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The Holy Ka’ba had been re-erected quite a few time. About some of these times the ulama are agreed whereas there is some doubt about its erection at other times. For those interested in the historical issue of the Ka’ba’s erection see my Arabic commentary on Mu’atta Imaam Maalik called Awjaz al Massalik. A short synopsis of what is written there follows here:

1. The well know accepted view of the ulama is that it was originally erected by the angels about two thousand years prior to the creation of Hazrat Aadam A.S. some ulama even state that this was not the first time the Ka’ba was built. The first time was when Allah Himself caused it to be with His command; the angels had no part in its erection.  Read more... (1535 words, estimated 6:08 mins reading time)

Tawaf (Circumambulation) means turning round and round something but in the terminology of Shari’at one’s going round the Holy Ka’ba seven times with the intention of Tawaf is called ‘Tawaf’. One complete circuit is named as ‘Shaut’. Circumambulating any thing or place other than ‘Baitullah’ is unlawful. For ‘Tawaf’, intention is obligatory. Without defining an intention ‘Tawaf’ will stand unobserved, in whatever number the circuits may be completed. The intention for Tawaf, is to be pronounced with these words :-

“O Allah ! I intend Tawaf for the sake of Thy pleasure; Render it easy for me and accord it Thy approval”.  Read more... (1597 words, estimated 6:23 mins reading time)

In this respect it is advisable to note that the Sacred Ka’ba is an exceedingly august and sublime place. Allah the Exalted has drawn three circles around it as a sign of its veneration. There are some distinct and specific dictates relating to every circle thereof. The first circle is that of ‘Masjid-ul-Haram’ (the Mosque around Ka’ba), in the centre of which Baitullah is situated. Next to Baitullah, the place held to be the most distinguished and venerable is the place which has been encircled by ‘Masjid-ul-Haram’. Related to this place there are many particular precepts but as they have no special relation with Ihram they need not be mentioned here. The 2nd circle is that of the boundaries of Haram. This circle is formed by some fixed territorial around Mecca where some marks of the boundries of Haram have been raised. The distance of these boundries of Haram from Mecca is three miles from one side, nine from another, and some what more or less from other sides. People living within this circle are named as ‘Ahl-e-Haram’ (the people of the sacred place). The 3rd circle is that of the Mawaqit mentioned here before. People living within the 2nd circle that is to say with in the boundaries of Haram are called Ahl-e-Haram while those who live outside the Haram but within the circle of Mawaqit, they are called ‘Ahl-e-Hill’ (people of the place of admissibilities).  The inhabitants of out-side the precincts of Mawaqit are known as Ahl-e-Afaq.  Read more... (482 words, estimated 1:56 mins reading time)