SOME THOUGHTS ON THE FOURTH PILLAR OF ISLAM, HAJJ
IN THE LIGHT OF
THE HOLY QURAN AND THE SUNNAH OF THE PROPHET

Read ONLY, IF AND WHEN you have time and mood for:

“An Ayah of the Quran for 30 Days” — December 2013

Choose the section you have time, in the next 30 days to read this ayah:-

Prelude: Recurrent Primary Message 1st. Page

Starting Dua, a note & The Ayah 2nd. Page

A Short Version: For the Busy Bee Two Plus Pages

The Main Story: Recommended Six Plus Pages

Footnotes: For the Perfectionist Four Pages

PRELUDE

From the Pen and Perspective of a self-styled PPK Muslim (Proud, Practicing, Knowledgeable) with a humble submission that Islam totally rejects Blind Following BUT vigorously focusses on the Limitations of Pure Human Reasoning…………..and clearly and comprehensively ALLAH knows best.

In the beginning of the seventh century C.E., the folks of Mecca and Medina had a fascinatingly unique window: they had direct access to the Heavens through one of their own. They were blessed with a regular stream of Divine counseling and guidelines. Question and answer sessions were part of the program. Even individual questioner was graced by an answer. In the short Introduction to this scheme they were assured that at the end of this twenty-two year project, Divine Directions and Admonitions will continue through the agency of the PEN. The whole discourse has been preserved and archived till eternity under the guarantee of our Lord and Creator. This record in known as the Quran.

It should sound unbelievable but factually appears to be true: Many of our prevalent, widespreadand important concepts and opinions about religious matters do not have a basis in the Quran and sometimes even appear to be in obvious conflict with the teachings of the Quran. It would bevery educative and helpful to discuss an Ayah once a month to see if it supports or rejects ourviews and actions in our daily life. I wish and hope this generates a fruitful interactive discussion.

DUA

“He granteth wisdom to whom He pleaseth; and he to whom wisdom is granted receiveth indeed a benefit overflowing; but none will grasp the Message (or remember or receive admonition) but men of understanding (or intellect)”

and we recognise that HE has warned us about the day of judgement^[2]:

“Then on that day you shall most certainly be questioned about the boons (joy, pleasure).”

We realise, that there cannot be a greater boon or blessing or benefit than wisdom and we wonder if this should be a timely reminder to very many of us good and sincere Muslims who use their critical thinking to enhance the mundane for themselves and their families but resort to compulsory following — taqleed, doctrine of classical SunniIslamic Fiqh — in matters religion.

THE AYAH

Surah Al-e-Imraan (no 3), Ayah 97

Yusuf Ali:

“In it are Signs Manifest; (for example), the Station of Abraham; whoever enters it attains security; Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah,- those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures.”

SHORT VERSION

In the name of Allah, we praise HIM, seek HIS help and ask for HIS forgiveness. Whosoever Allah guideth none can misguide; whosoever HE allows to fall astray, none can guide him right. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah alone and we bear witness that Mohammed, SAW is HIS slave-servant and the Seal of HIS Messengers. We recall that Allah Ta’aala has declared in HIS Book: (Please see the main Story)
“He granteth wisdom to whom He pleaseth; and he to whom wisdom is granted receiveth indeed a benefit overflowing; but none will grasp the Message (or remember or receive admonition) but men of understanding (or intellect)”

and we recognise that HE has warned us about the day of judgement:

“Then on that day you shall most certainly be questioned about the boons (joy, pleasure).”

their families but resort to compulsory following — taqleed, doctrine of classical SunniIslamic Fiqh — in matters religion. (Please see the main Story)

This ayah, revealed in the third century Hijra bestowed on Hajj the status of one of the cardinal Pillars of Islam (Ibn Khatir). A majority of the Muslim scholars consider this verse as the first ayah for Hajj. It describes two major attributes of Ka’bah. It is a continuation of the previous verse which says:

“The first House (of worship) appointed for men was that at Bakka: Full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings”

and recounts additional qualities of this House i.e. Kaaba: (Please see the main Story)

First it has a sign of Allah’s power viz. Maqam-e-Ibrhahim. In the literal sense, Maqam-e-Ibrahim covers the entire al-Masjid al-Haram. Hence, according to the Fuqahaa the two raka’at after tawaaf can be offered anywhere within the sacred mosque.

