By Admin 
The Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is revered by Muslims across the world. Over the centuries, it has undergone various modifications, but the most significant and symbolic feature of the Kaaba remains its door. The story of the door, however, is not widely known. In this article, we delve into the historical evolution of the door of the Kaaba, tracing its origin, purpose, and transformations throughout Islamic history.
The Kaaba’s Initial Construction: No Door at All
The original construction of the Kaaba was carried out by Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his son Prophet Ismail (peace be upon him) in 1900 BC, as per the command of Allah. At that time, the structure consisted merely of four walls. It had no roof, no intricate design, and notably, no door. The Kaaba’s simplicity reflected its divine purpose as a pure house of worship.
This fact is surprising to many people, as the current image of the Kaaba includes its majestic gold door, but it is important to recognize that its early design was much simpler. The absence of a door indicated openness, both spiritually and physically. There was no formal entrance, symbolizing accessibility to the House of Allah.
The Introduction of Two Underground Passages
With time, the Kaaba began to see minor alterations. At one point, two underground passages were introduced. These paths served as entry and exit points, with one opening towards the east and the other towards the west. People would enter through the eastern side and exit through the western side. However, despite this addition, a formal door was still not part of the Kaaba’s architecture at this stage.
The First Door: Built by Yemeni King Abu Karb Asad Al-Kamil
The first official door of the Kaaba was constructed by Abu Karb Asad al-Kamil, also known as Shah Touba, a Yemeni king. This monumental change was made with the practical purpose of cleaning the Kaaba, as it was necessary to preserve the purity and cleanliness of the sacred site.
Shah Touba’s door was made of wood, and the responsibility of maintaining the Kaaba and its cleanliness was handed over to the tribe of Jarham. Along with the construction of the door, a lock was also introduced, and the key was entrusted to the tribe’s leaders. This marked the beginning of the long tradition of entrusting the keys of the Kaaba to specific families, a practice that continues to this day.
The Hidden Door Revealed in 2018
In 2018, during the Hajj pilgrimage, heavy rains and storms uncovered a secret door in the walls of the Kaaba. This door, long forgotten, had been closed since 697 AD. It is believed that Hajjaj bin Yusuf, the governor of Mecca, had hidden the door as part of his modifications to the Kaaba.
The discovery of this hidden door surprised many, as it had remained unnoticed for over a thousand years. Although it is not used today, its revelation highlights the layered history of the Kaaba and the changes it has undergone through centuries of Islamic rule.
The Door Built by Shah Abdul Aziz in 1944
In 1944, another significant change was made to the Kaaba’s door. The then-ruler, Shah Abdul Aziz, noticed that the old wooden door had begun to deteriorate with age. He commissioned the construction of a new door that took three years to complete. This new door was reinforced with gold, silver, and copper, adding to its strength and grandeur.
The new door also incorporated intricate designs, reflecting the growing influence of Islamic art and craftsmanship. It was a magnificent upgrade that symbolized the Kaaba’s revered status in the hearts of Muslims across the world.
The Current Door: Built in 1978
The present door of the Kaaba, which stands today, was built in 1978 under the direction of Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulaziz. A goldsmith named Ahmad bin Ibrahim Badr designed and crafted the door, which weighs an astounding 280 kilograms and is made of 99% pure gold.
This door is not just a functional entry point but a symbol of the Kaaba’s unmatched significance in Islam. Its golden hue reflects the holiness of the site, and its weight and craftsmanship speak to the dedication of those who maintain the sanctity of the Kaaba. Visitors to Mecca are often mesmerized by the beauty and majesty of this door, which remains one of the most iconic elements of the Kaaba.
The Keys to the Kaaba: An Honored Tradition
The tradition of holding the keys to the Kaaba is one of the most prestigious responsibilities in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself entrusted the keys to the Al-Shu’iba tribe, and to this day, members of the same tribe continue to hold this honor, passing it down from generation to generation.
Holding the key to the Kaaba is more than a familial responsibility; it is a profound spiritual duty that connects the present-day custodians of the Kaaba with the Prophet and the earliest Islamic traditions.
When Is the Door of the Kaaba Opened?
The door of the Kaaba is opened only twice a year for specific cleaning rituals and to change the Kiswa, the black cloth that drapes the Kaaba. These events take place on the 1st of Sha’ban and the 1st of Dhul-Hijjah. However, in earlier times, the door was opened more frequently, sometimes as many as three times a month, allowing Muslims to enter the Kaaba and offer Nawafil (voluntary prayers).
Due to the growing number of pilgrims visiting Mecca for Hajj and Umrah, the Kaaba’s door is now opened less frequently to manage the crowds and preserve the sacredness of the site.
The evolution of the door of the Kaaba is a fascinating reflection of Islamic history and the enduring significance of this sacred site. From its humble beginnings as a doorless structure to its current majestic gold door, the Kaaba has seen numerous transformations, each symbolizing the respect and reverence it commands among Muslims worldwide.
As we reflect on the history of the Kaaba’s door, we are reminded of the deep spiritual connection that Muslims feel toward this sacred site, and how each element, even a door, carries profound meaning.