Chapter I
What it means
The Kaaba, “the cube”, is the heart of the Muslim world. Five times a day Muslims everywhere turn towards it in prayer, so that the whole community stands in rings around one centre. Mosques are built with a niche, the mihrab The niche in a mosque wall that shows the direction of prayer. Glossary, showing that direction.
It is called the House of God, not because God lives there, but as the first house set up for his worship. Its simplicity, a plain stone block under a black cloth, suits a faith that forbids images of God.
Chapter II
Where it comes from
The Qur’an says that Abraham and Ishmael raised the foundations of the House. Before Islam, Mecca was a place of pilgrimage for Arab tribes, and the Kaaba held many idols. When Muhammad entered Mecca in 630 he cleared the idols and rededicated it to the one God.
The building has been rebuilt several times after floods and damage. The Black Stone, set in its eastern corner, is revered as a stone from the time of Abraham.
Chapter III
Where you see it today
Millions of pilgrims come to Mecca each year for the hajj and the lesser pilgrimage, the umrah, and circle the Kaaba seven times. Its image hangs in homes, is woven into prayer rugs and appears in apps that show the qibla.