Second, it is a place of peace and protection; read Maudoodi for a fine elaboration of these qualities of Ka’bah

Lastly it is the Center Piece of Hajj. (Please see the main Story)

These are clear evidence to prove that it has been chosen by Allah Ta’aala Subhanahoo as HIS sanctuary. The ayah ends with a strict warning. This has prompted Muslim jurists to label those who deliberately do not perform Hajj despite the affordability and ability as “the likes of” disbelievers, if not actual disbelievers.

It needs emphasis that Ka’bah is Allah’s sanctuary; a house of worship; a house of prayers. We should not to be confused by the literal meaning of “House of Allah”. We do not need to fly, cruise or drive to see HIM. Allah Ta’aala Subhanahoo has ordained repeatedly in HIS Holy Book that HE is within us, if we care to look or think of HIM:

“And We have already created man and know what his soul (mind; own-self) whispers(suggests) to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein.”

(Sahih International)

“And to Allah belongs the east and the west. So wherever you [might] turn, there is the Face (countenance; presence) of Allah . Indeed, Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.” (Sahih International) (Please see the main Story)

“When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way.” (Yusuf Ali)

The Holy Quran returns to the subject of Hajj repeatedly from various angles as we go through it’s different chapters. Let us browse through some of these to get a comprehensive view of Hajj and Umrah as described in the Divine language. (Please see the main Story)

(1) These are eight consecutive verses, presenting in detail various injunctions and questions about Hajj and Umrah. Among other points it is stressed:

a) that we must perform Hajj, not for worldly ends, but as a symbol of our service and worship to God;

b) that the Rami (stoning of the devils) is symbolically connected with the rejection of evil in thought, word, and deed.

c) mentions umrah but is silent on whether wajib or not; based on hadith

ImamAbu Hanifa and Imam Malik and others have declared Umrah as a sunnah; our Holy prophet called it as better and merit-worthy.

that seeking of the bounty of our Lord during pilgrimage is permissible.

e) that obscenity, wickedness and wrangling are to be avoided

At the end of this eight-verse unit, it is declared “Then fear Allah, and know that ye will surely be gathered unto HIM.” This is the essence and the sole sanction for all the injunctions given in these verses for Hajj; this is exactly the meaning of taqwaa: a heartfelt realisation that we are ultimately accountable to our Creator. (Please see the main Story)

(2) “Behold! We gave the site, to Abraham, of the (Sacred) House, (saying): “Associate not anything (in worship) with Me; and sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or stand up, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer). And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men: they will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways. That they may witness the benefits (provided) for them, and celebrate the name of Allah, through the Days appointed, over the cattle which He has provided for them (for sacrifice): then eat ye thereof and feed the distressed ones in want. Then let them complete the rites prescribed for them, perform their vows, and (again) circumambulate the Ancient House.”(Yusuf Ali)

These verses define for us the eminence and superior status of Ka’bah and help us to understand the true — as against the literal — meaning of Baitullah, the House of Allah. It should be noted that Sayyidna Ibrahim is called upon here to give the first call for Hajj.

According to reliable traditions, the first foundations of Ka’bah were laid before or about the time of the descent of Prophet Adam. When, how and who remains a mystery. He and the other prophets that followed him used to circumambulate around it. This was then destroyed probably by the storm in the era of Prophet Nuh. It was standing only as a mound in the desert area which is present day Makkah when Sayyidna Ibrahimwas led here byArchangel Jibra’il from Syria. As we all know very well, Ka’bah was re-rebuilt by Father and Son on the foundations of the previous one under Divine Guidance ( “Behold! We gave the site, to Abraham, of the (Sacred) House…,). Later it was repaired and renovated several times. The Quraish of Makkah built the Ka’bahafresh before our Holy Prophet was blessed as such. He himself had participated in this effort and was able to avoid by his genius a major feud among the different tribes. See the footnotes for further information about the history of Ka’bah. (Please see the main Story)

