Ka'bah - Revision history

Lightyears: Automated script replacing USC-MSA hadith numbering system for Bukhari, Muslim, and Abu Dawud

2025-11-12T19:41:57Z

Automated script replacing USC-MSA hadith numbering system for Bukhari, Muslim, and Abu Dawud

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	==Origins and ritual significance==		==Origins and ritual significance==
	Prior to Muhammad claiming to receive [[Revelation\|revelations]] from [[Allah]], the Ka'aba served as a popular [[Pre-Islamic Arabic Religion in Islam\|pre-Islamic shrine]], which according to hadith tradition housed 360 idols and images of mostly pagan deities and attracted pilgrims and trade from many parts of Arabia. There were also reports that figures of Mary and Jesus were in the Kaaba narrated from Muslims who died in the early 2nd century.<ref>See this [https://twitter.com/shahanSean/status/1546629237053988867 Twitter thread] by Professor Sean Anthony - 11 July 2022</ref> According to a hadith, the Ka'bah may have contained pictures of Abraham and Mary (see {{Bukhari\|4\|55\|~~570~~}} and similarly {{Bukhari\|4\|55\|~~571~~}}). Also according to tradition, particularly emphasized at this shrine during Muhammad's pre-Islamic years was the worship of the pagan Arab god [[Hubal]].		Prior to Muhammad claiming to receive [[Revelation\|revelations]] from [[Allah]], the Ka'aba served as a popular [[Pre-Islamic Arabic Religion in Islam\|pre-Islamic shrine]], which according to hadith tradition housed 360 idols and images of mostly pagan deities and attracted pilgrims and trade from many parts of Arabia. There were also reports that figures of Mary and Jesus were in the Kaaba narrated from Muslims who died in the early 2nd century.<ref>See this [https://twitter.com/shahanSean/status/1546629237053988867 Twitter thread] by Professor Sean Anthony - 11 July 2022</ref> According to a hadith, the Ka'bah may have contained pictures of Abraham and Mary (see {{Bukhari\|\|\|3351\|darussalam}} and similarly {{Bukhari\|\|\|3352\|darussalam}}). Also according to tradition, particularly emphasized at this shrine during Muhammad's pre-Islamic years was the worship of the pagan Arab god [[Hubal]].

	===History of the house of Abraham mythology===		===History of the house of Abraham mythology===

Asmith: /* Structural history */

2023-06-25T17:47:48Z

Structural history

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:47, 25 June 2023
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	The second great calamity that came to the Ka'abah was inflicted by the Qarmatians in the Hijri year 371/common era year 930. The Qarmatians, a radical Shi'i sect, attacked Mecca, damaged and desecrated the shrine, and stole the Black Stone within. It was later returned to the shrine in 951 CE, but in the process the stone was broken into several pieces. <ref name="Lewis, 1978p. ">{{cite book \| last=Lewis\| first=Bernard \| title=Encyclopaedia of Islam , Volume 4 - Volume V (Iran-Kha) \| publisher=Brill \| series=The Encyclopaedia of Islam \| year=1978 \| isbn=978-90-04-05745-5 \| url=https://brill.com/edcollbook/title/1483 \| access-date=2023-06-25 \| page=319}}</ref>		The second great calamity that came to the Ka'abah was inflicted by the Qarmatians in the Hijri year 371/common era year 930. The Qarmatians, a radical Shi'i sect, attacked Mecca, damaged and desecrated the shrine, and stole the Black Stone within. It was later returned to the shrine in 951 CE, but in the process the stone was broken into several pieces. <ref name="Lewis, 1978p. ">{{cite book \| last=Lewis\| first=Bernard \| title=Encyclopaedia of Islam , Volume 4 - Volume V (Iran-Kha) \| publisher=Brill \| series=The Encyclopaedia of Islam \| year=1978 \| isbn=978-90-04-05745-5 \| url=https://brill.com/edcollbook/title/1483 \| access-date=2023-06-25 \| page=319}}</ref>

	The third great destruction came in the hijri year 1039/common era year 1629. A great flood inundated the shrine, killing 1000 pilgrims, and this caused the walls of the shrine to collapse. After the flood subsided the Ottoman caliph Murad IV rebuilt it.<ref>{{Cite web		The third great destruction came in the hijri year 1039/common era year 1629. A great flood inundated the shrine, killing 1000 pilgrims, and this caused the walls of the shrine to collapse. After the flood subsided the Ottoman caliph Murad IV rebuilt it.<ref>{{Cite web\| title = History of the Kaba\| author = \| work = bible.ca\| date = \| access-date = 25 June 2023\| url = https://www.bible.ca/islam/islam-kaba-history.htm\| language = English \| quote = }}</ref>
	\| title = History of the Kaba
	\| author =
	\| work = bible.ca
	\| date =
	\| access-date = 25 June 2023
	\| url = https://www.bible.ca/islam/islam-kaba-history.htm
	\| language =
	\| quote =
	}}</ref>

