The Kaaba, located in the center of the Masjid Al-Haram mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is a cuboid-shaped building and is considered the most sacred site in Islam. It is the place toward which Muslims around the world face when observing salat (prayer). But who exactly owns and controls this important Islamic structure?
Quick Facts about the Kaaba
Here are some quick facts about the Kaaba:
- The Kaaba measures 15 m (49 ft) high, with sides measuring 11 m (36 ft) by 12 m (39 ft).
- It is constructed of solid granite stones, stacked together without mortar.
- The Kaaba’s eastern corner houses the Black Stone, believed by Muslims to have mystical properties.
- Muslims perform Tawaf, a ritual of walking counter-clockwise around the Kaaba, during the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
- The Kaaba’s door is made of pure gold.
Brief History
According to Islamic tradition, the Kaaba was rebuilt by Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Ishmael) after it had been first constructed by Adam. Ibrahim consecrated the house for the worship of the One God. Centuries later, Muhammad took control of Mecca in 630 CE and cleansed the Kaaba, destroying idols that had been placed inside it. He then reconsecrated it as a shrine dedicated to Allah.
Current Ownership and Control
The Kaaba and the Masjid Al-Haram mosque are under the control of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s monarchy. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud holds the title of “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques” in reference to the Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.
Specifically, the Kaaba and the Masjid Al-Haram are administered by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, a government agency. The presidency oversees the maintenance, safety, and upkeep of the sites on a daily basis, in addition to organizing the Hajj pilgrimages.
The rules and regulations regarding the Two Holy Mosques are determined by fatwas and Islamic rulings issued by Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars. This council of Muslim religious leaders advises the Saudi king on religious matters.
Access to the Kaaba
In normal times, the Kaaba is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for Muslims to circumambulate and pray towards. However, access has been restricted at times due to expansion projects or safety concerns. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, limitations were placed on the number of pilgrims for social distancing.
Non-Muslims are strictly prohibited from entering the holy Kaaba itself or the sacred mosque that surrounds it. However, they can visit the vicinity and observe from outside. Some exceptions are made for important foreign dignitaries on official state visits.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The Kaaba’s maintenance is overseen by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques. Tasks include:
- Regular cleaning of the interior and exterior.
- Washing and perfuming the Kaaba’s black cloth covering (kiswa).
- Periodic refurbishment and replacement of the kiswa.
- Inspection and upkeep of the locked golden door.
- Maintaining the marble flooring around the Kaaba.
The kiswa is replaced annually on the 9th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. The old kiswa is removed, then replaced with a new one that is hand-stitched by specialized craftsmen.
Significance for Muslims
The Kaaba holds tremendous religious and sentimental significance for Muslims worldwide. Main points of significance include:
- Muslims believe the Kaaba was the first house of worship constructed for Allah.
- It serves as the qibla – the universally acknowledged direction for Muslims to face during prayer (salat).
- Circumambulating the Kaaba is an integral rite of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
- Walking around the Kaaba counter-clockwise seven times (tawaf) is considered meritorious.
- The Black Stone embedded in the Kaaba’s eastern corner is revered as an Islamic relic.
- Muslims worldwide direct their prayers towards the Kaaba.
In summary, the Kaaba is the holiest place in Islam and is central to the Muslim faith. Its ownership and administration by Saudi Arabia gives the Kingdom significant influence in the Islamic world.
Conclusion
The Kaaba is owned and managed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Specifically, it falls under the authority of the Saudi monarchy and the government’s General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques. Strict protocols govern access to the Kaaba, with some exceptions made for dignitaries. Maintenance of Islam’s holiest site is overseen by the Presidency. The Kaaba holds profound religious significance for Muslims globally, who direct their prayers towards it five times a day.