The Kaaba (Arabic: الكعبة, "The Cube") is a sacred building located in the center of the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It is the most sacred site in Islam and serves as the qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims worldwide.
The Kaaba is a cuboid-shaped structure made of granite, approximately 13.1 meters (43 feet) high, with sides measuring 11.03 meters by 12.86 meters. It is covered with a black silk and gold curtain known as the Kiswah, which is replaced annually during the Hajj pilgrimage.
The Kaaba has a rich history dating back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail, who are believed to have built the original structure. Throughout history, it has been rebuilt several times, most notably after being damaged by floods.
For Muslims, the Kaaba represents the House of Allah and is the focal point of their worship. During the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, millions of Muslims circumambulate (perform Tawaf) around the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction, symbolizing unity and devotion to Allah.