	==Relevant quotations==		==Relevant quotations==

Asmith: /* Structural history */

2023-06-25T17:45:23Z

Structural history

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:45, 25 June 2023
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	The second great calamity that came to the Ka'abah was inflicted by the Qarmatians in the Hijri year 371/common era year 930. The Qarmatians, a radical Shi'i sect, attacked Mecca, damaged and desecrated the shrine, and stole the Black Stone within. It was later returned to the shrine in 951 CE, but in the process the stone was broken into several pieces. <ref name="Lewis, 1978p. ">{{cite book \| last=Lewis\| first=Bernard \| title=Encyclopaedia of Islam , Volume 4 - Volume V (Iran-Kha) \| publisher=Brill \| series=The Encyclopaedia of Islam \| year=1978 \| isbn=978-90-04-05745-5 \| url=https://brill.com/edcollbook/title/1483 \| access-date=2023-06-25 \| page=319}}</ref>		The second great calamity that came to the Ka'abah was inflicted by the Qarmatians in the Hijri year 371/common era year 930. The Qarmatians, a radical Shi'i sect, attacked Mecca, damaged and desecrated the shrine, and stole the Black Stone within. It was later returned to the shrine in 951 CE, but in the process the stone was broken into several pieces. <ref name="Lewis, 1978p. ">{{cite book \| last=Lewis\| first=Bernard \| title=Encyclopaedia of Islam , Volume 4 - Volume V (Iran-Kha) \| publisher=Brill \| series=The Encyclopaedia of Islam \| year=1978 \| isbn=978-90-04-05745-5 \| url=https://brill.com/edcollbook/title/1483 \| access-date=2023-06-25 \| page=319}}</ref>

	The third great destruction came in the hijri year 1039/common era year 1629. A great flood inundated the shrine, killing 1000 pilgrims, and this caused the walls of the shrine to collapse. After the flood subsided the Ottoman caliph Murad IV rebuilt it.		The third great destruction came in the hijri year 1039/common era year 1629. A great flood inundated the shrine, killing 1000 pilgrims, and this caused the walls of the shrine to collapse. After the flood subsided the Ottoman caliph Murad IV rebuilt it.<ref>{{Cite web
			\| title = History of the Kaba
			\| author =
			\| work = bible.ca
			\| date =
			\| access-date = 25 June 2023
			\| url = https://www.bible.ca/islam/islam-kaba-history.htm
			\| language =
			\| quote =
			}}</ref>

	==Relevant quotations==		==Relevant quotations==

Asmith: /* Structural history */

2023-06-25T17:42:25Z

Structural history

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	Islamic scriptures state that the original Ka'aba built by Abraham was rather more rectangular than cubic, but that due to reconstruction the Ka'aba had lost its original dimensions. The story recorded suggests that the Ka'aba, when Muhammad was growing up, used to be rectangular in shape but that a natural disaster decimated the structure such that it had to be rebuilt. The [[Quraysh]], revering this structure, are said to have lacked sufficient "clean money" (that is, money untainted by sinful business, such as gambling and prostitution), and thus were only able to rebuild the temple in the shape of a cube. It is thus suggested that the short, semi-circular wall opposite the Iraqi (northwestern) wall of the Ka'aba delineates the portion of earth which in fact, counts as a part of the Ka'aba itself, despite its falling beyond the Ka'aba's walls. Consequently, pilgrims circumambulating the Ka'aba are able to earn the blessing of having "entered it" without having to step inside.		Islamic scriptures state that the original Ka'aba built by Abraham was rather more rectangular than cubic, but that due to reconstruction the Ka'aba had lost its original dimensions. The story recorded suggests that the Ka'aba, when Muhammad was growing up, used to be rectangular in shape but that a natural disaster decimated the structure such that it had to be rebuilt. The [[Quraysh]], revering this structure, are said to have lacked sufficient "clean money" (that is, money untainted by sinful business, such as gambling and prostitution), and thus were only able to rebuild the temple in the shape of a cube. It is thus suggested that the short, semi-circular wall opposite the Iraqi (northwestern) wall of the Ka'aba delineates the portion of earth which in fact, counts as a part of the Ka'aba itself, despite its falling beyond the Ka'aba's walls. Consequently, pilgrims circumambulating the Ka'aba are able to earn the blessing of having "entered it" without having to step inside.

