THE KA'BAH: ITS SIZE AND HISTORY

The small, cubed building known as the Kaba [Ka'bah] may not rival skyscrapers in height or mansions in width, but its impact on history and human beings is unmatched. The Kaba is the building towards which Muslims face five times a day, every day, in prayer. This has been the case since the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) over 1400 years ago.

The Size of the Kaba

The current height of the Kaba is 39 feet, 6 inches and total size comes to 627 square feet. The inside room of the Kaba is 13 x 9 meters. The Kaba's walls are one meter wide. The floor inside is 2.2 meters higher than the place where people perform Tawaf. The ceiling and roof are two levels made out of wood. They were reconstructed with teak which is capped with stainless steel. The walls are all made of stone. The stones inside are unpolished, while the ones outside are polished.

This small building has been constructed and reconstructed by Prophets Adam, Ibrahim [Abraham], Ismail [Ishmael] and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). No other building has had this honour. Yet, not very much is [commonly] known about the details of this small but significant building. Did you know the Kaba was reconstructed as recently as close to four years ago? Did you know that the Kaba has been subjected to danger by natural disasters like flooding, as well as human attacks? If you didn't keep reading, you'll find some rarely heard of information discussed below and discover facts about the Kaba many are unaware of.

The Other Names of the Kaba

Literally, Kaba in Arabic means a high place with respect and prestige. The word Kaba may also be a derivative of a word meaning cube. Some of these other names include: Bait ul Ateeq which means, according to one meaning, the earliest and ancient. According to the second meaning, it means independent and liberating. Both meanings could be taken.

The History of the Kaba

Scholars and historians say that the Kaba has been reconstructed between five to twelve times. The very first construction of the Kaba was done by Prophet Adam. Allah [swt] says in the Quran that this was the first house that was built for humanity to worship Allah. After this, Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail rebuilt the Kaba. The measurements of the Kaba's Ibrahimic foundation are as follows:

- the eastern wall was 48 feet and 6 inches
- the Hateem side wall was 33 feet
- the side between the black stone and the Yemeni corner was 30 feet
- the Western side was 46.5 feet

Following this, there were several constructions before Prophet Muhammad's time.

Prophet Muhammad participated in one of its reconstructions before he became a Prophet. After a flash flood, the Kaba was damaged and its walls cracked. It needed rebuilding. This responsibility was divided among the Quraish's four tribes. Prophet Muhammad helped with this reconstruction. Once the walls were erected, it was time to place the Black Stone, (the Hajar ul Aswad) on the eastern wall of the Kaba.

Arguments erupted about who would have the honor of putting the Black Stone in its place. A fight was about to break out over the issue, when Abu Umayyah, Makkah's oldest man, proposed that the first man to enter the gate of the mosque the following morning would decide the matter. That man was the Prophet. The Makkans were ecstatic. "This is the trustworthy one (Al-Ameen)," they shouted in a chorus. "This is Muhammad". He came to them and they asked him to decide on the matter. He agreed.

Prophet Muhammad proposed a solution that all agreed to putting the Black Stone on a cloak, the elders of each of the clans held on to one edge of the cloak and carried the stone to its place. The Prophet then picked up the stone and placed it on the wall of the Kaba.

Since the tribe of Quraish did not have sufficient funds, this reconstruction did not include the entire foundation of the Kaba as built by Prophet Ibrahim. This is the first time the Kaba acquired the cubical shape it has now unlike the rectangle shape which it had earlier. The portion of the Kaba left out is called Hateem now....

What is inside the Kaba?

Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi is the president of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). He had the opportunity to go inside the Kaba in October 1998. In an interview with Sound Vision, he described the following features:
- there are two pillars inside (others report 3 pillars)
- there is a table on the side to put items like perfume
- there are two lantern-type lamps hanging from the ceiling
- the space can accommodate about 50 people
- there are no electric lights inside
- the walls and the floors are of the marble
- there are no windows inside
- there is only one door
- the upper inside walls of the Kaba were covered with some kind of curtain with the Kalima written on it.
Source: http://www.cyberistan.org/islamic/kabah.htm

A TRUE RELIGION OF PEACE

Terrorism has surfaced as the biggest menace of the current times, particularly in past few decades. Unfortunately and unjustly, Islam and Muslims are deemed by most of the world population to be the root causes of this upsurge of terrorism all across the world.

