CONSTRUCTION OF KA’BA

CONSTRUCTION OF KA’BA

At this place both father and son constructed that center of Islamic movement which is renowned today as Ka’ba in the whole world. Allah Himself selected this center and suggested its site. This building was not meant merely for the purpose of worshipping, as mosques are, but from the very first day it was made the propagation and preaching center of the universal movement of Islam, and it’s purpose was that believers of Allah, drawn from all places, should assemble here, perform the ‘Ibadat of Allah collectively and go back to their respective countries with them the message of Islam. This was the assembly which was named Hajj. The full details of how this center was constructed, with what sentiments and prayers both father and son raised its walls and how Hajj was initiated are given thus in the Qur’an:

“Lo! the first sanctuary erected for mankind was, that at Mecca, a blessed place, a guidance to the peoples; wherein are plain memorials (of Allah’s guidance); the place where Abraham stood up to pray; and whosoever entereth it is safe.” (Al-Qur’an 2 : 95-97)

“Have they not seen that We have appointed a sanctuary immune (from violence), wink mankind are ravaged all around them."

(AI-Qur'an 29 : 67)

That is there was always peace in Ka’ba, when all around were rampant plunder, murder, and devastation and conflict and warfare, so much so that even the wild Beduin, on detecting the murderer of even their father in its precincts, did not dare to touch him

Supplications of Abraham and !small

"And when We made the House (at Mecca) a resort for mankind and a 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 meditate therein and those who how and prostrate themselves (in worship). And when Abraham prayed: My Lard! make this a region of security and bestow upon its people  fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the last day…

 And when Abraham and Ishmael were raising the .foundation of the House, (they prayed) Our Lord! Accept from us (this service). Lo! Thou, only Thou, are the Hearet; the Knower, Our Lord! And make us submissive wire Thee and of our seed a nation submissive unto Thee, and show us our way of worship, and relent toward us. Lo! Thou, only Thou, are the Relenting, the Met-cilia. Our Lord! And raise up in their midst a messenger from among them who shall recite unto them Thy revelations, and shall instruct them in the Scripture and in wisdom and shall make them pure. Lo! Thou, only Thou, are the Mighty, Wise!

(Al Qur'an : 125-129)

"And when Abraham said : My Lord ! Make safe this  territory and preserve me and my sous from strving idols. My Lord ! Lo ! They have led many of mankind  astray. But whoso follows me, he verily is of me. And  whoso disobeys me        still Thou are Forgiving, Merciful. Our Lord! Lo ! I have settled some of my posterity in an uncultivable valley near unto Thy holy House, our Lord ! that they may establish proper worship; so incline some hearts of men that they may yearn toward them, and provide Thou them with fruits in order that they may be thankful.

(Al-Qur'an 14 :35-37)

"And (remember when We prepared for Abraham the place of the (holy) House, saying: Ascribe thou nothing as partner unto Me, and purify my House for those who make the round (thereof) and those who stand and those who bow and make prostration. And proclaim unto mankind the Pilgrimage. They will come unto thee on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every deep ravine. That they may witness things that are of benefit to them, and mention the name of Allah on appointed days over the best of cattle that He has bestowed upon them (i.e., sacrifice animals). Then eat thereof and feed therewith the poor unfortunate." (Al-Qur'an 21:26-28)

Brethren-in-Islam!

This is the story of the beginning of that Hajj which has been acclaimed as the fifth pillar of Islam. You would know from it that Mecca was the headquarter of the mission of that Prophet who was appointed for the first time in the world to propagate the message of Islam. Ka’ba was that focal point from where this preaching was conveyed to different parts of the world, and the system of Hajj was introduced for this reason that all those who affirm servitude to God and enter into submission to Him, no matter to which nation or country they belong, should get attached to one centre and assembling here circumambulate it once every year. It would be as if outwardly they set the design of their inward feeling that their life resembles the wheel which always revolves round its axle.