Kaaba

/ ˈkɑːbə /

noun

1. a cube-shaped building in Mecca, the most sacred Muslim pilgrim shrine, into which is built the black stone believed to have been given by Gabriel to Abraham. Muslims turn in its direction when praying

Word History and Origins

Origin of Kaaba¹

from Arabic ka`bah, from ka`b cube

Example Sentences

Saudi Arabia, home to the cube-shaped Kaaba that Muslims pray toward five times a day, has portrayed itself as the world’s leading Sunni nation.

From Seattle Times

The Hajj concludes on Friday, as pilgrims circle the cube-shaped Kaaba for a final time and then depart from the holy city.

From Seattle Times

“Maybe when people come they will forget about the Kaaba … and focus on the buildings and highways,” he said.

From Seattle Times

It began with pilgrims circling the Kaaba in Mecca’s Grand Mosque, the cube-shaped structure to which Muslims face during their five daily prayers.

From Seattle Times

For non-Muslims, the circling of the Kaaba — the black, cube-shaped structure in the holy city — is the most arresting visual moment associated with the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

From Seattle Times