After commanding Sayyidna Ibrahim in this verse to avoid Shirk (obviously this is directed towards his followers), he is asked to “purify My House.” This is at a time when the structure of Ka’bah has not even been built. Mufti Mohammed Shafi explains ths anomaly in his monumental Ma’ariful Quran: “ But the fact of the matter is that Baitullahis not just a structure of bricks and mortar, rather the term encompasses that entire piece of sacred land where Baitullah once stood and whose structure Sayyidna Ibrahimwas now commanded to raise once again on the original foundations.” The last command given here to Prophet Ibrahim is to announce the obligation of Hajj among his people. The rest of the verses enumerates the manasiks of Hajj to be completed. It also describes the unique features of Hajj that humanity has witnessed over the centuries: millions of folks of all colors and creed and languages, strong and week, poor and rich, high and low flocking towards this CUBE like structure from the four corners of the world year by year. The term “days appointed” in the verse refers to the tenth, eleventh and twelfth of Dhul-Hijjah.

I have discussed a few more verses in the Main article. Let us digest and assimilate these commandments of Bari Ta’aala about the annual Hajj. Next month we will discuss how far the actual practice of millions of ardent Muslims at the annual Hajj conforms to these precepts and teachings.

……..and Allah knows best.

May Allah Ta’aala bless us with true understanding–“fahm”–of our Deen, Aameen.

TO BE CONTINUED

[1] Surah 2/269

يُؤتِي الحِكمَةَ مَن يَشاءُ ۚ وَمَن يُؤتَ الحِكمَةَ فَقَد أوتِيَ خَيرًا كَثيرًا ۗ وَما يَذَّكَّرُ إِلّا أُولُو الأَلبابِ

[2] Surah 102/8

ثُمَّ لَتُسأَلُنَّ يَومَئِذٍ عَنِ النَّعيمِ

(3) Surah 5/43

وَكَيفَ يُحَكِّمونَكَ وَعِندَهُمُ التَّوراةُ فيها حُكمُ اللَّهِ ثُمَّ يَتَوَلَّونَ مِن بَعدِ ذٰلِكَ ۚ وَما أُولٰئِكَ بِالمُؤمِنينَ

(4) Multiple ayahs

Surah 2/148

وَلِكُلٍّ وِجهَةٌ هُوَ مُوَلّيها ۖ فَاستَبِقُوا الخَيراتِ ۚ أَينَ ما تَكونوا يَأتِ بِكُمُ اللَّهُ جَميعًا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلىٰ كُلِّ شَيءٍ قَديرٌ

Surah 21/92

إِنَّ هٰذِهِ أُمَّتُكُم أُمَّةً واحِدَةً وَأَنا رَبُّكُم فَاعبُدونِ

Surah23/52

وَإِنَّ هٰذِهِ أُمَّتُكُم أُمَّةً واحِدَةً وَأَنا رَبُّكُم فَاتَّقونِo

October 30, 202

THE MAIN STORY

“The first House (of worship) appointed for men was that at Bakka: Full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings”

and recounts additional qualities of this House i.e. Kaaba:

Second, it is a place of peace and protection; read Maudoodi for a fine elaboration of these qualities of Ka’bah^[4]

Lastly it is the Center Piece of Hajj.

It needs emphasis that Ka’bah is Allah’s sanctuary; a house of worship; a house of prayers. We should not to be confused by the literal meaning of “House of Allah”. We do not need to fly, cruise or drive to see HIM. Allah Ta’aala Subhanahoo has ordained repeatedly in HIS Holy Book^[5] that HE is within us, if we care to look or think of HIM:^[5]

“And We have already created man and know what his soul (mind; own-self) whispers(suggests) to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein.”

