Muslim Connect readers fall neatly into three categories: 1. Those who don’t know what the Kaaba is. 2. Those who know what it is, but very little else about it. 3. And those who know so much, they should probably skip this email and pray for the rest of us. . .in Arabic!
The Kaaba is the building at the center of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It’s a key component of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which ~2 million people will make next week, as well as the direction to which all Muslims face when performing the five daily prayers.
Adam and Sons Construction Company
Tradition has it that Adam built the original Kaaba, but God asked Abraham and Ishmael to rebuild it on the original foundation. So it goes back in time a minute! It pre-dates Islam and was used for a variety of idol worship.
Rehab It, Again
As you’d guess, the Kaaba that Muslims are marching around right now is not completely the same as the one Abraham (?!) built. Between the ravages of time, weather and marauding bandits, the Kaaba has needed extensive rehab at various intervals. The latest major renovation was conducted in the late 1990s.
Wait! There’s an Inside to the Kaaba?
OK, you probably knew this. Gotta confess, I didn’t! It’s actually a mostly-cubic building, measuring 42’ x 36’ x 43’ high. The interior is ornate, beautiful and very much off limits to almost everyone!
Kiss Me . . . or at least point at me!
Mounted on the eastern corner of the Kaaba are the remnants of a rock reportedly descended from Heaven. Muslims believe that Muhammad was instrumental in putting the stone where it currently is and that he both kissed it and pointed to it. They do both in imitation of him.
Circle Smart
I’ve heard of this exchange (It might not be entirely true!):
Muslim One: “It’s a good idea to be close to the Kaaba when doing your seven laps around it.”
Muslim Two: “I see. Is this to show respect and be close to the holy place?”
Muslim One: “No! It’s so you don’t have to walk as far! Each circle is so much smaller!”