There is no idol in Mecca. This is a common misunderstanding, often held by those unfamiliar with the Kaaba and the practices of Muslim pilgrims.
The Reality: No Idol in Mecca
Contrary to some misconceptions, there is no idol worshipped in Mecca. The central point of reference for Muslims worldwide, the Kaaba, is not an object of worship itself, nor does it house idols.
The Stone in the Kaaba
Within the structure of the Kaaba, specifically placed in one of its corners, is a significant stone. This stone is not an idol.
- Pilgrims performing the Hajj or Umrah rituals may kiss this stone if circumstances and crowds permit, as it is a historical and symbolic practice associated with the pilgrimage.
The Significance of the Kaaba
The Kaaba is a sacred building, considered the "House of God" in Islam.
- It was originally built thousands of years before the birth of Prophet Muhammad by Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) and his son Ishmael (Isma'il).
- Muslims face the direction of the Kaaba during their prayers (Salat), not because they worship the building or anything inside it, but because it serves as a unified point of direction (Qibla) for the global Muslim community.
Clearing the Misconception
The notion of an "idol of Mecca" likely arose from misunderstandings by people who were accustomed to stone idol worship. Seeing the stone in the Kaaba and the reverence pilgrims hold for the location and its history may have led them to mistakenly believe that the stone or the Kaaba itself was an idol being worshipped. However, the practice of Islam is strictly monotheistic, prohibiting the worship of idols or any created being or object.
