What is Hidden Inside the Kaaba at the Centre of Mecca?

Located in the heart of Mecca, the Kaaba is the centre of worship for Muslims all over the world. It holds great importance in the Islamic culture. Pilgrims every year take flights to Saudi Arabia, through special packages or privately, to perform Hajj or Umrah. They circle around it counter-clockwise seven times while they pray to Allah. Every prayer a Muslim performs, no matter where they are located in the world, they perform it while facing in the direction of the Kaaba.

It is a symbolic place of Allah’s residence, and while it is the focal point of the entire Muslim community, not everyone is allowed to enter it. This means that a vast majority of people don’t know what is inside the Kaaba. It is human nature to be curious about something that they don’t have access to, and it is natural for Muslims to wonder what is hidden inside the Kaaba. We will discuss just that in this article, along with its origins, importance, architecture, and more.

What Lies Within Kaaba?

In Arabic, the Kaaba means cube, which signifies its physical structure. It is a black stone building located in the middle of the Haram in Mecca. As for what is hidden inside the Kaaba, it covers about 180 square meters of area and has three wooden pillars that hold the ceiling in place.

Originally, it did not have a roof and it was added by the tribe of Quraysh when they rebuilt it. The pillars, however, were built by Abdullah bin Zubair. Aside from the three pillars, there is an enclosed staircase that leads to a hatch, which is an opening to a small rectangular space that has no windows, and a door provides access to the roof.

As stated, the holy al-Baytu’l-?ar?m is not open to the public and can only be seen from the outside. This makes the imagination of Muslims all over the world run wild. However, there is nothing inside it, no treasures or relics. It has minimal furnishing inside, which signifies that it is a sacred space rather than a tourist sport that has to be decorated.

With that out of the way, let us take an in-depth look into the architecture, historical significance, and mysteries surrounding it.

Historical Significance of Kaaba

The history of the Kaaba dates back to ancient times, as it was originally built by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Isma'il (Ishmael). As a reminder of their efforts, Maqam Ibrahim is just outside it, which marks the spot where Abraham stood when he built the al-Baytu’l-?ar?m.

Even before the advent of Islam, it was the site of pilgrimage for various tribes in Arabia. Over time, these pilgrims filled the Baytu’l-?ar?m with idols that they worshiped. In the 7^th century, with the arrival of Islam, it became a central point of the Islamic faith. As the Prophet (PBUH) arrived in Mecca, the Kaaba was cleansed of all idols and was dedicated to worshipping only Allah.

It also symbolises the unity among the Muslims globally. As stated, its direction (Qibla) is the focus of Islamic prayers, which reinforces its significance in daily worship.

Architecture and Structure

The al-Baytu’l-?ar?m is made from granite stone and is standing on foundations that were built centuries ago. Let’s start with the exterior, it is draped in Kiswah, a black silk cloth, which itself is embroidered with verses from the Quran. The embroidery is done with gold. This cloth is replaced every year, which symbolises renewal.

When talking about the Kaaba, how can we forget to mention Hajar al-Aswad, which is a black stone embedded in the eastern corner of the al-Baytu’l-?ar?m? The stone itself has a lot of history, but more on that later. Muslims try to kiss the stone when performing Tawaf to follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Now let’s move to the interior of the Holy Kaaba. The floor and walls on the inside are made from marble. The walls specifically are adorned with rose-coloured marble stones and are constructed in a way that they don’t come into contact with the original walls.

The walls and the ceiling are covered with red silk curtains, which are embroidered with white text. There are also stones placed fixed on the marble walls of al-Baytu’l-?ar?m, and each of them has Arabic calligraphy inscribed on them. On top of that, all the stones use the same script to inscribe except for one. The inscriptions commemorate past rulers of Saudi Arabia for their contributions to the architecture of the Kaaba.

Some lanterns hang from the ceiling, and their origin can be traced all the way back to the Ottoman era. These lanterns are made from copper, silver, and glass and are adorned with verses from the Quran. Furthermore, there are marks on the floor that are said to signify the spot where Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) prayed when he entered the Kaaba.

Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad)

As stated, the black stone is lodged into the Kaaba and has a long history behind it. The most interesting thing about Hajar al-Aswad is that it used to be white and turned black over time. As per Islamic beliefs, the stone absorbs the sins of the pilgrims who touch or kiss it during Hajj. This is why we see pilgrims trying their best to get close to it during the greater pilgrimage, and you can be sure to see such a scene during Hajj 2025. However, if they can’t make physical contact with the stone, they must point at it.

