The Kaaba is a sacred and holiest place of worship in Islam. It is a small, cuboid-shaped stone building located in the center of the Great Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The word "Kaaba" is derived from the Arabic word "kaab", meaning cube, and it is believed to have been built by the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) under the instructions of Allah.
The Kaaba is considered the house of Allah and the focal point of the Islamic faith. Muslims all over the world face towards the Kaaba when praying, regardless of their geographic location. It is believed to be the place where the heavenly journey of the Prophet Muhammad began and is an essential part of the annual Islamic pilgrimage, known as Hajj, which every able-bodied Muslim is obligated to undertake at least once in their lifetime.
The Kaaba is drapped with a black cloth, the Kiswa, which is replaced every year and has verses from the Quran embroidered on it. It stands about 15 meters high and is made of granite blocks. Its interior is empty, devoid of any idols or images, symbolizing the unity and indivisibility of Allah.
Millions of Muslims visit the Kaaba every year during Hajj and Umrah, circumambulating it counterclockwise seven times as an act of devotion and obedience to Allah. It is a focal point that unites the Muslim community, symbolizing the oneness of Allah and serving as a representation of their faith, unity, and spiritual devotion.
