The Kaaba is a large structure, roughly the shape of a cube, which is located in the Holy Mosque in Mecca. Muslims face the direction of the Kaaba, known as the Qibla during their prayers.At the time of the Prophet, people even stood on the Kaaba and gave the adhaan or the call to prayer. One may ask those who allege that Muslims worship the Kaaba; does an idol worshipper ever stand on the idol he worships? In order to unite Muslims in their worship of the One True God, Muslims, wherever they may be, are asked to face in only one direction i.e. towards the Kaaba.When the Muslims visit the Holy Mosque in Makkah, they perform tawaf or circumambulation round the Kaaba. This act symbolizes the belief and worship of One God. Just as every circle has one centre, so also there is only one Allah (swt) worthy of worship.Regarding the black stone, Hajr-e-Aswad, Umar the illustrious companion of the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him), said:"I know that you are a stone and can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet (peace be upon him) touching (and kissing) you, I would never have touched (and kissed) you". [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Chapter 56, Tradition No. 675].Thus, it is important to note that though Muslims face the Kaaba during prayers, they do not worship the Kaaba. Muslims worship and bow to none but Allah.