However, it is not a single piece, instead, it is three large pieces and some fragments held together with silver. It used to be a single piece but was stolen. Eight pieces of Hajar al-Aswad are in Mecca, placed on the Kaaba, while six remain in Istanbul, Turkey.

Who Can Enter the Kaaba?

While millions of pilgrims perform Hajj and Umrah each year, they are not allowed to enter the Kaaba. Muslims can only perform Tawaf around it or touch it, but they can’t enter. The only ones who may enter al-Baytu’l-?ar?m are select people like the following:

• Muslim dignitaries: Officials from other Muslim countries are granted permission to enter the Kaaba. However, only the high-ranking ones are allowed. Also, leaders of Islamic organisations are permitted to enter it.
• Islamic Scholars: Prominent clerics and scholars may be allowed to enter al-Baytu’l-?ar?m. They are often permitted if they are part of an official delegation or during religious ceremonies.
• Special Guests: While it is rare, the government of Saudi Arabia has allowed some of its revered guests to see the inside of the Kaaba. In recent history, they have even allowed non-Muslims to enter it and bask in its beauty.

Symbol of Peace and Unity Among Muslims

The Kaaba is more than just a physical structure that pilgrims circle throughout the year to gain Allah’s blessings and have their sins forgiven. It is not only a Qibla for Muslims all over the world to perform their daily prayers, but also a symbol of unity and a focal point of understanding among various sects. It can and does play a vital role in global peace, and here is how:

The very idea of a single point on the face of the earth embodies the core principles of unity and submission to Allah. It is a powerful symbol that transcends the religious and cultural boundaries. It can foster an understanding among diverse Muslim communities.

Since it is already a beacon of unification for Muslims, events and discussions can be held near or about it. This can serve as a platform where leaders and followers of different faiths come together. In the long run, these interfaith meetings can foster an environment of respect and learning, highlighting common values such as compassion, charity, and the pursuit of truth. This would not be difficult to achieve, as we already see millions of pilgrims booking their Umrah packages to perform the minor pilgrimage each year.

The Role of Kaaba in Addressing Modern Issues

As stated, al-Baytu’l-?ar?m is more than just a building that serves as a symbolic Allah’s residence. It can play an important role in addressing contemporary issues like social injustice, environmental awareness, and interfaith dialogue, and here is how:

• Social injustice: There is the issue of social inequality. The Kaaba represents ideas that can drive movements for equality and fairness. The experience of Hajj often sparks a sense of duty. Pilgrims may return home eager to tackle social issues, from poverty to bias. Charitable efforts can grow, showing the Islamic duty to care for the needy.
• Cultural Exchange: Consider the vibrant cultural sharing during Hajj and Umrah. People from all walks of life come together, creating a melting pot of traditions and ideas. This sharing can break down stereotypes. When pilgrims share stories, they build empathy. The al-Baytu’l-?ar?m becomes a place for celebrating variety, reminding everyone of the beauty in our differences.
• Crisis Response: In times of crisis, it can also be a joining force. In case of a natural disaster, it’s vital to act quickly. Groups can use its symbol to rally support, urging Muslims worldwide to respond to urgent needs. Awareness campaigns can grow, pointing out crises and sparking action, reminding the community of its shared duty.
• Environmental Awareness: Now, let’s shift focus to the environment. The Kaaba’s significance can inspire urgent conversations about sustainability. Hajj draws millions, which brings a responsibility to care for our planet. Initiatives could promote eco-friendly practices—like waste reduction and energy conservation—during this massive gathering. Islamic teachings emphasise stewardship of the earth, making it a natural call to action for Muslims.

Final Thoughts

The importance of the Holy Kaaba can’t be denied. It is a symbol of unity and understanding among global Muslim communities. As for what is hidden inside it? If you want to hear that there are priceless relics and treasures behind the silk black cloth embroidered with gold, then you would be disappointed. All it hides are a few historical pieces, which include inscribed marble stone pieces and a few relics of the past. The real significance and purpose of the Kaaba is to bring Muslims together for Hajj and Umrah. If you are looking to book your Umrah or Hajj package, then Muslims Holy Travel is here to help. We offer special travel packages that cover everything from Saudi Arabia flights to meals. If you are wondering how much is Hajj from the UK? We can tell you that with us, it's very cheap. Visit our website for a quote and book your Umrah package today.