	The Ka'aba has been destroyed deliberately and by natural disasters and thus reconstructed several times over since the seventh century.The first major destruction happened in the Hijri year 73/common era year 693. During the second Fitna of Al-Zubayr, Al-Zubayr took hold of Mecca and proclaimed his caliphate from the city. The Umayyad governor, Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, laid siege to the city including using catapults. The sanctuary was badly damaged during this siege and had to be rebuilt by the caliph 'Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan after the fitna was ended by the execution of Al-Zubayr.		The Ka'aba has been destroyed deliberately and by natural disasters and thus reconstructed several times over since the seventh century.The first major destruction happened in the Hijri year 73/common era year 693. During the second Fitna of Al-Zubayr, Al-Zubayr took hold of Mecca and proclaimed his caliphate from the city. The Umayyad governor, Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, laid siege to the city including using catapults. The sanctuary was badly damaged during this siege and had to be rebuilt by the caliph 'Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan after the fitna was ended by the execution of Al-Zubayr.<ref name="Lewis, 1978p. ">{{cite book \| last=Lewis\| first=Bernard \| title=Encyclopaedia of Islam , Volume 4 - Volume V (Iran-Kha) \| publisher=Brill \| series=The Encyclopaedia of Islam \| year=1978 \| isbn=978-90-04-05745-5 \| url=https://brill.com/edcollbook/title/1483 \| access-date=2023-06-25 \| page=319}}</ref>

	The second great calamity that came to the Ka'abah was inflicted by the Qarmatians in the Hijri year 371/common era year 930. The Qarmatians, a radical Shi'i sect, attacked Mecca, damaged and desecrated the shrine, and stole the Black Stone within. It was later returned to the shrine in 951 CE, but in the process the stone was broken into several pieces.		The second great calamity that came to the Ka'abah was inflicted by the Qarmatians in the Hijri year 371/common era year 930. The Qarmatians, a radical Shi'i sect, attacked Mecca, damaged and desecrated the shrine, and stole the Black Stone within. It was later returned to the shrine in 951 CE, but in the process the stone was broken into several pieces. <ref name="Lewis, 1978p. ">{{cite book \| last=Lewis\| first=Bernard \| title=Encyclopaedia of Islam , Volume 4 - Volume V (Iran-Kha) \| publisher=Brill \| series=The Encyclopaedia of Islam \| year=1978 \| isbn=978-90-04-05745-5 \| url=https://brill.com/edcollbook/title/1483 \| access-date=2023-06-25 \| page=319}}</ref>

	The third great destruction came in the hijri year 1039/common era year 1629. A great flood inundated the shrine, killing 1000 pilgrims, and this caused the walls of the shrine to collapse. After the flood subsided the Ottoman caliph Murad IV rebuilt it.		The third great destruction came in the hijri year 1039/common era year 1629. A great flood inundated the shrine, killing 1000 pilgrims, and this caused the walls of the shrine to collapse. After the flood subsided the Ottoman caliph Murad IV rebuilt it.

Asmith: /* Structural history */

2023-06-18T17:54:41Z

Structural history

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:54, 18 June 2023
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	Islamic scriptures state that the original Ka'aba built by Abraham was rather more rectangular than cubic, but that due to reconstruction the Ka'aba had lost its original dimensions. The story recorded suggests that the Ka'aba, when Muhammad was growing up, used to be rectangular in shape but that a natural disaster decimated the structure such that it had to be rebuilt. The [[Quraysh]], revering this structure, are said to have lacked sufficient "clean money" (that is, money untainted by sinful business, such as gambling and prostitution), and thus were only able to rebuild the temple in the shape of a cube. It is thus suggested that the short, semi-circular wall opposite the Iraqi (northwestern) wall of the Ka'aba delineates the portion of earth which in fact, counts as a part of the Ka'aba itself, despite its falling beyond the Ka'aba's walls. Consequently, pilgrims circumambulating the Ka'aba are able to earn the blessing of having "entered it" without having to step inside.		Islamic scriptures state that the original Ka'aba built by Abraham was rather more rectangular than cubic, but that due to reconstruction the Ka'aba had lost its original dimensions. The story recorded suggests that the Ka'aba, when Muhammad was growing up, used to be rectangular in shape but that a natural disaster decimated the structure such that it had to be rebuilt. The [[Quraysh]], revering this structure, are said to have lacked sufficient "clean money" (that is, money untainted by sinful business, such as gambling and prostitution), and thus were only able to rebuild the temple in the shape of a cube. It is thus suggested that the short, semi-circular wall opposite the Iraqi (northwestern) wall of the Ka'aba delineates the portion of earth which in fact, counts as a part of the Ka'aba itself, despite its falling beyond the Ka'aba's walls. Consequently, pilgrims circumambulating the Ka'aba are able to earn the blessing of having "entered it" without having to step inside.

