.: Do MuSliM WorShip The KaaBa?:..

Question: As Islam is against idol worship why do the Muslims worship , and bow down to the Kaaba in their prayer?

Answer:

The kaaba is the Qibla i.e.the direction Muslims face during their prayers. It is important to note that though Muslims face Kaaba during prayers, they do not worship the Kaaba. Muslim worship and bow to none but Allah.

It is mentioned in Surah Baqarah:
“ We see the turning of thy face (for guidance) to the heavens: now shall We turn thee to a Qiblah that shall please thee. Turn then thy face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque: wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction.”
[Al-Baqarah 2 :144]

1. Islam believes in fostering unity.

For instance, if Muslims want to offer Salaah (prayer), it is possible that some may wish to face south. In order to unite Muslims in the worship of the One True Good, Muslims, wherever they may be, are asked to face in only one direction i.e. toward the Kaaba. If some Muslims live towards the west of the Kaaba they face the east. Similarly if they live towards the east of the Kaaba they face the west.

2. Kaaba is at the Centre of The World Map

The Muslim were the first people to draw the map of the world . they drew the map with the south facing upwards and north downward. The Kaaba was at the centre. Later, western cartographers drew the map upside down with the north facing upwards and south downward. Yet, Alhamdulillah the Kaaba is at the centre of the word map.

3. Tawaf around the Kaaba for indicating one God

When the Muslims go to al-masjid al-Haram in Makkah, they perform tawaf or circumambulation around the Kaaba. This act symbolizes the belief and worship of One God, since, just as every circle has one centre, so also there is only one Allah (swt) worthy of worship.

4. Hadis of Umar (may Allah be please with him).

Regarding the black stone, al-Hajar al-Aswad, there is a hadis (tradition), attributed to the illustrious companion of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).

According to Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, book of Hajj, chapter 56, H.No.675. Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said,”I know that you are a stone and can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet (pbuh) touching (and kissing) you , I would never have touched (and kissed) you”.

5. People stood on Kaaba and gave the adhaan. (azan)

At the same time of the Prophet, people even stood on the Kaaba and gave the ‘adhaan’ or call to prayer. One may ask those who allege that Muslims worship the Kaaba; which idol worshipper stands on the idol he worships?

Source: 20 Most common questions about Islam, by Dr. Zakir Abdul-Karim Naik, Saba Islamic Media Sdn. Bhd, pg: 26,27