(Sahih International)

(1) These are eight consecutive verses^[6], presenting in detail various injunctions and questions about Hajj and Umrah. Among other points it is stressed:

a) that we must perform Hajj, not for worldly ends, but as a symbol of our service and worship to God;

b) that the Rami (stoning of the devils) is symbolically connected with the rejection of evil in thought, word, and deed.

c) mentions umrah but is silent on whether wajib or not; based on hadith

Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Malik and others have declared Umrah as a sunnah; our Holy prophet called it as better and merit-worthy.

that seeking of the bounty of our Lord during pilgrimage is permissible.

e) that obscenity, wickedness and wrangling are to be avoided

(3) “Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place of safety; and take ye the station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with Abraham and Isma’il, that they should sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).” (Yusuf Ali)^[9]

“The House” mentioned in the verse does not refer only to Ka’bah but includes the surrounding area of the Mosque; this is referred to as Haram and has been made a place of peace. History is witness that this commandment was operative even in the period of Al-Jahiliyyah (age of ignorance). This verse is the basis for praying two units after tawaaf; this is considered wajib (necessary). Praying it behind the “Station of Ibrahim” is a Sunnah. However it can be prayed anywhere in the Haram as practiced by the beloved Prophet himself and the sahaabaa. Under extreme circumstances, it can be offered even outside the Haram as was done once by Sayyidah Umm Salma.

We are commanded “Keep my House clean.” Obviously it means physical and external dirt. However it also includes, as a preference internal dirt of infidelity (Kufr) and association (Shirk). Lastly and perhaps more importantly for us erring humans it includes impurities like “hypocrisy, pride, malice, greed, lust, envy, and vanity.” We must make our utmost effort to stay away from these contaminations. This cleaning process is not restricted to Ka’bah only. These commandments extend to all the mosques all over the world as the appellation “My House” encompasses all the mosques of the word as stated in our Holy Book:^[10]

“In houses (mosques), which Allah has ordered to be raised (to be cleaned, and to be honoured), in them His Name is glorified in the mornings and in the afternoons or the evenings.” (Muhsin Khan)

Hence the commandments of cleanliness as elaborated above apply as much to all the mosques as to Haram Shareef. It should be noted that the purpose of the “House” has been clearly enumerated by Allah Ta’aala Subhanahoo in this ayah: place of assembly, place of prayer, to compass around, and use as a retreat or bow or prostrate. The term “House” therefore may not be referred only to the structure of the vacant cube but should include the people around and their activities. However the centrality of the House of Allah at Ka’bah is beyond doubt as it has been declared to be the Qiblah, the direction and orientation of Salah performed anywhere on the planet. To seal its importance, it has been made the objective and seat of performing Hajj and Umrah.

(4) “Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the Symbols (signs, marks or tokens) of Allah. So if those who visit the House in the Season or at other times, should compass them round, it is no sin in them. And if any one obeyeth his own impulse to good,- be sure that Allah is He Who recogniseth and knoweth.” (Yusuf Ali)^[11]

As Sa’y (walking between Safa and Marwah) was a practice prevailing in the Jahiliyyah, our noble sahaabaas felt reluctant to do it. This ayah clarified to them that there is no harm in continuing this practice. Sa’y is one of the wajibs (necessary) of Hajj according to Hanafia; Malikia and Shafia grade it as fard (mandatory); it is mustahab (desirable or recommended) according to the Hanbalia . This incident also illustrates strongly that Muslim do not have to avoid an act just to differ from non-Muslims; even if the non-Muslims are abusing a good practice. The folks in Jahiliyyah walked between Safaa and Marwah to show respect to the idols that were sitting on the top of these hills. Yet Muslim are advised to do the same practice in the real and authentic Abrahamic Tradition. Unfortunately this is a fairly strong and common sentiment among Muslims based on abuse of the Hadith literature that we ought to, as a principle differ from non-Muslims in our appearances and practices. Such manifestations of human weaknesses of confrontation and hostility towards others do not have any role in our Divine and Pristine Deen.