	The Ka'aba has been destroyed deliberately and by natural disasters and thus reconstructed several times over since the seventh century.		The Ka'aba has been destroyed deliberately and by natural disasters and thus reconstructed several times over since the seventh century.The first major destruction happened in the Hijri year 73/common era year 693. During the second Fitna of Al-Zubayr, Al-Zubayr took hold of Mecca and proclaimed his caliphate from the city. The Umayyad governor, Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, laid siege to the city including using catapults. The sanctuary was badly damaged during this siege and had to be rebuilt by the caliph 'Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan after the fitna was ended by the execution of Al-Zubayr.
	~~[{{Quran~~-~~url~~-~~only\|53\|19}}]~~
			The second great calamity that came to the Ka'abah was inflicted by the Qarmatians in the Hijri year 371/common era year 930. The Qarmatians, a radical Shi'i sect, attacked Mecca, damaged and desecrated the shrine, and stole the Black Stone within. It was later returned to the shrine in 951 CE, but in the process the stone was broken into several pieces.

			The third great destruction came in the hijri year 1039/common era year 1629. A great flood inundated the shrine, killing 1000 pilgrims, and this caused the walls of the shrine to collapse. After the flood subsided the Ottoman caliph Murad IV rebuilt it.

	==Relevant quotations==		==Relevant quotations==

Asmith at 14:57, 18 June 2023

2023-06-18T14:57:39Z

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	[[File:Kaaba-flood-1941 1.jpg\|right\|220px\|thumb\|The Ka'aba was flooded by 5 feet of water in 1941.]]		[[File:Kaaba-flood-1941 1.jpg\|right\|220px\|thumb\|The Ka'aba was flooded by 5 feet of water in 1941.]]

	'''The Ka'aba''' (الكعبة, lit. "the Cube") is the holiest mosque in [[Islam]] located in [[Mecca]] ([[Muhammad]]'s city of birth) and is figuratively known as the "House of God" (or ''Bayt Allah'', lit. "House of Allah"). Another name for the Ka'aba is ''Masjid al-Haram'', which means "Mosque of the sanctuary", where "the sanctuary" is the name for the part of the city of Mecca that is considered sanctified. Muslims face its direction in daily prayer and it is intrinsic to the Hajj pilgrimage, two of the five pillars of Islam. In the Quran and Islamic tradition the Ka'bah is identified with the site of a sanctuary built by Abraham where he went to sacrifice his son Ishmael.		'''The Ka'aba''' (الكعبة, lit. "the Cube") is the holiest mosque in [[Islam]] located in [[Mecca]] ([[Muhammad]]'s city of birth) and is figuratively known as the "House of God" (or ''Bayt Allah بيت الله'', lit. "House of Allah"). Another name for the Ka'aba is ''Masjid al-Haram مسجد الحرام'', which means "Mosque of the sanctuary", where "the sanctuary" is the name for the part of the city of Mecca that is considered sanctified. Muslims face its direction in daily prayer and it is intrinsic to the Hajj pilgrimage, two of the five pillars of Islam. In the Quran and Islamic tradition the Ka'bah is identified with the site of a sanctuary built by Abraham where he went to sacrifice his son Ishmael.

	==Origins and ritual significance==		==Origins and ritual significance==
	Prior to Muhammad claiming to receive [[Revelation\|revelations]] from [[Allah]], the Ka'aba served as a popular [[Pre-Islamic Arabic Religion in Islam\|pre-Islamic shrine]], which according to hadith tradition housed 360 idols and images of mostly pagan deities and attracted pilgrims and trade from many parts of Arabia. There were also ~~eye-witness~~ reports that figures of Mary and Jesus were in the Kaaba narrated from Muslims who died in the early 2nd century.<ref>See this [https://twitter.com/shahanSean/status/1546629237053988867 Twitter thread] by Professor Sean Anthony - 11 July 2022</ref> According to a hadith, the Ka'bah may have contained pictures of Abraham and Mary (see {{Bukhari\|4\|55\|570}} and similarly {{Bukhari\|4\|55\|571}}). Also according to tradition, particularly emphasized at this shrine during Muhammad's pre-Islamic years was the worship of the pagan Arab god [[Hubal]].		Prior to Muhammad claiming to receive [[Revelation\|revelations]] from [[Allah]], the Ka'aba served as a popular [[Pre-Islamic Arabic Religion in Islam\|pre-Islamic shrine]], which according to hadith tradition housed 360 idols and images of mostly pagan deities and attracted pilgrims and trade from many parts of Arabia. There were also reports that figures of Mary and Jesus were in the Kaaba narrated from Muslims who died in the early 2nd century.<ref>See this [https://twitter.com/shahanSean/status/1546629237053988867 Twitter thread] by Professor Sean Anthony - 11 July 2022</ref> According to a hadith, the Ka'bah may have contained pictures of Abraham and Mary (see {{Bukhari\|4\|55\|570}} and similarly {{Bukhari\|4\|55\|571}}). Also according to tradition, particularly emphasized at this shrine during Muhammad's pre-Islamic years was the worship of the pagan Arab god [[Hubal]].

