Author: Shoaib Ahmad Ghaznavi
History of the Holy Kaaba (Part One)
Abstract:
The Kaaba (Arabic: الكعبة) or the House of Allah (Arabic: بيت الله) is a sacred structure located at the center of the Masjid al-Haram in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Kaaba, named for its cubic shape, is considered one of the holiest sites in Islam. According to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, the Kaaba was rebuilt by Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his son Ismail (peace be upon him), while its first construction is attributed to the angels and Adam (peace be upon him). Even before the spread of Islam, the Kaaba was regarded as a sacred site by the Arabs, where Bedouin tribes would set aside their tribal disputes annually and gather to worship their deities. The Masjid al-Haram, with the Kaaba at its center, is the mosque toward which Muslims around the world face during prayer, a practice known as “facing the Qibla.” According to Islamic principles, every Muslim who is financially and physically able must undertake the Hajj pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime and perform specific religious rites.
Preface:
Mecca, known as the sacred land and sanctuary of Allah, symbolizes purity and holiness, serving as the center of sanctities and the most beloved land to Allah Almighty and His Prophet. This land was chosen by Allah as the site for the first house of worship, as Ibrahim Khalil (peace be upon him) established the first structure for the worship of Allah upon it.
This part of the earth, being closest to the heavens, instills love and longing in the hearts of believers. No one enters this sacred place without feeling its deep impact, leaving with sorrow and regret, or longing to return. This truth is not surprising, as Allah expresses it in the words of Ibrahim Khalil (peace be upon him): «فَاجْعَلْ أَفْئِدَةً مِنَ النَّاسِ تَهْوِى إِلَيْهِمْ» Translation: “So turn the hearts of the people towards them.”
Therefore, Mecca, which Allah protects, is like the sun among the stars; it is the Qibla of the Muslims and the mother of the world’s cities. Allah Almighty has sworn by it, and Allah does not swear except by great matters. He has said: «وَلَا أُقْسِمُ بِهَذَا الْبَلَد» Translation: “By this city (Mecca, in which the Kaaba stands), I swear.”
The Lord has chosen this place as the site for His revelation and has sent His most honored Prophet, the best of creation, and His final Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) from here. The Ever-Living, Ever-Sustaining Allah loves this land; therefore, He has warned of destruction and ruin for anyone who harbors ill intentions toward it.
Mecca is the center of the earth’s landmass, the place where divine revelation descended, and the landing site of the Glorious Qur’an. The Sovereign of existence, at the time of creating the heavens and the earth, designated it as a sanctuary of peace, where people live in security and tranquility. Even birds and wild animals find comfort here, which is no surprise, as Allah has protected them from hunger by providing sustenance and has safeguarded them from the fear of bandits and oppressors.
This city is home to the honored Kaaba, the Black Stone, and the Maqam Ibrahim. It was here that Ibrahim Khalil (peace be upon him) proclaimed the call to Hajj, after which caravans of prophets, righteous people, and generations journeyed toward it. Furthermore, Allah, the Almighty, blessed this land with the birth of the best of creation, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and its sanctity remains until Allah inherits the earth and all that is upon it.
Allah has honored this land by multiplying the reward of prayer in its mosque by a hundred thousand times and by forbidding the Dajjal from entering it. No one on earth has ever been able to claim ownership or sovereignty over it, and it will always remain attributed to Allah, the Almighty. Yes, this city—Mecca—is the Qibla of existence and the provision of the righteous.
عز فيک الضعيف و هو أجير
فله فی حماک کف نصیر
Translation: “The helpless and weak person within you, even though she is a hired hand, is dear and proud, and she has a helping arm in your shelter.”
Final Words
Does a city with such virtues and characteristics, and a land of such status and honor, not deserve to be loved and cherished? How can we not be drawn to it when every part—indeed, every inch—of it tells the story of the footsteps of the greatest of creation (peace and blessings be upon him), who called people to monotheism, righteousness, peace, security, goodness, mercy, and compassion?!
As the poet says:
لم يحل لى من بعد وجهک منظر
كل الدنيا عرض و أنت الجوهر
Translation: “After seeing your face, it is not permissible for me to look at any other view; all of existence is width, and you are the substance.”
Continues…
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