The short answer
Who built the Kaaba? The Quran names Ibrahim, peace be upon him, and Ismail, peace be upon him, as raising its foundations (Al-Baqarah 2:127), and gives no date. Saudipedia places it within the Grand Mosque in Makkah (Mecca); it is also spelt Kaba or Kaabah, and called Khana Kaba in Urdu. Muslims face towards the Sacred Mosque in prayer (Al-Baqarah 2:144).
What is the Kaaba, and where is it?
Saudipedia describes the Grand Mosque, Al-Masjid al-Haram, as the mosque that houses al-Kaaba al-Musharrafa, in Makkah al-Mukarramah.5 You may also see the name spelt Kabah.
Who built the Kaaba, according to the Quran?
Al-Baqarah 2:127 names Ibrahim and Ismail as raising the foundations of the House. It gives no calendar date, and it names no builder before them.9
وَإِذْ يَرْفَعُ إِبْرَٰهِـۧمُ ٱلْقَوَاعِدَ مِنَ ٱلْبَيْتِ وَإِسْمَـٰعِيلُ رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّآ ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ
The Quran passages on this page do not name an earlier builder. A later section reports one from Saudipedia as a view, and this page does not adopt it.
When was the Kaaba built, and has it been rebuilt?
The Quran passage gives no date. The later reports describe rebuilding, so the origin of the site and the history of its rebuilding are separate questions.
'Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, reports that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, told her that Quraysh had reduced the area of the Kaaba when they built it. He said that he would otherwise have demolished the Kaaba and rebuilt it on the foundations laid by Ibrahim, and his reason was that her people had been unbelievers until recently. This is Sahih Muslim 1333a, graded sahih (authentic).1
1AuthenticSahih Muslim 1333a
Sahih al-Bukhari 1586, also graded sahih (authentic), gives the same speech in more detail. In it, the Prophet's proposal was to demolish the building, take in the part left out, level it with the ground, and make two doors, one to the east and one to the west. The building would then reach the foundations of Abraham.2
The report then adds a separate account by Yazid bin Ruman, the narrator named in its chain. He says that he saw Ibn al-Zubayr, may Allah be pleased with him, demolish and rebuild the Kaaba and include part of al-Hijr in it. The report adds that the Prophet's speech was what led Ibn al-Zubayr to demolish it. That comment comes before Yazid's account and is not the Prophet's words.2
2AuthenticSahih al-Bukhari 1586
| Source | What it says |
|---|---|
| Al-Baqarah 2:1279 | Ibrahim and Ismail raise the foundations. No date. |
| Sahih Muslim 1333a1 | Quraysh reduced the area. The Prophet's reason for not rebuilding on Ibrahim's foundations. |
| Sahih al-Bukhari 15862 | The Prophet's proposal with two doors. A narrator reports seeing Ibn al-Zubayr demolish and rebuild the Kaaba. No date. |
| Saudipedia, Grand Mosque5 | Ibn al-Zubayr built it in 684, as the Prophet had wanted. Abd al-Malik ordered it rebuilt on the Quraysh construction in 693. |
| Saudipedia, Grand Mosque5 | Floods in 1631 destroyed the northern wall and parts of the eastern and western walls. Sultan Murad Khan ordered demolition and reconstruction. |
| Saudipedia, Grand Mosque5 | King Fahd ordered a complete renovation, inside and outside, in 1996. |
Where sources differ: Saudipedia dates two rebuildings: Ibn al-Zubayr's in 684 and Abd al-Malik's in 693. Sahih al-Bukhari 1586 describes Ibn al-Zubayr's rebuilding with no date. This page does not choose between these accounts. Saudipedia gives these years without Hijri equivalents, and this page does not convert them.5
Saudipedia also says that historians have debated who first built the Kaaba. It gives as the prevailing view that the building was constructed before Adam, peace be upon him, with angels as its first builders. The Quran passages cited on this page do not say this, and this page does not adopt it.5
Why is the Kaaba important to Muslims?