There is no doubt that this is far from accurate. However, a considerable majority of the world's population still blames Islam and Muslims. This is mostly because of the “bad press” deliberately being created against Muslim by the big guns of world media.

The best way to authenticate or reject this claim for a common person is to see what the actual teachings of Islam are. Is it really a religion that promotes violence and terrorism, or is the reality totally opposite to this misconception? One convenient way of observing and analyzing all this is to learn what the Holy Qur'an, the religious Scripture of Muslims, has to say about this.

Meanings of "Islam:"

Let us start our conversation with the fact that the word “Islam” is derived from “salaam”, a word meaning peace. It also relates a person submitting himself to the will of The Mightiest in order to seek eternal peace and tranquility. The crux of this observation is that the very origins of Islam are inclined towards peace and harmony.

Islam as a Religion prohibits violence and promotes peace and justice; As mentioned earlier, the Quran -- the holy words of none other than Allah Almighty  can best bear the witness for Islam’s inclination towards peace, justice, and harmony amongst human beings while negating and discouraging violence, terrorism, and injustice.

This becomes very evident if one vows to read the Qur'an and apply it on personal basis. Doing so in modern times is much more convenient as people can read the Qur'an online. Listed below are a few verses that support the claim that Islam is a true religion of peace and tranquility.

   

 "O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it is (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do." (Surah 4, Verse 135).

    "God advocates justice, charity, and regarding the relatives. And He forbids evil, vice, and transgression. He enlightens you, that you may take heed." (Surah 16, Verse 90).

    "And if ye do punish them, punish them no worse than they punished you: but if ye show patience, which is indeed the best (course) for those who are patient." (Surah 16, Verse 126).

These are just a few references from the Holy Qur'an. You may find many more of them that promote nothing else but peace and justice.

Historical evidences favoring the peace-loving attitude Of Muslims: The peace-loving attitude and behavior of Muslims is not a myth. It is an absolute historical truth that is very evident from their deeds when they were in command of different areas of the world where multiple religions were practiced:

Muslims ruled Spain for about eight centuries. No significance evidence is found that suggests Muslims used force or unnecessary means to oppress non-Muslims living there.

India is another place that was once ruled by Muslims for a period of over 1,000 years. Currently, about 80% of the population is comprised of non-Muslims. If Muslims had used force to convert people from other religions, the stats would have been quite different.

Arabia had been under Muslim influence for 1,400 years. Yet there are about 14 million Coptic Christians found in that region. Had Islam used the sword for its propagation, the situation would have been very different.

Islam believes in nothing but the sword of intellect; As mentioned earlier, the best way to find the truth about teachings of Islam with regard to its propagation can be seen easily from the content of the Qur'an. All you need to do is search the Qur'an online and see countless verses verifying this claim. The only sword Islam believes in, as far as propagation of the religion is concerned, is of logic and intellect:

  "Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error” [Al-Qur'an 2:256].

  "Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious.” [Al-Qur'an 16:125]

FIVE COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT RELIGION OF ISLAM

The world is home to many religions. Some religions are very scarce whereas others are quite large. One of these religions is the religion of Islam. The religion of Islam, which was introduced to the world in the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), is followed by millions of people around the world. The followers of Islam are known as Muslims. The religion of Islam also has a special book which contains guidelines for Muslims which explain how they should live their lives, how they should behave and what they should do in their lives. This book is known as the Holy Quran, which is one of the four Holy Books that were sent down to the Earth by Allah himself. Three of these books have been tampered with whereas the Holy Quran remains the sole Holy Book that hasn’t been tampered with over the years and remains in the same language which it was revealed in.

Five common misconceptions about religion of Islam

Apart from being one of the largest religions in the world, Islam is also a religion that is very commonly misperceived by the people of this planet. Well, here are the 5 most common misconceptions about religion of Islam:

1. Islam is a religion that teaches violence

Many people throughout this world think that Islam is a religion that teaches and promotes violence. This is one of the most common misconceptions about religion of Islam because that is certainly not the case. Islam promotes generosity and kindness and also advises the Muslim Ummah to behave well with others. Islam is a religion that promotes the purity of heart and is a religion that advises Muslims to make sure that their conduct does not hurt any of the people in their surroundings.

