The history of the construction of the Kaaba is certainly important for Muslims. How could it not? The Kaaba is a Qibla for all Muslims around the world in fulfilling the main obligation, namely salah. In order for our prayer service to be complete, it is important for us to know the history behind the construction of the holy place. Why was the place built and what is the history of its construction?
The Purpose of Kaaba Construction
Quoting the book The Greatest Stories of Al-Qur’an written by Sheikh Kamal As Sayyid, the first time the Kaaba was built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS). Both built the Kaaba slowly. At first, Allah (swt) commanded the two to build the Kaaba as a symbol of their love for Allah. Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail worked together to build the Kaaba for months.
In addition, there are also sources that say that the Kaaba was built to protect Hajar al-Aswad, which is a black stone that came from heaven. Today, the Kaaba is a place of worship reserved only for servants of Allah. For this reason, praying facing the Kaaba becomes one of signs of obedience and unity of Muslims throughout the world, and it does not mean worshiping the Kaaba.
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The History of Kaaba Construction
Referring to the book The Great Episodes of Muhammad Saw written by Dr. Said Ramadhan al-Buthy, scholars agree that the Kaaba has undergone construction or rehabilitation four times.
1. Construction of the Kaaba by Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail
First, the construction of the Kaaba was carried out by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS). This is in accordance with QS Al-Baqarah ayat 127 (the Quran Chapter 2 Al-Baqarah verse 127) which states that Prophet Ibrahim elevated the foundation of the Kaaba. At that time, Prophet Ibrahim elevated the Kaaba building to 7 cubits, with a length of 30 cubits, and a width of 22 cubits. Meanwhile, another opinion states that the actual height of the Kaaba is 9 cubits. At that time, the Kaaba was not equipped with a roof.
2. Construction of the Kaaba by the Quraysh
Secondly, the construction of the Kaaba was carried out by the Quraysh. A few years before Rasulullah (saw) was appointed to be a Prophet, a flash flood hit Mecca, causing part of the walls of the Kaaba to collapse. The Quraysh then rebuilt the damaged Kaaba. Prophet Muhammad, who was estimated to be 35 years old at the time, also participated in the construction of the Kaaba. He carried a stone over his shoulders on a piece of cloth. He even fell down while carrying the stones.
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When the construction was completed, the tribes clashed over which tribe had the most right to put Hajar al-Aswad to its original place. Prophet Muhammad then proposed that Hajar al-Aswad be placed on a piece of cloth. Then, the representatives of the warring tribes each held the tip of the cloth to then point the black stone to its original place. In the end, everyone agreed with the Prophet Muhammad’s proposal.
In this second construction, the Kaaba was elevated to 18 cubits, but its length was reduced to about 6.5 cubits (from 30 cubits previously). The Kaaba was left in the area of Hijr Ismail. Actually, the Prophet Muhammad “did not agree” with the construction of the Kaaba carried out by the Quraysh. The reason is, the construction changed the position of the Kaaba as when it was built by Prophet Ibrahim. However, the Prophet Muhammad chose to restrain his ego over historical truth, putting the interests of society at large first.
3. Construction of the Kaaba during the Time of Caliph Yazid ibn Mu’awiya
Third, the construction of the Kaaba during the time of Caliph Yazid ibn Muawiya. At the end of 36 AH, the forces of Yazid ibn Muawiya under the command of al-Hushain ibn Numair as-Shakuni raided Abdullah ibn Zubayr and his followers in Mecca. The battle caused most of the walls of the Kaaba to collapse and burn. Abdullah ibn Zubayr then asked others for advice, related to the construction of the Kaaba, whether rebuilding the damaged parts only or flattening all, only then rebuild.
After receiving some advice, Abdullah ibn Zubayr finally flattened the Kaaba to the ground. He then built poles around it and covered it with curtains. Abdullah ibn Zubayr also added 6 cubits to the Kaaba building, from which the Quraysh had subtracted. He also increased its height to 10 cubits while making two doors. One door is for entrance, while the other door is for exit. He dared to do this, remodeling the shape and position of the Kaaba, because it followed the following hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
“O Aisha, if you were not people who had just passed from polytheism, (and I had no expense for its construction), (I would have given the Kaaba into the way of Allah, and) I would have undoubtedly torn down the Kaaba and flattened it to the ground. (Then I will build it on the foundation of Prophet Ibrahim). I will make two doors in it. One door is on the east (as the entrance) and the other door is on the west (as the exit). (I’ll level it with the ground). I will add six more cubits from Hijr Ismail.” (HR. Bukhari)
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4. Construction of the Kaaba after Abdullah ibn Zubayr Passed Away
Fourth, the construction of the Kaaba was carried out after Abdullah ibn Zubayr passed away. After Abdullah ibn Zubar was killed, al-Hajjaj reported to Umayyad Dynasty Caliph then, Malik ibn Marwan. He mentioned that Ibn Zubayr had builded the foundation of the Kaaba which was argued by the leaders of Mecca.
“If it was the height of the building that he built (Abdullah ibn Zubair), let it be. However, the length of the building which includes Hijr Ismail, restore it as before. And close the door that he opened,” Malik ibn Marwan ordered al-Hajjaj. Al-Hajjaj then flattened the Kaaba and rebuilt it as it was before Abdullah ibn Zubayr changed it.
There are also opinions that say that the construction of the Kaaba was carried out five times. The first construction was done by the Prophet Adam (as). This opinion is based on the narration of al-Baihaqi from Abdullah ibn Umar. It says that the Prophet Adam was commanded by Allah to build a house for Him. Wallahu a’lam..
Hopefully from the review related to the history of the Kaaba and its construction above, we can understand the existence of the Kaaba as a Qibla for Muslims from all corners of the world. (Dompet Dhuafa/Ustaz Ahmad Fauzi Qasim/Ronna)