The Kaaba

Islam · sacred site · Mecca

The holiest place. The Kaaba is a stone building at the center of the Masjid al-Haram, which is Islam's most important mosque located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the holiest site in the entire Islamic faith.

Guides prayer worldwide. Muslims around the world use the Kaaba to determine the direction they should face when praying, called the qibla. No matter where a Muslim is in the world, they try to face toward the Kaaba during prayer.

Sacred architecture. The Kaaba is called 'Baytullah' in Arabic, which means the House of God. Its name 'Kaaba' actually comes from its cube-like shape.

Pilgrimage destination. Millions of Muslims travel to Mecca each year to visit the Kaaba as part of their religious faith and practice. It is one of the most important journeys a Muslim can make in their lifetime.