The Kaaba (Arabic: ٱلْكَعْبَة al-kaʿbah, also referred as al-ka`bah al-musharrafah (The Holy Kaaba), is a building at the center of Islam's most sacred mosque, that is Al-Masjid Al-Ḥarām (Arabic: الـمَسجِد الحَرَام, The Sacred Mosque), in Mecca, Hejaz, Saudi Arabia.[1] It is the most sacred site in Islam.[2] It is considered by Muslims to be the bayt Allāh, the "House of God", and has a similar role to the Tabernacle and Holy of Holies in Judaism. Wherever they are in the world, Muslims are expected to face the Kaaba when performing salat or salah (prayer). From any point in the world, the direction facing the Kaaba is called the qibla.
slamic views on origin[edit]
The Quran contains several verses regarding the origin of the Kaaba, it states that the Kaaba was the first House of Worship, and that it was built by Ibrahim and Ishmael on God's[citation needed] instructions.
Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for mankind.
— Quran, Chapter 3 (Aale-Imran) verse 96[21][22][23]
Behold! We gave the site, to Ibrahim, 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).
— Quran, Chapter 22 (Al Hajj) verse 26[24][25][26]
And remember Ibrahim and Ishmael raised the foundations of the House (With this prayer): "Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-knowing.
— Quran, Chapter 2 (Al Bakarah) verse 127[27][28][29]
