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Kaaba: Inside Islam's Holiest Cube
25 May
Summary
- The Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, is at the center of Mecca's Grand Mosque.
- Its interior features three wooden pillars, marble floors, and hanging lanterns.
- The Kaaba is draped in a silk Kiswah, embroidered with Quranic verses in gold.
The Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, stands at the center of Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, serving as the qibla, the direction Muslims face for daily prayers. Believed to have been originally built by Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael, it was later cleansed of idols by Prophet Muhammad. Over 1.5 million Muslims are currently undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage.
The Kaaba measures 13.1m high and is covered by the Kiswah, a black silk cloth embroidered with Quranic verses in gold. This covering, whose tradition may pre-date Islam, is replaced annually. The interior of the Kaaba is simple, with three wooden pillars supporting the roof and marble-lined walls.
Historically, the Kiswah has been produced in various regions, including Egypt, Syria, and Yemen, reflecting the centers of Islamic caliphates. Today, its production involves hundreds of workers in Mecca using advanced technology and traditional methods. The cost of the current Kiswah exceeds 25 million Saudi riyals.
