الكعبة
al-Kaʿba
Place
The cube-shaped House in the Sacred Mosque in Mecca, built by Abraham and Ishmael, toward which Muslims face in prayer.
What it means
“The first House established for people was that at Bakka, blessed and a guidance to the worlds” (3:96). Abraham and Ishmael raised its foundations (2:127), and God made it “a place of return for people and a sanctuary” (2:125). It stands empty, with a black cloth cover renewed each year, and is circled seven times in tawaf. Muslims worldwide pray toward it (2:144), which unites them in direction while they worship God alone and not the house.
Often misunderstood as
Muslims do not worship the Kaaba or the Black Stone. Umar is reported to have said at the Stone: “I know you are only a stone that cannot harm or benefit; had I not seen the Prophet kiss you, I would not” (Sahih al-Bukhari).