2. Islam teaches Muslims to kill non-Muslims

There are many people who believe that Islam teaches Muslims to kill non-Muslims. However, it is quite the opposite. Islam teaches Muslims to make sure that they are kind and generous to everyone, including non-Muslims. Both Muslims and non-Muslims are creations of Allah and Allah has asked the Muslim Ummah to make sure that they do not hurt any of his creations.

3. Islam promotes the killing of women over honor

Islam does not at all promote the killing of women, whether it is for honor or anything else. In addition, Islam teaches Muslim men to treat their women like queens.

4. Children have no rights

The Quran teaches Muslims to make sure that they take care of the rights of children. The significance of a Muslim child is equal to that of a Muslim man and so are his or her rights.

5. Muslims become barbarians while at war

This is one of the many misconceptions about religion of Islam. Islam teaches Muslims to make sure that they stay on the right path while at war and do not become barbarians. Islam teaches Muslims to make sure that during war, they do not kill aged people, children, righteous people, women, do not commit treachery, do not mutilate dead bodies, do not harm animals (unless they need to do so for food), and do not harm trees or buildings.

DYING AS TRUE MUSLIMS

Alhamdulillāh… All praise and thanks are due to the Almighty Allah. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon Prophet Muḥammad, his household, his companions and all those who follow his guided path, till the Day of Judgement.

Many Muslims are simply scared of death. Well… This is human nature. But we are encouraged, as Muslims, to develop a mindset with the readiness to meet Allah at any time. This is easily attained when Allah is above all, in our hearts. This is because death is not bad in itself. In fact, it’s a decreed transit, which every soul has to go through, in order to enter the next life. It is similar to the struggle and pains of pregnancy and labour which, every mother experiences, before she qualifies for the status of motherhood.

Thus, the circumstance in which one dies is not important. Regardless of piety, social ranking and financial status, different people almost die the same way; i.e. on their bed at home or at the hospital, in sinking ferries, in missing and crashed flights, fire outbreaks, pandemic (Like HIV/AIDS, EBOLA), heart attack, and etc. In fact, others die in bombings (Boko Haram Bombing and the likes).

Firʿaun ordered for his wife and she was nailed by four wedges in her hands and legs and kept on torturing her until she died, for being a Muslimah, when she believed in the message of Sayyidinā Mūsa, ʿalaihi al-salām. The people of the ditch (see Sūrah al-Burūj) were burnt in a burning ditch for being Muslims when they believed in the One God, which the child wanted his people to know. Summayyah, the mother of ʿAmmar ibn Yāsir, raḍiya Allah ʿanhum, was pregnant when Abu Jahl poked her private part and killed her, for being a Muslimah who believed in the message of the Prophet Muḥammad, ṣallā Allah ʿalaihi wa sallam.

What matters is the state in which one dies; (a true) Muslim, a non-Muslim or a hypocrite. A believer must die as a Muslim. A Muslim must die as such. This is what verse 102 of Sūrah ʾĀli ʿImrān implies:

“Believers! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and do not die except as Muslims.”

As a matter of fact, there are two types of people who are terribly afraid of death: the non-believer and the hypocrite.

The hypocrite will claim he loves God and is chosen by God to be who he is. At the same time, he’s never prepared to meet their beloved God.

The Jews, who are engaged in all kinds of conspiracy in the world today, to ensure the killing of others, so that they can live eternally, were challenged by the Qur’an, to wish for death, if they really claim to be the favourites of God. Allah says in Sūrah al-Jumuʿah, 62:6-7:

 “Say, “You who are Jews, if you claim that you are favoured by Allah out of all people, then long for death, if you are truthful. They will never wish for it, because of what their hands have sent forward. Allah has full knowledge of oppressors.”

Because they will never dare to long for death, perhaps they think death can be escaped, the next verse says to them:

 “So say, “The death you run away from will certainly meet you, and thereafter you will be brought back to the Knower of the unseen and the seen, and He will declare to you what you have done.” [Al-Jumuʿah, 62:8].