	===History of the house of Abraham mythology===		===History of the house of Abraham mythology===
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	The following verses describe the origins of the Ka'aba		The following verses describe the origins of the Ka'aba

	Note that "Becca" here is ~~said~~ to refer to Mecca, although some critical scholars have suggested that the word is simply a typographical error or misspelling.		Note that "Becca" here is traditionally understood to refer to Mecca, although some critical scholars have suggested that the word is simply a typographical error or misspelling.
	{{Quote\|{{quran\|3\|96}} - {{quran\|3\|97}}\|96. Lo! the first Sanctuary appointed for mankind was that at Becca, a blessed place, a guidance to the peoples;		{{Quote\|{{quran\|3\|96}} - {{quran\|3\|97}}\|96. Lo! the first Sanctuary appointed for mankind was that at Becca, a blessed place, a guidance to the peoples;
	<br>97. Wherein are plain memorials (of Allah's guidance); the place where Abraham stood up to pray; and whosoever entereth it is safe. And pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allah for mankind, for him who can find a way thither. As for him who disbelieveth, (let him know that) lo! Allah is Independent of (all) creatures.}}{{Quote\|{{quran\|2\|125}} - {{quran\|2\|129}}\|125. And when We made the House (at Makka) a resort for mankind and sanctuary, (saying): Take as your place of worship the place where Abraham stood (to pray). And We imposed a duty upon Abraham and Ishmael, (saying): Purify My house for those who go around and those who meditate therein and those who bow down and prostrate themselves (in worship).		<br>97. Wherein are plain memorials (of Allah's guidance); the place where Abraham stood up to pray; and whosoever entereth it is safe. And pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allah for mankind, for him who can find a way thither. As for him who disbelieveth, (let him know that) lo! Allah is Independent of (all) creatures.}}{{Quote\|{{quran\|2\|125}} - {{quran\|2\|129}}\|125. And when We made the House (at Makka) a resort for mankind and sanctuary, (saying): Take as your place of worship the place where Abraham stood (to pray). And We imposed a duty upon Abraham and Ishmael, (saying): Purify My house for those who go around and those who meditate therein and those who bow down and prostrate themselves (in worship).
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	==See Also==		==See Also==

	* [[Pre-Islamic Arab Religion in Islam]]		*[[Pre-Islamic Arab Religion in Islam]]

	==External links==		==External links==

Lightyears at 23:02, 12 May 2023

2023-05-12T23:02:33Z

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	==References==		==References==
	{{Reflist\|30em}}		{{Reflist\|30em}}

			==See Also==

			* [[Pre-Islamic Arab Religion in Islam]]

	==External links==		==External links==

Lightyears: Pasted from the pre-Islamic arabic religion in Islam article + tidy up

2023-01-13T21:10:36Z

Pasted from the pre-Islamic arabic religion in Islam article + tidy up

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:10, 13 January 2023
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	{{QualityScore\|Lead=2\|Structure=3\|Content=3\|Language=4\|References=2}}		{{QualityScore\|Lead=2\|Structure=3\|Content=4\|Language=4\|References=4}}
	[[File:Kaaba-flood-1941 1.jpg\|right\|220px\|thumb\|The Ka'aba was flooded by 5 feet of water in 1941.]]		[[File:Kaaba-flood-1941 1.jpg\|right\|220px\|thumb\|The Ka'aba was flooded by 5 feet of water in 1941.]]

	'''The Ka'aba''' (الكعبة, lit. "the Cube") is the holiest mosque in [[Islam]] located in [[Mecca]] ([[Muhammad]]'s city of birth) and is figuratively known as the "House of God" (or ''Bayt Allah'', lit. "House of Allah"). Another name for the Ka'aba is ''Masjid al-Haram'', which means "Mosque of the sanctuary", where "the sanctuary" is the name for the part of the city of Mecca that is considered sanctified.		'''The Ka'aba''' (الكعبة, lit. "the Cube") is the holiest mosque in [[Islam]] located in [[Mecca]] ([[Muhammad]]'s city of birth) and is figuratively known as the "House of God" (or ''Bayt Allah'', lit. "House of Allah"). Another name for the Ka'aba is ''Masjid al-Haram'', which means "Mosque of the sanctuary", where "the sanctuary" is the name for the part of the city of Mecca that is considered sanctified. Muslims face its direction in daily prayer and it is intrinsic to the Hajj pilgrimage, two of the five pillars of Islam. In the Quran and Islamic tradition the Ka'bah is identified with the site of a sanctuary built by Abraham where he went to sacrifice his son Ishmael.

