Editor's Picks

29 March 2011

Do Muslims worship the Kaaba?


What is inside the black box?

Before we discuss about this topic, most of us are curious about "what is in the Black Box?" (including Muslims are inquisitive what is really inside)

The answer is, THE BLACK BOX GOT NOTHING INSIDE, the image below shows; the inside of black box which has got a floor, four walls and a roof supported by three pillars.

Development Stages of the Kaaba



When Islam is against idol worship why do the Muslims worship, and bow down to the Kaaba in their prayer?

Kaaba is the Qibla i.e. the direction Muslims face during their prayers. It is important to note that though Muslims face the Kaaba during prayers, they do not worship the Kaaba. Muslims worship and bow to none but Allah .

It is mentioned in Surah Baqarah:

"(Now) We have seen your face turning eagerly (and repeatedly) towards the heaven (for guidance). So, We will divert you (away from the present ‘Qibla’) and let you switch to the ‘Qibla’ of your liking. (Henceforth, while praying), turn to face the direction of the sacred mosque (at Makkah). Those given the scriptures (earlier) do definitely know that indeed, it is the truth from your Lord. Allah is not unaware of what they do." [Qur'an 2:144]

01.Islam believes in fostering unity

For instance, if Muslims want to offer Salaah (Prayer), it is possible that some may wish to face north, while some may wish to face south. In order to unite Muslims in their worship of the One True God, A Muslim could be white, black, rich, poor, healthy, sick, older, younger, king, pauper wherever they may be, all are commanded to face in only one direction i.e. towards the Kaaba. If some Muslims live in the west of the Kaaba they have to face the east. Similarly if they live towards the east of the Kaaba they have to face the west, the image below gives you a

02.Kaaba is at the centre of the world map

The Muslims were the first people to draw the map of the world. They drew the map with the south facing upwards and north downwards. The Kaaba was at the centre. Later, western cartographers drew the map upside down with the north facing upwards and south downwards. Yet, Alhamdullilah the Kaaba is at the centre of the world map.



03.Tawaaf around Kaaba for indicating one God

When the Muslims go to Masjid-e-Haram in Makkah, they perform tawaaf or circumambulation round the Kaaba. This act symbolizes the belief and worship of One God, since, just as every circle has one centre, so also there is only one Allah [swt] worthy of worship.


04.Hadith of Umar 


Regarding the black stone, hajr-e-aswad, there is a hadith (tradition), attributed to the illustrious companion of the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH).

According to Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, book of Hajj, chapter 56, Hadith No. 675.

Umar  said, "I know that you are a stone and can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet  touching (and kissing) you, I would never have touched (and kissed) you".

05.People stood on Kaaba and gave the adhaan

At the time of the Prophet , people even stood on the Kaaba and gave the 'adhaan' or the call to prayer. One may ask those who allege that Muslims worship the Kaaba; which idol worshipper stands on the idol he worships?



Courtsey: Dr.Zakir Naik
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