Yet, they still do all it takes to live, not knowing that, every moment we live in this life is predetermined, and can never be changed. It can’t be increased nor can it be decreased.

 “You will find them clinging to life more eagerly than any other people, even the polytheists. Any of them would wish to be given a life of a thousand years, though even such a long life would not save them from [Our] punishment; and Allah sees all that they do.” [Sūrah al-Baqarah, 2:96].

Verses above clearly inform us about the attitudes and acts of (some of the) Jews, and how they manipulate in order to escape death and meeting Allah for the rewards of their bad deeds. However, anyone who collaborates with them, for them to achieve their desires, will be resurrected with them. It doesn’t matter whether the person claims Islam or even prays the Islamic prayer (ṣalāh) more than the ordinary true Muslim does.

Abdullāh ibn Ubay ibn Salūl, prayed behind the Prophet, in the presence of the companions. But due to his collaboration with the Jews (of that time) against Islam and the Prophet, he shall be resurrected with them. So will anyone who cooperates with them. This is what the Prophet said in a hadith reported by Imām al-Bukhārī and Muslim from Ibn Masʿūd, raḍiya Allāhu ʿanhu:

 “A man is with whom he loves.” [Hadith]

The Benefit of Dying a True Muslim

The evidence indicates that the believer will be blessed in his grave until the Hour begins, then he will move by the grace and mercy of Allah to the blessings that will never cease or come to an end, which is the blessing of Paradise. May Allah make us among its people.

These are some of the images of the blessings which are bestowed upon the believer in his grave:

1- His grave is furnished from Paradise for him

2- He is clothed in garments from Paradise.

3- A gate to Paradise is opened for him, and its breezes come to him, and he smells its fragrance and he feels delight in what he can see of its blessings.

4- His grave is made wide and spacious for him.

5- He is given the glad tidings of Allah’s pleasure and Paradise. Hence he longs for the Hour to begin.

6- He will be happy when he sees what would have been his place in Hell, which Allah has replaced for him with a place in Paradise.

7- He will sleep the sleep of a bridegroom

8- His grave will be illuminated for him

The Torment in the Grave

The torment in the grave will vary according to the sins committed by the person in this world, whether he was a kaafir or a disobedient Muslim.

1-   Being struck with an iron hammer:

It was narrated from Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "When a person is placed in his grave and his companions leave him, and he can no longer hear the sound of their sandals (footsteps), two angels come to him and make him sit up, and they ask him, `What did you say about this man Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)?' He says, `I bear witness that he is the slave of Allah and His Messenger.' It is said, `Look at your place in Hell which Allah has replaced for you with a place in Paradise.'" The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "And he sees them both. But as for the kaafir or hypocrite, he says, `I do not know, I used to say what the people said.' It is said, `You did not know and you did not follow those who knew.' Then he is struck a blow with an iron hammer between his ears and he screams a scream which everything around him can hear apart from the two races (of mankind and the jinn)."

(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1222)

2-     Furnishings from Hell are prepared out for him; he is clothed with fire; a door to Hell is opened for him; his grave is made narrow for him; he is struck with a great hammer which, if a mountain were to be struck with it, it would turn to dust; and he is given the tidings of torment in the Hereafter. Hence he will wish that the hour will never come.

3-   Being swallowed up by the earth.

It was narrated from Ibn `Umar that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Whilst a man was dragging his lower garment out of pride, the earth swallowed him up and he will continue sinking into the earth until the Day of Resurrection." (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5345; Muslim, 3894).

4- The edge of the mouth being torn to the back of the head

5- The head being smashed with a rock

6- Being burned in an tannoor oven

7- Swimming in a river of blood whilst being pelted with stones.

8- Along with this physical punishment there will also be a spiritual or mental punishment, which is that in the grave the kaafir will be shown what would have been his place in Paradise if he had obeyed his Lord; this will increase his regret and pain when he realizes the greatness of the blessing that he has missed out on.

These are some of the kinds of punishment that will befall some sinners in the grave. May we live and die as Muslims. May Allah purify our hearts from jealousy, and hatred.  Amīn.