The history of Makkah reveals that initially, angels worshipped Allah around the Ka’aba in Makkah. At that time, there were no humans on Earth. The angels, under Allah’s command, constructed the Ka’aba and worshipped there. During that period, the sole inhabitants of the Earth were the jinn.
Later, when Allah created humans, He designated the Ka’aba as the center of worship for mankind and sent Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) from Paradise to the Earth, establishing Makkah as his center of worship. He became the first inhabitant and prophet of Makkah. After arriving in Makkah, Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) feared Satan and sought Allah’s protection from his harm and mischief. Allah then sent angels to guard the boundaries of Makkah.
The interior walls of the Ka’aba
In 1996 AD, corresponding to 1416-17 Hijri, King Fahd bin Abdulaziz extensively renovated the Ka’aba. He refurbished the floor, roof, three pillars, interior and exterior walls, and the internal staircase of the Ka’aba. The goal of this renovation was to enhance the beauty and strengthen the structure. During the restoration, all the stones of the Ka’aba, except for the main foundation stones, were removed, cleaned, and reinstalled in their original places. These were mounted on the foundation laid by Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). Subsequently, marble was placed on the walls of the Ka’aba up to a height of 4 meters.
On the southern wall, valuable pink marble was installed up to a height of 4 meters. Each wall features two 30-centimeter-high black marble frames. These frames reflect the beauty of the interior marble. Above the walls, at a height of 4 meters, hangs a silk blue curtain inscribed repeatedly with “La ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah” and the phrase “اللهُ جَلٌ جَلَالَهُ” in the shape of the Arabic numeral eight (۸). This calligraphy is incredibly beautiful.
The things inside the Kaaba
The foundation of the Ka’aba (الشاذ رَوَانُ)
This refers to the foundation or plinth level of the Ka’aba. Not all of the Ka’aba’s walls are constructed directly on this plinth. Rather, the walls are built on the second layer of the plinth. The description is as follows: On three sides of the Ka’aba, stones are placed in such a way that they taper upward and merge with the walls. The height from the ground is 11 centimeters, and the width is 40 centimeters. However, on the side of Hijr Ismail, stones were not placed in the same manner; instead, a single layer of steps was constructed. On these steps, people stand, lean against the Ka’aba, and raise their hands in prayer.
The current plinth level is inside the Ka’aba. During the repair work carried out by Turkish Sultan Murad IV in 1014 Hijri, he placed the foundation inside the Ka’aba. This was not a new discovery of his, as the foundation was already part of the Ka’aba.
There is a difference of opinion on whether this foundation is part of the Ka’aba or not. Scholars of the Shafi’i and Maliki schools, as well as other Islamic scholars, consider it part of the Ka’aba. Imam Abu Hanifa (may Allah be pleased with him), however, does not regard it as part of the Ka’aba, arguing that there is no authentic hadith supporting this claim.
Nine inscribed stones
Nine marble stones are carefully engraved on the inner walls of the Ka’aba. These stones contain the names of various individuals who have renovated the Ka’aba over the ages.
The current door of the Ka’aba
In 1363 Hijri, King Abdulaziz Al Saud installed a beautiful wooden door on the Ka’aba, which took three years to complete.
The old door of the Ka’aba was replaced in 1396 Hijri by King Khalid, who installed a golden door in its place. It contains 286 kilograms of pure gold of 99.999 types. The door bears Allah’s name and verses from the Qur’an. The current door has two panels with a lock in the middle.
The internal door
The door visible externally is accompanied by another door inside, located to the right. This internal door is called “Babu Al-Tawbah” (The Door of Repentance), constructed by King Abdulaziz in 1363 Hijri (1943 AD). This door also has a pure gold lock. Like the outer door, the internal door showcases exquisite craftsmanship that surpasses human imagination. Both doors are made of strong wood and are overlaid with gold.
In 1397 Hijri (1977 AD), during Jumaada Al-Awwal, King Khalid bin Abdulaziz noticed during his prayer inside the Ka’aba that the internal door was deteriorating. He ordered it to be reconstructed with gold, similar to the external door. The internal door also has verses from the Qur’an inscribed on it.
Cleaning of the Kaaba
Allah states in the Qur’an:
“And purify My House for those who perform Tawaf, those who stay in it for worship, and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer].”
Based on this command, the tradition of cleaning the Ka’aba’s interior has continued annually. This act of purification is performed to enhance the sanctity of Allah’s sacred house.
During the conquest of Makkah, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) cleaned the interior of the Ka’aba with Zamzam water. Abu Bakr bin Al-Mundhir narrates from Hazrat Usama (may Allah be pleased with him) that on the day of Makkah’s conquest, the Prophet (peace be upon him) saw some pictures inside the Ka’aba. I brought him water in a bucket, and he used it to wash the pictures away.
Currently, the Ka’aba is cleaned twice a year—once before Ramadan and once before Hajj. Zamzam water mixed with fragrant perfume is used to wash the Ka’aba, and cloth is used to wipe the interior walls and floor.
The roof of the Ka’aba
High-quality white marble, which controls solar heat, is installed on the roof of the Ka’aba. The roof is surrounded by a half-meter-high wall on all sides, where the Ka’aba’s Kiswah (covering) and the curtain of the Ka’aba’s door are secured.
The staircase to the roof
The staircase leading to the roof inside the Ka’aba is very elegant. It is made of thick, crystal-like glass that is sky-blue and highly transparent. Each glass step is half a meter long and 25 centimeters wide. The steps are designed with high engineering precision to ensure no risk of slipping. Two glass railings, one meter high and made of steel, surround the staircase, providing support while ascending. The staircase is circular, similar to those used in mosque minarets.
The entrance to the roof is securely closed, with a white marble wheel-shaped door. This door can be manually rotated or opened mechanically through an electric system.
Service of the Ka’aba and the key
In Islam, serving the Ka’aba is considered an honorable duty. This responsibility was assigned to a specific group even before Islam and has remained their right. This service is called “Hijabah” (الْحِجَابَةُ), and those who perform it are called “Sadin” (سَدَنَةُ ا خُدَامُ الْكَعْبَة). The Bani Shaiba tribe is the custodian of the Ka’aba, holding its keys and ensuring its protection. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) affirmed their custodianship.
On the day of Makkah’s conquest, the Prophet (peace be upon him) took the Ka’aba’s key from them, opened the Ka’aba, and removed the idols. Then, he returned the key to the Bani Shaiba tribe, saying:
“Take it, O Bani Abdul Dar, as a permanent inheritance until the Day of Judgment. None will take it away from you except an oppressor.”
The Kiswah of the Ka’aba is also handed over to the Bani Shaiba tribe for installation.