Al-Baqarah 2:144 tells Muslims to turn their faces towards the Sacred Mosque when they pray. 95
To find that direction from where you are, our qibla finder gives it as a compass bearing.
وَإِذْ بَوَّأْنَا لِإِبْرَٰهِيمَ مَكَانَ ٱلْبَيْتِ أَن لَّا تُشْرِكْ بِى شَيْـًٔا وَطَهِّرْ بَيْتِىَ لِلطَّآئِفِينَ وَٱلْقَآئِمِينَ وَٱلرُّكَّعِ ٱلسُّجُودِ وَأَذِّن فِى ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًا وَعَلَىٰ كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ لِّيَشْهَدُوا۟ مَنَـٰفِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا۟ ٱسْمَ ٱللَّهِ فِىٓ أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَـٰتٍ عَلَىٰ مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّنۢ بَهِيمَةِ ٱلْأَنْعَـٰمِ ۖ فَكُلُوا۟ مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا۟ ٱلْبَآئِسَ ٱلْفَقِيرَ ثُمَّ لْيَقْضُوا۟ تَفَثَهُمْ وَلْيُوفُوا۟ نُذُورَهُمْ وَلْيَطَّوَّفُوا۟ بِٱلْبَيْتِ ٱلْعَتِيقِ
Al-Hajj 22:26 says that Allah prepared the place of the House for Ibrahim, and asks that it be purified for those who circle it, stand, bow and prostrate. Al-Hajj 22:29 tells people to go round the ancient House.9
Quraysh 106:3 tells people to worship the Lord of this House. The verse directs worship to the Lord, not to the building.9
For learning the prayer itself, go to How to pray Salah. This page gives no bearing from any location.
What is the Kaaba's covering?
The kiswa is the covering of the Kaaba. Saudipedia says it is woven with threads of silk, gold and silver, and that its largest section is renewed and delivered to the senior Sudanah of the Grand Mosque on the first day of each Hijri year. Saudipedia adds that it is made at the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Kiswa.6
What is inside the Kaaba?
From the inside, Saudipedia describes the Kaaba as a solid rectangular structure with no windows, with a floor of coloured marble, mostly white.7 Its list of interior elements includes three wooden pillars that support the roof, nine marble stones with inscriptions on the wall, a silk curtain embroidered with the Shahada and some holy names of Allah, and a marble plaque that refers to King Fahd's renovation.7
The list also names Bab al-Tawbah, a gold door in the north-east corner that leads to the roof and ceiling.7
Where is the Black Stone?
Saudipedia's Black Stone page places the stone in the south-eastern corner of the Kaaba, next to the Yamani corner on its eastern side, and says it marks the beginning and end of tawaf (going round the Kaaba in worship).8 Its Grand Mosque page describes the stone as seen from the outside, about one and a half metres above the ground, with the rest of it inside the building.8
What is al-Hijr?
Al-Hijr is the area Quraysh left out of the building. Saudipedia says Quraysh left that area out for lack of funds, and walled that area off so that it would be known as part of the Kaaba.5
Sahih al-Bukhari 1586 reports that Ibn al-Zubayr included part of al-Hijr when he rebuilt the building.2
What is the Black Stone's place in worship?
Sahih al-Bukhari 1597 records 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, kissing the Black Stone. He said that he knew it was a stone that can neither benefit nor harm, and that he kissed it because he had seen the Prophet kiss it.3
3AuthenticSahih al-Bukhari 1597
These are 'Umar's words about the practice. The report does not attribute them to the Prophet, and it says the stone can neither benefit nor harm. This page gives no ruling on touching or kissing the stone during tawaf.
Can people go inside the Kaaba?