(5) “As to those who have rejected (Allah), and would keep back (men) from the Way of Allah, and from the Sacred Mosque, which We have made (open) to (all) men – equal is the dweller there and the visitor from the country – and any whose purpose therein is profanity or wrong-doing – them will We cause to taste of a most Grievous Penalty.” (Yusuf Ali)^[12]

The Sacred Mosque or Al-Masjid Al-Haram is the name of the mosque built around the Holy Ka’bah or the House of Allah and is a very important part of haram of Makkah. The term Al-Masjid Al-haram used in this verse covers the entire haram i.e. it includes the Ka’bah and other areas necessary for performance of Hajj. There are other occasions as well in the Quran where the appellation Al-Masjid Al-Haram is used for the whole area of haram of Makkah. (48/25)

This verse refers to the occasion when our Beloved Prophet and his companions were denied access to areas of haram for Umrah. After describing this incident, it declares about the Sacred Mosque “We have made (open) to (all) men – equal is the dweller there and the visitor from the country.” Does this give a right to every Muslim from all over the world to visit haram of Makkah whenever he wants without any restrictions? Some ulemaa do claim this right. There is a scholarly debate over this topic in the literature. However factually it sounds impossible.

(6) “O you who have believed, do not kill game while you are in the state of ihram…………….” (Sahih International)^[13]

This long ayah prohibits hunting during Hajj and the proceeds to describe some details about the law.

(7) “Allah made the Ka’ba, the Sacred House, an asylum of security for men, as also the Sacred Months, the animals for offerings, and the garlands that mark them: That ye may know that Allah hath knowledge of what is in the heavens and on earth and that Allah is well acquainted with all things.” (Yusuf Ali)^[14]

The ayah recounts the many benefits and blessings that Ka’bah, referred to as “the Sacred House” has brought for the folks of Makkah. Maudoodi with his vast knowledge and a beautiful style has elaborated very well this topic.^[15]

Let us digest and assimilate these commandments of Bari Ta’aala about the annual Hajj. Next month we will discuss how far the actual practice of millions of ardent Muslims at the annual Hajj conforms to these precepts and teachings.

……..and Allah knows best.

May Allah Ta’aala bless us with true understanding–“fahm”–of our Deen, Aameen.

TO BE CONTINUED

lit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

FOOTNOTES

[1] Surah 2/269

[2] Surah 102/8

[3] Surah 3/96

[4] Maudoodi on safety of Kaaba:

Even though it is located in the middle of wide expanses of desert God has seen to it that its inhabitants enjoy a satisfactory living. Although the rest of Arabia was plunged into chaos and disorder for about two and a half thousand years, peace and tranquillity reigned in both the precincts and the environs of the Ka’bah. Thanks to the Ka’bah the entire Arabian peninsula enjoyed four months of peace and order every year. These were the sacred months when people went on Pilgrimage. Moreover, barely a half century before the revelation of these verses, people had seen how Abrahah, the Abyssinian invader, fell prey to God’s scourge when he attacked Makka with the intention of destroying the Ka’bah. At that time, this incident was known to everybody in Arabia. Its memory was fresh and many eye-witnesses were still alive at the time of the Prophet (peace be on him). Even during the pre-Islamic era – the Age of Ignorance in Arabia – this sanctuary enjoyed such veneration that even those who thirsted for each other’s blood saw their enemies in the sacred territory but dare not attack them.

[5] Surah 50/16

Surah 2/115

Surah 2/186

[6] Surah 2/ 196-200

“And complete the Hajj or ‘umra in the service of Allah. But if ye are prevented (From completing it), send an offering for sacrifice, such as ye may find, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you is ill, or has an ailment in his scalp, (Necessitating shaving), (He should) in compensation either fast, or feed the poor, or offer sacrifice; and when ye are in peaceful conditions (again), if any one wishes to continue the ‘umra on to the hajj, He must make an offering, such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, He should fast three days during the hajj and seven days on his return, Making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in (the precincts of) the Sacred Mosque. And fear Allah, and know that Allah Is strict in punishment”. Yusuf Ali

“For Hajj are the months well known. If any one undertakes that duty therein, Let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj. And whatever good ye do, (be sure) Allah knoweth it. And take a provision (With you) for the journey, but the best of provisions is

right conduct. So fear Me, o ye that are wise.”