	==Origins and ritual significance==		==Origins and ritual significance==
	Prior to Muhammad claiming to receive [[Revelation\|revelations]] from [[Allah]], the Ka'aba served as a popular [[~~Pagan Origins of~~ Islam\|~~pagan~~ shrine]] ~~that~~ housed 360 idols and images of mostly pagan deities and attracted pilgrims and trade from many parts of Arabia. ~~Particularly~~ emphasized at this shrine during Muhammad's pre-Islamic years was the worship of the pagan Arab god [[Hubal]]~~, often symbolically affiliated with the [[Crescent Moon\|crescent moon]] symbol~~.		Prior to Muhammad claiming to receive [[Revelation\|revelations]] from [[Allah]], the Ka'aba served as a popular [[Pre-Islamic Arabic Religion in Islam\|pre-Islamic shrine]], which according to hadith tradition housed 360 idols and images of mostly pagan deities and attracted pilgrims and trade from many parts of Arabia. There were also eye-witness reports that figures of Mary and Jesus were in the Kaaba narrated from Muslims who died in the early 2nd century.<ref>See this [https://twitter.com/shahanSean/status/1546629237053988867 Twitter thread] by Professor Sean Anthony - 11 July 2022</ref> According to a hadith, the Ka'bah may have contained pictures of Abraham and Mary (see {{Bukhari\|4\|55\|570}} and similarly {{Bukhari\|4\|55\|571}}). Also according to tradition, particularly emphasized at this shrine during Muhammad's pre-Islamic years was the worship of the pagan Arab god [[Hubal]].

	~~Islamic scriptures teach that~~ [[Ibrahim (Abraham)\|Abraham]] ~~(Ibrahim)~~ built the Ka'~~aba~~ with Ishmael ~~around~~ the time he "~~binded~~" ~~Ishmael~~ (a ~~legend inspired~~ by, ~~though slightly different~~ from, the ~~Binding~~ of ~~Isaac)~~.		===History of the house of Abraham mythology===
			The Quran frequently mentions a secure sanctuary or house where rituals take place, which it names "the Ka'bah, the sacred house" in {{Quran-range\|5\|95\|97}}. Traditionally, this is identified with the "foundations of the house" raised by [[Ibrahim (Abraham)\|Abraham]] and [[Isma'il\|Ishmael]] in {{Quran\|2\|127}}, which is probably the intended implication. See also {{Quran\|3\|96\|97}} which says the first house for mankind where Abraham used to pray was built at Bakkah, generally understood to mean Mecca, and {{Quran-range\|14\|35\|41}} where the sacred house built by Abraham is described in the same terms as the Ka'bah in other verses. Even more explict is {{Quran-range\|22\|26\|29}} where the site of the house of Abraham is identified with the "ancient house" which it permits pilgrims to circumambulate. There is, however, little to no direct evidence on the pre-Islamic history of the Ka'bah in Mecca. In contrast, there is some significant indirect evidence bearing on the question and it does not favour the traditional understanding.

			In his paper ''Foundations of the house'', Joseph Witztum discusses this verse ({{Quran\|2\|127}}). He argues that the Quranic scene reflects a number of post-Biblical traditions building on [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2022&version=NIV Genesis 22] where Abraham goes to sacrifice Isaac (in the Quran, instead it is Ishmael). In later exegetical traditions, Abraham builds an altar for the sacrifice and Isaac willingly offers himself for slaughter. By the time of Josephus' ''Antiquities of the Jews'' 1:227 (1st century CE), Isaac even helps in its construction. In the 4th to 5th centuries several (mostly Syriac) Christian homilies take up this motif. Then a 6th century CE Syriac homily by Jacob of Serugh on Genesis 22 describes them as building not just an altar but a "house" (Syriac: bayta), like in the Quran (Arabic: bayt). Witztum argues that the Quran transfers this imagery associated with Jerusalem to Mecca.<ref>Joseph Witztum, [https://www.jstor.org/stable/40378843 The Foundations of the House (Q 2: 127)], Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, vol. 72, no. 1, 2009, pp. 25–40 ]<BR />In the Book of Jubilees (2nd century BCE), an altar built by Abraham in Hebron is mentioned. Abraham's house is also mentioned many times but only in the sense of his actual home or household, not a sanctuary.</ref> The clearly late development of the idea that Abraham build a sacred house in which to sacrifice his son undermines the idea that there is any history to the story, let alone that the Ka'bah in Mecca is the location where it happened. For many more examples of Syriac Christian narrative elements in the Quran, see the article [[Parallels Between the Qur'an and Late Antique Judeo-Christian Literature]]