Sahih al-Bukhari 1598 reports one occasion. The Prophet entered the Kaaba with Usama bin Zayd, Bilal and Uthman bin Talha, Usama bin Zayd, may Allah be pleased with him, Bilal, may Allah be pleased with him, and Uthman bin Talha, may Allah be pleased with him, and they closed the door. Salim reports his father's account: after the door was opened, his father asked Bilal whether the Prophet had prayed inside, and Bilal said that he had, between the two Yemeni pillars.4
4AuthenticSahih al-Bukhari 1598
The report describes that one occasion. It is not a rule about who may enter today. Saudipedia describes an annual washing of the inside on the fifteenth of Muharram, under supervision, and openings for some visiting leaders on official and unofficial missions, which it describes as an honour.6
This page gives no entry booking, guarantee or schedule. For any plans, check current arrangements with the authorities responsible for the Grand Mosque.
I used to think the Kaaba was what I was bowing to. A teacher showed me that we face it in prayer, and that the worship is for Allah alone. That stayed with me.
Practice: separate the claims
Three checks, each with its source.
1Does Al-Baqarah 2:127 give a calendar year for the building?
Answer: No, it names the builders without a date. The verse names Ibrahim and Ismail as raising the foundations and gives no calendar date. Source 9
2Where does Saudipedia place the Black Stone?
Answer: In the south-eastern corner of the building, next to the Yamani corner. Saudipedia's Black Stone page places it in the south-eastern corner, next to the Yamani corner, and says it marks the beginning and end of tawaf (going round the Kaaba, as in Al-Hajj 22:29). Source 8
3Who speaks in Sahih al-Bukhari 1597 about kissing the Black Stone?
Answer: 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him. The report preserves 'Umar's own words. The Prophet appears only as the one 'Umar saw kissing the stone. Source 3
Questions people ask
How old is the Kaaba?
No source on this page dates the original building; Saudipedia's pre-Adam view is reported, not adopted. Al-Baqarah 2:127 gives no calendar date for Ibrahim and Ismail raising its foundations, and Saudipedia says historians have debated who first built it. The dated events Saudipedia gives, from 684 to 1996, are rebuildings, not the age of the sacred site.
Has the Kaaba been destroyed?
It has been demolished and rebuilt at different times, according to the sources on this page. Sahih al-Bukhari 1586 reports Ibn al-Zubayr, may Allah be pleased with him, demolishing and rebuilding it. Saudipedia says floods in 1631 destroyed its northern wall, and that Sultan Murad Khan then ordered its demolition and reconstruction.
Do Muslims worship the Kaaba?
Quraysh 106:3 tells people to worship the Lord of this House, and Al-Baqarah 2:144 tells Muslims to face the Sacred Mosque in prayer. This page does not say that the building has any power, and it gives no ruling on how the direction is found.
Who can go inside the Kaaba?
Sahih al-Bukhari 1598 reports one occasion when the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, went in with companions and prayed inside. Saudipedia describes an annual washing on the fifteenth of Muharram and openings for some visiting leaders. Neither is a public entry rule, so check current arrangements with the authorities responsible for the Grand Mosque.
Sources
Every claim on this page comes from one of these. Gradings are reported with the scholar's name; we do not grade hadith ourselves.
- 1
'Aisha reports that the Prophet said that Quraysh reduced the area of the Kaaba when they built it, and that he would have rebuilt it on Ibrahim's foundations had her people not been recent in unbelief.
Sahih Muslim 1333a Book 15, Hadith 444
Authentic: in Sahih Muslim
- 2
The Prophet's words to 'Aisha set out a proposed rebuilding with two doors on Ibrahim's foundations. A narrator in the chain, Yazid bin Ruman, separately reports that he saw Ibn al-Zubayr demolish and rebuild the Kaaba and include part of al-Hijr.
Sahih al-Bukhari 1586 Book 25, Hadith 72
Authentic: in Sahih al-Bukhari
- 3
'Umar kissed the Black Stone, said that he knew it was a stone that neither benefits nor harms, and explained that he kissed it because he had seen the Prophet kiss it.
