Kaaba literally means ‘cube’ in Arabic. It is a black stone structure in the middle of Masjid Al Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. An area that does not exceed 180 meters square is covered with a sacred black silk cloth called Kiswah.
The Kaaba is not the actual house of Allah, but it is a metaphorical place of Allah’s residence. It refers to the oneness of the supreme power in Islamic beliefs. It signifies the unification of all Muslims and is a safe house for them. It is also the direction, or Qilba, which the followers of Islam around the world face while offering prayers to Allah.
Table of Contents
360° of the inside Holy Kaaba
Inside the Kaaba
Three Columns
The inside of the Kaaba contains three wooden columns which hold the Kaaba’s ceiling. They are more than 1,350 years old and are dark brown. The perimeter of each column is around 150 centimeters while the diameter is 44 centimeters.
Each column has a squared wooden base. Between these three columns, there is a pillar from which the Kaaba’s gifts mostly gold and silver lamps are hanging. It passes through all three columns and its sides extend to the northern and southern walls.
They were built by Abdullah bin Zubair, an important Muslim leader and one of the compilers of the Quran.
Marble wall
The calligraphy of Shahada (La Ilaah ila Allah Muhammedun rasulu allah) on the marble wall denotes the location the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) prayed when he entered the Kaaba.
Marble Floor
The floor of the Kaaba interior is fully constructed from marble just like the wall. Yet There are specific markings on the floor that signify the spot where Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is believed to have prayed when he entered the Kaaba.
Nowadays Saudi kings who enter the Kaaba usually pray in the same white spot.
Related:
Golden Door
This door has a staircase that leads to the roof of the Kaaba.
Centered Table
A cupboard in the center of the room upon which Gifts & Fragrance (Bakhoor) are placed.
Wall of Renovator
There are various plaques commemorating the rulers who renovated it. This one translated into:
In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful. All praise is for Allah, lord of the worlds and may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon the most noble of messengers, our leader Muhammad and upon his family and upon all of his companions. The renovation of the stairs of the blessed Ka’ba was carried out under the instruction of his eminence, custodian of the two noble sanctuaries, King Khaled bin Abdul Aziz Aal Sau’d in the month of Rabi’ Al Awwal, 1397 AH. May Allah accept his pious deeds Ameen.