“It is no crime in you if ye seek of the bounty of your Lord (during pilgrimage). Then when ye pour down from (Mount) Arafat, celebrate the praises of Allah at the Sacred Monument, and celebrate His praises as He has directed you, even though, before this, ye went astray.”

“Then pass on at a quick pace from the place whence it is usual for the multitude so to do, and ask for Allah’s forgiveness. For Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.”

“So when ye have accomplished your holy rites, celebrate the praises of Allah, as ye used to celebrate the praises of your fathers,- yea, with far more Heart and soul. There are men who say: “Our Lord! Give us (Thy bounties) in this world!” but they will have no portion in the Hereafter.”

[7] Surah 22/26-29

Yusuf Ali

“Behold! We gave the site, to Abraham, of the (Sacred) House, (saying): “Associate not anything (in worship) with Me; and sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or stand up, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer)”.

“And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men: they will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways;”

“That they may witness the benefits (provided) for them, and celebrate the name of Allah, through the Days appointed, over the cattle which He has provided for them (for sacrifice): then eat ye thereof and feed the distressed ones in want.”

“Then let them complete the rites prescribed for them, perform their vows, and (again) circumambulate the Ancient House.”

[8] History of Kabah: (Quoted from Wikipedia)

Before Islam:

As little is known of the history of the Kaaba, there are various opinions regarding its formation and significance.

The early Arabian population consisted primarily of warring nomadic tribes. When they did converge peacefully, it was usually under the protection of religious practices. Writing in the Encyclopedia of Islam, Wensinck identifies Mecca with a place called Macoraba mentioned by Ptolemy. His text is believed to date from the second century AD, before the foundation of Islam, and described it as a foundation in southern Arabia, built around a sanctuary. The area probably did not start becoming an area of religious pilgrimage until around the year AD 500. It was around then that the Quraysh tribe (into which Prophet Muhammad pbuh was later born) took control of it, and made an agreement with the local Kinana Bedouins for control. The sanctuary itself, located in a barren valley surrounded by mountains, was probably built at the location of the water source today known as the Zamzam Well, an area of considerable religious significance.

In her book, Islam: A Short History, Karen Armstrong asserts that the Kaaba was dedicated to Hubal, a Nabatean deity, and contained 360 idols which either represented the days of the year, or were effigies of the Arabian pantheon. Once a year, tribes from all around the Arabian peninsula, whether Christian or pagan, would converge on Mecca to perform the Hajj.

To keep the peace among the perpetually warring tribes, Mecca was declared a sanctuary where no violence was allowed within 20 miles (32 km) of the Kaaba. This combat-free zone allowed Mecca to thrive not only as a place of pilgrimage, but also as a trading center.

According to The Encyclopædia Britannica, “before the rise of Islam it was revered as a sacred sanctuary and was a site of pilgrimage.” According to the German historian Eduard Glaser, the name “Kaaba” may have been related to the southern Arabian or Ethiopian word “mikrab”, signifying a temple..

At the time of Muhammad (pbuh) before the Ba’sat (Call)

At the time of Prophet Muhammad pbuh (CE 570–632), his tribe the Quraish was in charge of the Kaaba, which was at that time a shrine containing hundreds of idols representing Arabian tribal gods and other religious figures, including Jesus and Mary.

Islamic histories also mention a reconstruction of the Kaaba around 600. A story found in Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasūl Allāh, one of the biographies of (Prophet) Muhammad (as reconstructed and translated by Guillaume), describes (Prophet)Muhammad settling a quarrel between Meccan clans as to which clan should set the Black Stone cornerstone in place. According to Ishaq’s biography, (Prophet) Muhammad’s solution was to have all the clan elders raise the cornerstone on a cloak, and then (Prophet)Muhammad set the stone into its final place with his own hands. Ibn Ishaq says that the timber for the reconstruction of the Kaaba came from a Greek ship that had been wrecked on the Red Sea coast at Shu’ayba, and the work was undertaken by a Coptic carpenter called Baqum.

