Saudi Arabia: A guide to the Kaaba’s key landmarks for pilgrims preparing for Hajj

Dubai: With the annual Hajj pilgrimage set to begin in a few weeks, millions of Muslims preparing to visit Mecca will once again gather around the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam.

As pilgrims embark on this spiritual journey, it is essential for them to be familiar with the special parts of the Kaaba, each holding deep religious significance. Here are some key features of the Kaaba that every pilgrim should know:

Set into the eastern corner of the Kaaba, the Hajar Al Aswad is the stone where every tawaf begins and ends. Believed to have descended from heaven, the dark stone is encased in silver and has been kissed and touched by countless pilgrims over centuries, including the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and many prophets before him.

Just metres from the Kaaba stands the Maqam Ibrahim, a square stone housed in a gold-coloured glass enclosure. According to Islamic tradition, it bears the footprint of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) who stood on it during the construction of the Kaaba. The stone, softened by divine will, retained the marks of his feet.

This crescent-shaped area adjacent to the north-western wall of the Kaaba is enclosed by a semi-circular marble wall. Though technically outside the Kaaba’s structure, it is considered a part of it. Pilgrims often pray within this area, which is believed to be the burial place of Prophet Ismail and his mother Hajar.

Jutting from the Kaaba’s roof, the Meezab e Rehmat or “Outlet of Mercy” is a gold-plated spout that channels rainwater from the roof directly into the Hijr Ismail. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful and symbolic features of the Kaaba, representing divine mercy flowing to the earth.

The Shadrawan is the light-grey marble base that encircles three sides of the Kaaba (excluding the Hateem). Designed to prevent rainwater from seeping into the foundation, it also protects pilgrims from injury and secures the black silk covering known as the Kiswah.

Located between the Kaaba’s door and the Black Stone, the Multazam is a two-metre stretch of wall where supplications (duas) are said to be especially accepted. Pilgrims often press their bodies to this sacred section, which is also known as Al Mutawwath and Al Mada.

Opposite the Black Stone on the south-western corner lies the Rukan Yamani. Facing the direction of Yemen, this corner is the only one touched by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during tawaf. Pilgrims are encouraged to touch it, but not kiss it, if accessible.

At the southern right corner of the Kaaba’s door lies a cluster of brown stone pieces embedded in the marble floor. Known as Musallah Jibreel, this is believed to be the spot where the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) taught the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) how to pray before his ascension to the heavens during the Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj).