Kaaba Guide
The Kaaba: The Holiest Site in Islam Guide
The Kaaba, also spelled Ka'bah, is a cuboid building located in the center of the Masjid al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the holiest site in Islam and the focal point of the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims around the world face the Kaaba during their daily prayers, making it the most revered and significant structure in the Islamic faith. Visiting the Kaaba is a deeply spiritual and transformative experience for Muslims. The history of the Kaaba dates back to pre-Islamic times. According to Islamic tradition, it was originally built by the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Ishmael) as a house of worship dedicated to the one God. Over time, the Kaaba became a center of polytheistic worship, housing idols of various deities. In the 7th century, the Prophet Muhammad cleansed the Kaaba of idols and rededicated it to the worship of Allah, the one God. Since then, it has remained the central sanctuary of Islam. The primary activity for visitors to the Kaaba is performing the Tawaf, the ritual circumambulation of the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. This is a central part of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Visitors also pray in the Masjid al-Haram, seeking blessings and spiritual connection. Touching or kissing the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), embedded in the eastern corner of the Kaaba, is a highly revered act, though not always possible due to crowds. The Zamzam well, located within the mosque, provides water believed to have miraculous properties.
Transportation
Access to Mecca and the Kaaba is restricted to Muslims only. During Hajj and Umrah, transportation within Mecca is primarily by bus, taxi, and on foot. The Saudi government provides extensive bus services to transport pilgrims between the holy sites. The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Mecca with Jeddah and Medina, providing a convenient option for travel between these cities.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours for prayer, access restricted during certain times for cleaning and maintenance.
Ticket Price
No admission fee, but access is restricted to Muslims only.