On 20 Ramadan, 8 AH/630 CE, the Prophet Muhammad {pbuh} returned to Mecca and entered victorious. The conquest of Mecca was a new beginning for the religion of Islam, as thousands embraced the faith.
The Kaaba regained its status and glory, the idols were removed, and the adhān of tawhīd was sung from its roof, calling all to bear witness that there is no divinity but God. Since then, the hands of believers have raced to touch its walls seeking blessing and forgiveness.
When the Prophet left Mecca to return to Medina, he urged his companions to take great care of the Kaaba. He entrusted its keys to Banū Shaybah, who had been the guardians of the Kaaba before the Prophet’s mission.
Enemy attacks had damaged the Kaaba over the course of many conflicts. But, although it was besieged by catapult and parts of its walls were destroyed, it was soon rebuilt stronger than it was before. With that, its full splendor was restored, to always remain the light of faith, the qibla of believers, and a refuge for worshippers, whether they perform tawāf (circling the Kaaba) or bow and prostrate in prayer.
Over the centuries since, caliphs, sultans, kings, and princes have competed for the privilege of caring for the Kaaba, with people from every strata of society engaged in its service. Fortunes were spent on its cleaning and maintenance. Its kiswa was made each year of pure silk, embroidered with gold, perfumed with fine fragrances, and presented in a majestic procession before the start of every pilgrimage season
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Holy Qur’an Manuscript
Morocco, 967 AH/1560 CE
The Crowning Pearl in the Conquest of Holy and Honorable Mecca
Muḥammad bin Muḥammad bin ʿAbdul Raḥmān al-Bakrī (d. 952 AH/1546 CE)
Gatekeeper of the Kaaba’s Door
Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje (d. 1936)
Collotype print on card mount, 1888
Miniature Depicting the Holy Kaaba
Persia, 10th–11th century AH/16th–17th century CE
