The Holy Mosque in Makkah is the most
revered place of worship for Muslims around the world. At the center of
the Mosque is the Ka'aba, which literally means 'cube' in Arabic. All
Muslims are required to face in the direction of the Ka'aba five times
every day when offering their prayers.We believe that the Ka'aba,
constructed of stone blocks, was originally built by Prophet Abraham and
his son Ishmail. Many believe it was erected on the original site of a
sanctuary established by the first Prophet, Adam. Embedded in the corner
of the structure is the Black Stone, a meteorite used by Abraham as a
foundation stone.Over the years, the message of Abraham was forgotten,
and the Ka'abah became filled with idols, some say as many as 365 of
them. People continued to make the pilgrimage, but it had become an
idolatrous business enterprise for the pagan tribe of the Qu'raysh, the
residents of the city of Makkah who were the traditional custodians of
the Ka'abah.After the peaceful re-conquest of Makkah in the year 630 AD
by Prophet Muhammad, the Ka'abah was purified of the idols in it and the
pilgrimage made obligatory for all Muslims at least once in a lifetime,
if feasible, and worship returned to that of Allah alone, the one and
only God and Creator. At that time, the Holy Mosque consisted of an open
circular plaza no larger that 2,000 square meters, located in the
center of the city.
