The Ka’aba is the first House of Worship in Islam. During Hajj, pilgrims visit the Ka’aba. During Umrah, which can be performed at any time of the year, pilgrims also visit the Ka’aba and perform tawaf (circling it), along with other rites like sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah).

Muslims face it when they pray five times a day. This direction is called the qibla.

The Ka’aba was first built by Prophet Ibrahim (as) and his son Ismail (as). Allah (swt) asked them to make it a holy place for people to worship Him. At first, it was a simple building without a roof.

“And remember Ibrahim and Ismail raised the foundations of the House (With this prayer): “Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-knowing.”

Quran, 2:127

 

Over time, the Ka’aba was rebuilt by the Quraysh tribe using stone and wood. Later, Prophet Muhammad (saw) returned to Makkah and removed the idols from the Ka’aba, keeping the black stone that Angel Jibreel had given to Prophet Ibrahim (as). During his last pilgrimage, the rituals of Hajj were set.

Muslims also remember the story of Prophet Ibrahim (as) and his son Ismail (as) during Eid al-Adha. By performing Qurbani/Udhiyah (sacrifice), we follow their example of faith and obedience to Allah (swt).

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