Holy Kaaba is an important structure that is visited by billions of Muslims from around the world. This emblem holds a higher status in the Islamic culture and its roots. People of faith turn towards this building to worship Allah. Despite its deep importance, certain myths persist about the Kaaba. This blog will break these typical stereotypes that surround the holy structure for first-time pilgrims so that they can perform the sacred Umrah in peace.
Typical Myths About Holy Kaaba
First-time pilgrims are unaware of the rituals of the Umrah. They often find themselves confused and tend to follow blindly what others suggest to do without verifying whether it is accurate or not. This section will discuss some of the typical myths that first-time pilgrims often hear and consider them true. However, these myths have no importance in Islamic history and are completely born out of people’s assumptions.
1. Worshipping Kaaba
One of the most common misconception that spread in Western culture is that Muslims worship the Kaaba itself. Countless Non-Muslims hold this misconception due to false media representation of Islam and Muslims. In truth, Kabba is not an idol to worship, as in Hinduism. Muslims only worship Allah alone, the Creator of the universe. The Kaaba is just a man-made building only which marks the point where Muslims turn to perform prayers. It is just a focal point and not an object of devotion.
2. Kabba as House of God
Another typical myth that persists for many Western people and even new Muslims is that the Kaaba is the House of God. And that this is the place where Allah resides. However, this is utterly a wrong idea. According to Islamic rulings, Allah is beyond the physical and spatial borders of time. While the term Bayt Ul Allah is translated to House of Allah, it has no relation to being the actual home of the Supreme Being.
3. Magical Black Stone
Black Stone or Hajr Aswad has been the topic of many fabricated speculations. Countless pilgrims believe they will be purified from all their sins if they touch or kiss the black stone. Some even believe that once kissed, they will be clean like a newborn child. Due to this false rumour, there is a crowd of pilgrims fighting one another to touch the relic. However, this act is just a Sunnah performed by the Holy Prophet. The black stone has no magical powers to remove the sins. Another common misconception is that this relic came from space and is part of some celestial object. Again, this concept needs to be corrected. The Stone was broken into pieces in the Middle Ages when the extremist Islamic group Qarmatians stole it and took it to Kufa. However, the Abassid Caliph later forced them to return it.
4. Kabba Structure is the Same
Kabba structure was never the one that is now. Instead of a cube, it was rectangular. During ancient times, the kabba was built from only halal income. However, there were not enough funds to rebuild the Kaaba in its original shape. Hence, the Quraysh settled for a smaller version of the holy building. Thus, the stereotype that it had remained in the current shape, is purely fictional.
5. Acceptance of Dua Immediately
Another common myth that first-time pilgrims often hear is about their dua. The concept is that their dua will be accepted as soon as they see the Kaaba for the first time. This is completely false as there is no proof in Islamic history about it. Dua (supplication) must be made with pure honesty and dedication. And it is a matter of heart rather than something to do with location. And it is Allah who will decide to accept or reject someone’s dua, not the people. So, the next time you hear this concept from someone, politely correct and guide them.
6. Removal of Sins Upon Touch
Just like the myth about touching the Black Stone is present. There is another myth about touching the Kiswa (Kaaba cover). Many first-time pilgrims believe that the Kabba cover has some divine powers that will remove their wrong deeds if they lay their hands on it. Kiswa is just a covering created from fabrics to be draped over the Kaaba. It is merely a symbol to honour the significance of the worship. And hence has no inherent ability to bless anyone. All the power to bless anyone lies in the hands of the Supreme Being.
7. Unchanged Kiswa
The Kiswa was changed several times during the pre-Islamic and post-Islamic times. It is reported that Tubba-Al-Humairi was the first man to cover the Kaaba. But later on Prophet and his companions continued to alter the colours of the fabric. Some of the colours that were used are white, green, yellow and even red. While the choice of colour was based on the financial means, black colour was finalized for its strong properties. This dark colour was able to withstand the harsh weather conditions and the countless hands of pilgrims. Thus, Kiswa did change over time and was never in black always.
8. Gender Disparity for Touching Kaaba
Nearly more than a billion pilgrims visit the holy city of Mecca to perform Umrah. This includes individuals from all backgrounds and ages. During the Tawaaf everyone has the desire the touch the Kaaba. Even women too. But there is a myth that moves around in believers about gender roles. It is assumed that only men can touch the Kaaba. This gender disparity is fully fabricated. There is no such law in the Saudi laws that only male pilgrims are supposed to get closer to the holy building. Female pilgrims are allowed to perform the Tawaaf and touch the Kiswa except in the days of her “cycle”. During those days, women could only perform other rituals of the Umrah like walking in between Safaa and Marwa or reciting the Quran (with gloves) and making dua. But, after taking a purification bath, they can perform Tawaaf.
Final Thoughts
This blog has broken down some of the common myths about the Kaaba. Whether pilgrims travel during Ramadan on an economy package or with a luxury package, it is a must for them to learn about the right info. Especially first-time pilgrims should avoid such myths to have a hassle-free experience. Can’t find the best group Umrah deals? Contact Muslims Holy Travel to avail the most reasonable flight packages. Having a decade of experience in serving various pilgrims worldwide, they can make your trip a memorable one. The fun part? You can customise the packages as per your preferences.