			Witztum's findings are also summarised by Gabriel Said Reynolds in his academic commentary on the Quran. At the same time Reynolds notes that the 5th century CE Byzantine historian Sozomen (d. 450 CE) records that the Arabs made an annual pilgrimage to Hebron near Jerusalem where Abraham traditionally received a divine visitation (Genesis 18). Reynolds suggests the possibility that this Arab pilgrimage was eventually transferred to Mecca.<ref>Gabriel Said Reynolds, ''The Qur'an and the Bible: Text and Commentary'', New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2018, pp. 69-70</ref> Indeed, it seems strange that these Arabs would go all the way to Hebron for pilgrimage if Abraham's house was already identified with a sanctuary in Mecca at that time. Professor Sean Anthony has written a useful further discussion on the topic.<ref>Sean Anthony (2018) [https://www.academia.edu/40662088 Why Does the Qur'an Need the Meccan Sanctuary? Response to Professor Gerald Hawting's 2017 Presidential Address], Journal of the International Qur'anic Studies Association, Vol. 3 pp. 25-41</ref> Patricia Crone is widely considered to have established that Mecca was of no wider importance at the time of Islam's emergence, was not on the major trade route, and traded in goods like leather, wool and other pastoral products.<ref>This was definitively argued by Crone in her 1987 book ''Meccan Trade and the Rise of Islam'', and further defended and refined in her 1992 article [https://www.jstor.org/stable/4057061 Serjeant and Meccan Trade] and her 2007 article [https://www.jstor.org/stable/40378894 Quraysh and the Roman Army: Making Sense of the Meccan Leather Trade]</ref>

			A place called Macoraba in Arabia is mentioned in a geographic work by Ptolemy in the 2nd century CE. Many academic scholars believe this is a reference to Mecca (first proposed in the 16th century), and some even think that the name derives from an ancient South Arabian word for temple, mkrb. Others historians such as Patricia Crone and Ian D. Morris have argued that there is no good reason to believe Macoraba and Mecca are the same place. The idea has never been backed by any significant academic investigation, nor has any other ancient source been shown to describe Mecca or its temple.<ref>See the conclusion in Ian D. Morris (2018) [https://journals.library.columbia.edu/index.php/alusur/article/view/6850 Mecca and Macoraba] in: al-Usur al-wusta vol. 26 (2018)</ref>

			It seems that Muhammad unwittingly merely continued a pre-Islamic tradition of worship and pilgrimage at the Ka'bah. Its identification with the house of Abraham is without any historical foundation. Evidence suggests that not even the story that Abraham and his son built a sacred house at all had any significant antiquity.

	===''Qibla'', or direction of prayer===		===''Qibla'', or direction of prayer===
	Muslims worldwide face the Ka'aba in Mecca five times a day to preform their [[Salah\|daily prayers]] (~~another~~ of the Five Pillars of Islam). In this capacity, as the direction of prayer, the Ka'aba is referred to as the ''Qibla''. While it is taught by orthodox Islam that the Qibla changed during Muhammad's lifetime from Jerusalem to the Ka'aba, some recent critical scholarship has suggested that early Muslims after [[Muhammad's Death\|Muhammad's death]] used to face the city of Petra for several decades. ~~While critical research on the history of the Qibla~~ has ~~not yet proven entirely conclusive or achieved universal acceptance amongst~~ scholars~~, these findings do cast a good deal of doubt on~~ the ~~orthodox belief in the finalization of the Qibla at the Ka'aba in Mecca during Muhammad's lifetime~~.		Muslims worldwide face the Ka'aba in Mecca five times a day to preform their [[Salah\|daily prayers]] (one of the Five Pillars of Islam). In this capacity, as the direction of prayer, the Ka'aba is referred to as the ''Qibla''. While it is taught by orthodox Islam that the Qibla changed during Muhammad's lifetime from Jerusalem to the Ka'aba, some recent critical scholarship has suggested that early Muslims after [[Muhammad's Death\|Muhammad's death]] used to face the city of Petra for several decades. However, this view has been widely rejected by other academic scholars who have discussed the theory.

	===Hajj===		===Hajj===
	{{Main\|Hajj\|l1=Hajj}}Today, as with many Arabs during the pre-Islamic period, Muslims travel to the Ka'aba to perform the [[Hajj]] ceremony (which reflects in great detail the pilgrimage rituals of the pre-Islamic Arabs) at least once during their lifetime if they are financially and physically able.The Hajj is ~~one~~ of Islam's [[Five Pillars of Islam\|Five Pillars]] and has its rituals outlined in some detail in the Qur'an.		{{Main\|Hajj\|l1=Hajj}}Today, as with many Arabs during the pre-Islamic period, Muslims travel to the Ka'aba to perform the [[Hajj]] ceremony (which reflects in great detail the pilgrimage rituals of the pre-Islamic Arabs) at least once during their lifetime if they are financially and physically able. The Hajj is another of Islam's [[Five Pillars of Islam\|Five Pillars]] and has its rituals outlined in some detail in the Qur'an.