Sahih al-Bukhari 1597 Book 25, Hadith 83
Authentic: in Sahih al-Bukhari
- 4
Usama bin Zayd, Bilal, Uthman bin Talha and the Prophet entered the Kaaba and closed the door. Salim reports his father's account: that his father, after the door was opened, asked Bilal, who said the Prophet prayed inside between the two Yemeni pillars.
Sahih al-Bukhari 1598 Book 25, Hadith 84
Authentic: in Sahih al-Bukhari
- 5
Saudipedia's Grand Mosque page, read on 26 October 2026, gives an institutional history of al-Kaaba al-Musharrafa: that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, wanted it rebuilt on Ibrahim's foundations with two doors; that Abdullah Ibn al-Zubayr built it in 684 as the Prophet had wanted; that Caliph Abd al-Malik ordered it rebuilt on the original Quraysh construction in 693; that floods in 1631 destroyed its northern wall and parts of the eastern and western walls, and that Sultan Murad Khan ordered its demolition and reconstruction; and that King Fahd ordered a complete renovation from inside and outside in 1996. The same page says historians have debated who first built it, and gives as the prevailing view that it was built before Adam, peace be upon him, with angels as its first builders. Its Al-Hijr section says Quraysh left that area out for lack of funds and walled it off so that it would be known as part of the Kaaba.
Saudipedia, Grand Mosque: the history of al-Kaaba al-Musharrafa, and al-Hijr Read on 26 October 2026. Record: reference-saudipedia-kaaba-history.
- 6
Saudipedia's Grand Mosque page, read on 26 October 2026, says the Kiswa, the covering of the Kaaba, is woven with threads of silk, gold and silver, and that its largest section is renewed and delivered to the senior Sudanah of the Grand Mosque on the first day of each Hijri year, made at the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Kiswa. Under 'Kaaba opening occasions' it says that the inside of the Kaaba is washed once a year on the fifteenth of Muharram under the supervision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques or his representative, and that some leaders of Islamic countries and their senior officials are admitted on official and unofficial missions as an honour.
Saudipedia, Grand Mosque: the Kiswa, and the Kaaba opening occasions Read on 26 October 2026. Record: reference-saudipedia-kaaba-kiswa-openings.
- 7
Saudipedia's list of the internal elements of al-Kaaba al-Musharrafa, read on 26 October 2026, lists three wooden pillars supporting the roof; nine marble stones fixed to the wall with Thuluth script, except one in Kufic script; a silk curtain covering the wall and ceiling, embroidered with the Shahada and some holy names of Allah; a marble plaque bearing the document of King Fahd about the renovation; a suspended runner between the pillars; and Bab al-Tawbah, made of pure gold, leading to the roof and ceiling, in the north-east corner. Saudipedia's Grand Mosque page adds that from the inside the Kaaba is a solid rectangular structure with no windows, and that its floor is covered with coloured marble, white predominating.
Saudipedia, List of the Internal Elements of al-Kaaba al-Musharrafa Read on 26 October 2026. Record: reference-saudipedia-kaaba-interior.
- 8
Saudipedia's Black Stone page says the Black Stone is placed in the south-eastern corner of al-Kaaba al-Musharrafa, adjacent to the Yamani corner on its eastern side, and marks the beginning and end of tawaf. Saudipedia's Grand Mosque page, read on 26 October 2026, says the stone is in the south-eastern corner seen from the outside, is about one and a half metres high from the ground, and that the rest of it is inside the building. Both pages also report a heavenly-origin account of the stone, which this record does not use.
Saudipedia, The Black Stone, and the Black Stone section of the Grand Mosque page Read on 26 October 2026. Record: reference-saudipedia-black-stone.
- 9
Quran Arabic and English for Al-Baqarah 2:127 and Al-Hajj 22:26 to 29; the references to Al-Baqarah 2:144 and Quraysh 106:3.
Tanzil Project Uthmani text, CC BY 3.0. English: adapted from Marmaduke Pickthall's translation (1930), modernised and checked against modern translations.
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