Since Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) time

The Kaaba was re-dedicated as an Islamic house of worship, and henceforth, the annual pilgrimage was to be a Muslim rite, the Hajj, which visits the Kaaba and other sacred sites around Mecca.

The Kaaba has been repaired and reconstructed many times since Prophet Muhammad’s day.

Hazrat Abd-Allah ibn al-Zubayr, an early Muslim who ruled Mecca for many years between the death of Hazrat Ali rauh and the consolidation of Ummayad power, is said to have demolished the old Kaaba and rebuilt it to include the hatīm, a semi-circular wall now outside the Kaaba.

This structure was destroyed (or partially destroyed) in 683, during the war between Hazrat Zubair and Umayyad forces commanded by Al-Hajjaj bin Yousef. Al-Hajjaj used stone-throwing catapults against the Meccans.

The Ummayads under Abdu l-Malik ibn Marwan finally reunited all the former Islamic possessions and ended the long civil war. In 693 he had the remnants of Hazrat Zubayr’s Kaaba razed, and rebuilt on the foundations set by the Quraysh The Kaaba returned to the cube shape it had taken during Muhammad’s lifetime.

During the Hajj of 930, the Qarmatians (a Shi’a Ismaili group centered in eastern Arabia, where they established a utopian republic in 899 CE.) attacked Mecca, defiled the Zamzam Well with the bodies of pilgrims and stole the Black Stone, removing it to the oasis region of Eastern Arabia known as al-Aḥsā, where it remained until the Abbasids ransomed it back in 952. Apart from repair work, the basic shape and structure of the Kaaba have not changed since then.

The Kaaba is depicted on the reverse of 500 Saudi Riyal, and the Iranian 2000 rialsbanknotes.

[9] Surah 2/125

[10] Surah 24/36

[11] Surah 2/158

[12] Surah 22/25

[13] Surah 5/95

[14] Surah 5/97

[15] In Arabia, the Ka’bah was not merely a sacred place of worship. Thanks to its central position and its sanctity, it nurtured the economic and cultural life of the whole peninsula. Since the entire populace was drawn towards the Ka’bah for the performance of Hajj and ‘Umrah, their coming together brought about a measure of unity in the life of the Arabs which was otherwise rent with disunity. This enabled the people of various regions and tribes to establish social and cultural ties among themselves. Moreover, the security which reigned in the vicinity of the Ka’bah provided an impetus to creative literary activity, with the result that in the fairs held in the sacred territory, poets placed their poetic compositions before the audience, trying to excel one another. This led to the growth and flowering of their language and literature. Thanks, again, to the peace and security which reigned in the sacred territory, it became a major centre of trade and commerce. Moreover, since certain months of the year were regarded as sacred months in which there could be no bloodshed, the Arabs enjoyed peace and security for about a quarter of the year. It was during this period that caravans moved in freedom and with ease from one end of the peninsula to the other. The custom of consecrating animals for sacrifice, marked off from others by the collars around their necks, also facilitated the movement of caravans, for whenever the Arabs saw those animals with their collars signifying consecration for sacrifice, they-bent their heads in reverence and no predatory tribe had the courage to molest them.

Were they to consider even the social and economic aspects of the life of their people, the existing arrangements would provide them with clear testimony to the fact that God has deep and thorough knowledge of the interests and requirements of His creatures, and that He can ensure immensely beneficial effects on many sectors of human life by just one single commandment. During the several centuries of anarchy and disorder which preceded the advent of the Prophet (peace be on him), the Arabs were themselves unaware of their own interests and seemed bent upon self-destruction. God, however, was aware of their needs and requirements and by merely investing the Ka’bah with a central position in Arabia He ensured their national survival. Even if they disregarded innumerable other facts and reflected on this alone they would become convinced that the injunctions revealed by God were conducive to their well-being, and that underlying them were a great many benefits and advantages for them which they themselves could neither have grasped nor achieved by their own contriving.