1. English
English
Lesson 3
Al-Kaaba

2. Al-Kaaba

3. Al-Kaaba, the most sacred place for Muslims, was built by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Isma’il, peace be upon them. Since then, the Arabs used to perform Al-Hajj to Al Kaaba. When Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him, preached Islam to all mankind, performing Al-Hajj to Al-Kaaba became the fifth pillar of Islam.
Al-Kaaba

4. Al-Kaaba is a 13. 8-metre-high, box shaped building
Al-Kaaba is a 13.8-metre-high, box shaped building. Its north and south walls are 11 meters long, and its east and west walls are 9.6 meters wide. Al-Ka’aba is built of grey stone and it stands on a marble base which is 23 centimeters high.

5. The four walls of the Al-Kaaba are covered with a black curtain (Al-Kiswah). This curtain is covered with writing in silver and gold. Al-Kiswah is replaced by the government of Saudi Arabia twice a year: once in summer and once in winter. Each Kiswah is made in a factory in Makkah and each one costs SR 10 million.

6. The door which leads inside Al-Kaaba is made of gold
The door which leads inside Al-Kaaba is made of gold. Inside, there are two rows of wooden pillars and many gold and silver lamps. The floor is covered with marble.

7. Near the door, in the eastern corner of Al-Kaaba, there is a black stone. This is surrounded by silver.

8. Answer the following questions:
1. Who built Al-Kaaba?
Al-Kaaba was built by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Ismai’il, peace be upon them.
2. Where does Al-Kiswah come from?
Al-Kiswah comes from a factory in Makkah.

9. 3. How often it (Al-Kiswah) is replaced?
It is replaced twice a year: once in winter and once in summer.
4. How much does each Kiswah costs?
Each Kiswah costs SR 10 million.