Kaaba, also known as Al-Bayt Al-Haram, is the symbol of monotheism. Millions of muslims offer prayers five times a day facing the Kaaba. It is more than a direction but a symbol of faith and unity of Muslims. The Quran highlights the sanctity and importance of the Kaaba on numerous occasions.
Qur’anic Verses About Visiting the Kaaba
The Quran is the sacred book revealed by Allah to mankind. Many verses in the Quran encourage believers to visit the Kaaba to perform Umrah and Hajj. Allah Almighty bestows countless blessings upon pilgrims during these sacred rites. It is important to plan for this blessed journey. Pilgrims from the UK can find Umrah packages from London for a convenient and budget-friendly pilgrimage.
Kaaba: The First House of Worship
The Kaaba is recognised as the first house built to worship Allah Almighty. Many verses in the Quran emphasise this fact and its importance.
In Surah Aal-’Imran ayah 96, it is said
إِنَّ أَوَّلَ بَيْتٍۢ وُضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِى بِبَكَّةَ مُبَارَكًۭا وَهُدًۭى لِّلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah – blessed and a guidance for the worlds.
This verse tells us about the Kaaba’s existence before any other place of worship. Kaaba is a place for guidance, not only for Muslims but for all mankind. It is a place where Muslims unburden their souls from the loads of sins and worldly grief.
The Legacy of Prophet Ibrahim(AS)
Hazrat Ibrahim(AS) and his son Hazrat Ismail(AS) built the Kaaba on Allah’s command. The role of Both Prophets is acknowledged at various occasions in the Quran.
In Surah Al-Baqarah ayah 125 Allah says
وَإِذْ جَعَلْنَا ٱلْبَيْتَ مَثَابَةًۭ لِّلنَّاسِ وَأَمْنًۭا وَٱتَّخِذُوا۟ مِن مَّقَامِ إِبْرَٰهِـۧمَ مُصَلًّۭى ۖ وَعَهِدْنَآ إِلَىٰٓ إِبْرَٰهِـۧمَ وَإِسْمَـٰعِيلَ أَن طَهِّرَا بَيْتِىَ لِلطَّآئِفِينَ وَٱلْعَـٰكِفِينَ وَٱلرُّكَّعِ ٱلسُّجُودِ
And [mention] when We made the House a place of return for the people and [a place of] security. And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Abraham a place of prayer. And We charged Abraham and Ishmael, [saying], “Purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who are staying [there] for worship and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer].”
This verse highlights that pilgrimage represents the legacy of Hazrat Ibrahim and Ismail. This monument was built as a symbol of monotheism. Today, Muslims pay tribute to the faith and teachings of the Prophet.
Importance of Pilgrimage
Muslims follow Allah’s command by visiting His house for pilgrimage. They follow in the footsteps of the Prophets and acknowledge Allah’s oneness. They also submit to Allah’s will and accept his might and powers worldwide.
Surah Al-Imran ayah 97 states
فِيهِ ءَايَـٰتٌۢ بَيِّنَـٰتٌۭ مَّقَامُ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ ۖ وَمَن دَخَلَهُۥ كَانَ ءَامِنًۭا ۗ وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ حِجُّ ٱلْبَيْتِ مَنِ ٱسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًۭا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِىٌّ عَنِ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.
This verse emphasises the importance of obligatory pilgrimage and tells us about Allah’s authority. The house of Allah provides unlimited rewards and safety to the believers.
Rewards of Visiting the House of Allah
Guests are considered a blessing of Allah in the Islamic religion. One can only imagine how Allah treats His guests. Allah commands muslims to visit His house to collect the countless blessings and rewards.
Surah Al-Baqarah ayah 158
إِنَّ ٱلصَّفَا وَٱلْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَآئِرِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنْ حَجَّ ٱلْبَيْتَ أَوِ ٱعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَن يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا ۚ وَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًۭا فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ
Indeed, as-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs ‘umrah – there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good – then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing.
This verse clearly states the rewards of performing the pilgrimage. The reason for visiting the Kaaba is Allah’s appreciation. Allah also blesses the pilgrims with unlimited rewards.
Travel Tips
Millions of muslims visit the Kaaba to perform Umrah and Hajj each year. Therefore, preparing for this journey in advance is essential to avoid problems with flights, accommodations and transportation. Pilgrims can apply for an Umrah visa online. The application process is straightforward.
Final Thoughts
The Quran shows us that the Kaaba is not just a historic monument but a symbol of faith and divine connection. Visiting the Kaaba means submission, repentance, and renewal. It requires a divine invitation from Allah. The journey to Allah’s house is not just physical but emotional. Each step represents the pilgrims’ devotion and faith. Allah rewards pilgrims for each step and multiplies His blessings for each good deed performed during this journey.
