Masjid al-Haram (Part 2)
The actual structure of the Kaba has been demolished and rebuilt several times in the course of its history. Around the Kaba is a restricted area, the haram, extends in some directions as far as 12 miles, into which only Muslims may enter.
In 709, extensions of the Haram in Mecca were made by Umayyad Caliph Al Walid ibn Abd al-Malik. Over the years, the Haram has undergone numerous other extensions and renovations, being built and rebuilt, the most recent renovation being in 1996.
To show significant, this masjid is one can just look at the number of rewards gained in one prayer offered in it; worth one hundred thousand prayers than any other prayers offered elsewhere.
The Kabah
Literally, Kaba in Arabic means a high place with respect and prestige. The word Kaba may also be a derivative of a word meaning cube.
Some other names of the Kaba include: Bait ul Ateeq which means, according to one meaning, the earliest and ancient. According to the second meaning, it means independent and liberating. Both meanings could be taken.
The Kaba is the qibla (direction) for salah/namaz. Also a birth place of Imam Ali (as), the first Imam of Shia sect and the fourth Caliph of Sunni sect.
The base of the Kaba is 10.5 x 12 meters, and 15 meters high, and is standing on a marble base which is 25 cm high. It is built of grey stones from the hills around the city of Mecca. The door of the Kaba is in the northeastern wall, and is 2 meters above the ground. Inside the Kaba, three wooden pillars hold the roof up. The roof can be accessed by a ladder. The floor is covered by marble, and there are no furniture, except gold and silver lamps.
The Kaba is covered by the kiswa, a black curtain produced in Egypt, and changed annually at the time of hajj. In an interim period, lasting a little bit more than two weeks, the Kaba is covered by a white covering, and it is at the end of hajj that the new kiswa is presented.
Traditionally, the kiswa came in different colors, including; yellow, green, and black and white. Though today the kiswa remains black.
The doorkeepers of the Kaba are still the family Banu Shayba, which were appointed by Muhammad (pbuh).
Other links:
The Only Person Born in Holy kaba
Mecca the Blessed, Medina the Radiant
Inside kaba(video)
The history of mosques
Mecca