	===Black stone===		===Black stone===
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	150. Whensoever thou comest forth turn thy face toward the Inviolable Place of Worship [the Ka'aba]; and wheresoever ye may be (O Muslims) turn your faces toward it (when ye pray) so that men may have no argument against you, save such of them as do injustice - Fear them not, but fear Me! - and so that I may complete My grace upon you, and that ye may be guided.}}		150. Whensoever thou comest forth turn thy face toward the Inviolable Place of Worship [the Ka'aba]; and wheresoever ye may be (O Muslims) turn your faces toward it (when ye pray) so that men may have no argument against you, save such of them as do injustice - Fear them not, but fear Me! - and so that I may complete My grace upon you, and that ye may be guided.}}

			==References==
			{{Reflist\|30em}}

	==External links==		==External links==

	*[http://www.kabahinfo.net/ KabahInfo.net]
	*[http://www.hinduism.co.za/kaabaa.htm Kaaba, a Hindu Temple?]
	*[http://volker-doormann.org/the0.htm The Goddess]
	*[http://www.faithfreedom.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=592813#592813 Pagan origins of the Hajj]
	*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWzJXUAQQEE Inside the Kaaba] ''(cell phone video)''		*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWzJXUAQQEE Inside the Kaaba] ''(cell phone video)''
	*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40SNX5wLntU Inside the Kaaba] ''(3D animated film)''		*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40SNX5wLntU Inside the Kaaba] ''(3D animated film)''

IbnPinker at 20:36, 29 May 2021

2021-05-29T20:36:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:36, 29 May 2021
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	===Black stone===		===Black stone===
	{{Main\|Black Stone\|l1=Black Stone}}Housed in the eastern corner of the Ka'aba's walls is the [[black stone]], which is known to have been a sacred baetyl revered by the pre-Islamic Arabs. Islamic scriptures teach that the stone fell from heaven and was once completely white, only to be lost during Noah's flood and blackened by the sins of mankind. This stone is then said to have been provided back to [[Ibrahim]] by [[Gabriel]] as Ibrahim was constructing the Ka'aba		{{Main\|Black Stone\|l1=Black Stone}}Housed in the eastern corner of the Ka'aba's walls is the [[Black Stone\|black stone]], which is known to have been a sacred baetyl revered by the pre-Islamic Arabs. Islamic scriptures teach that the stone fell from heaven and was once completely white, only to be lost during Noah's flood and blackened by the sins of mankind. This stone is then said to have been provided back to [[Ibrahim (Abraham)\|Ibrahim]] by [[Gabriel]] as Ibrahim was constructing the Ka'aba

	===According to historians===		===According to historians===

IbnPinker at 20:36, 29 May 2021

2021-05-29T20:36:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:36, 29 May 2021
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	Prior to Muhammad claiming to receive [[Revelation\|revelations]] from [[Allah]], the Ka'aba served as a popular [[Pagan Origins of Islam\|pagan shrine]] that housed 360 idols and images of mostly pagan deities and attracted pilgrims and trade from many parts of Arabia. Particularly emphasized at this shrine during Muhammad's pre-Islamic years was the worship of the pagan Arab god [[Hubal]], often symbolically affiliated with the [[Crescent Moon\|crescent moon]] symbol.		Prior to Muhammad claiming to receive [[Revelation\|revelations]] from [[Allah]], the Ka'aba served as a popular [[Pagan Origins of Islam\|pagan shrine]] that housed 360 idols and images of mostly pagan deities and attracted pilgrims and trade from many parts of Arabia. Particularly emphasized at this shrine during Muhammad's pre-Islamic years was the worship of the pagan Arab god [[Hubal]], often symbolically affiliated with the [[Crescent Moon\|crescent moon]] symbol.

	Islamic scriptures teach that [[Ibrahim\|Abraham]] (Ibrahim) built the Ka'aba with Ishmael around the time he "binded" Ishmael (a legend inspired by, though slightly different from, the Binding of Isaac).		Islamic scriptures teach that [[Ibrahim (Abraham)\|Abraham]] (Ibrahim) built the Ka'aba with Ishmael around the time he "binded" Ishmael (a legend inspired by, though slightly different from, the Binding of Isaac).

	===''Qibla'', or direction of prayer===		===''Qibla'', or direction of prayer===
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	===Black stone===		===Black stone===
	{{Main\|Black ~~stone~~\|l1=Black ~~stone~~}}Housed in the eastern corner of the Ka'aba's walls is the [[black stone]], which is known to have been a sacred baetyl revered by the pre-Islamic Arabs. Islamic scriptures teach that the stone fell from heaven and was once completely white, only to be lost during Noah's flood and blackened by the sins of mankind. This stone is then said to have been provided back to [[Ibrahim]] by [[Gabriel]] as Ibrahim was constructing the Ka'aba		{{Main\|Black Stone\|l1=Black Stone}}Housed in the eastern corner of the Ka'aba's walls is the [[black stone]], which is known to have been a sacred baetyl revered by the pre-Islamic Arabs. Islamic scriptures teach that the stone fell from heaven and was once completely white, only to be lost during Noah's flood and blackened by the sins of mankind. This stone is then said to have been provided back to [[Ibrahim]] by [[Gabriel]] as Ibrahim was constructing the Ka'aba

	===According to historians===		===According to historians===