-circle on one side of the Ka’aba’s main structure.

A few years later, in 692 CE, the second siege of Mecca occurred. Al-Hajjaj Ibn Yousaf invaded Mecca and killed Abdullah Ibn Zubayr, who was under the rule of Abd al-Malik Ibn Marwan. Ka’aba was badly damaged again. It was then rebuilt on the original foundations, as demarked during the earlier reconstruction by the Quraysh in 605 CE.

Role of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ in Rebuilding Ka’aba

It was the year 605 CE when the elders of the Quraysh tribe decided to demolish the then structure of Ka’aba and construct an altogether new building. The condition of the existing building was quite worn due to floods. Secondly, there was no roof on the original structure of Ka’aba, as was built by the Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. Another factor that inspired Quraysh to rebuild the Ka’aba was an unfortunate incident when a woman was scenting the Ka’aba and an accidental fire erupted due to a spark. It badly damaged the structure of the building.

Demolition of the Existing Structure

So, it was decided to demolish and reconstruct the existing building with a roof. It was also decided that one of the two existing entrances of the Ka’aba should be closed, leaving behind only one door. Closing one door and adding a roof on the top of the building was necessary from the security point of view. The first thing needed was the demolition of the existing structure. Initially, people were reluctant to demolish it, fearing any possible spiritual fallout.

However, after an experimental attempt, which had no such consequences, the process of demolishing the Ka’aba went into full swing. The structure was then demolished until the old foundation appeared, which was believed to have been laid by the Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. It was decided to raise the new building on the same foundations. It was also unanimously decided that only the lawfully earned money would be used in the reconstruction work.

Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ Takes Part in Construction Work

Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ was a young man of 35 years of age, at that time. He was also actively involved in the reconstruction process. He worked side by side with other people. Arab was a tribal society at that time. Every tribe wanted to take part in the sacred task of rebuilding Ka’aba. Hence, the work was divided between different tribes. Accordingly, all the tribes started building the assigned part of Ka’aba. During this entire process, Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ also remained involved in the construction work, assigned to his clan.

Finally, the construction work was completed. It was time to fix the most important, Hajr Aswad, the black stone, in its actual location. Being a sacred task, every tribe wanted to avail themselves of this lifetime opportunity. A hot debate broke out among the tribes on this sensitive issue, which gradually turned into a possible outbreak of an unending civil war.

The issue remained in debate for 5 to 6 days without reaching any consensus; rather, the possibility of a battle was quite imminent. Finally, it was suggested that the first person entering Ka’aba the next morning would be appointed arbitrator, and everyone would accept his decision on this crucial matter. All the tribes agreed on this arrangement.

Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ Resolves the Sensitive Issue

Next morning the first one to enter Ka’aba was Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. When people saw him entering Ka’aba, they were happy and satisfied and said, Muhammad has come, the Trustworthy has come, he will resolve this issue and all of us are ready to accept his decision.

The matter was placed before him. He asked for a large piece of cloth, which was provided. The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ placed the Black Stone (Hajr Aswad) in the center of the cloth. Then he invited representatives of every clan and tribe and asked them to hold a corner of the cloth, carrying the Black Stone. Hence, all the tribes and clans were given equal opportunity to take part in this sacred job. All the tribes and clans transported the Black Stone to its assigned location. At this stage, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ picked up the Black Stone and affixed it himself, at its allocated place.

Everyone was happy and accepted this decision with an open heart. Hence, a potential civil war was averted due to the wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.

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