Q: What is the status of the Ka`bah for Muslims? Why was it built? Who built it? Is it now in its original form?

A: The Honored Ka`bah is the Qiblah (direction faced for Prayer) of the Muslims. They face it in every Salah (Prayer) in obedience to Allah's Order, as He says, Verily! We have seen the turning of your (Muhammad’s صلى الله عليه وسلم) face towards the heaven. Surely, We shall turn you to a Qiblah (prayer direction) that shall please you, so turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (at Makkah). And wheresoever you people are, turn your faces (in prayer) in that direction. It is also the place where people perform their rituals in Hajj and `Umrah, as they perform Tawaf (circumambulation) around it in obedience to Allah's saying, ...and circumambulate the Ancient House (the Ka‘bah at Makkah). , and following what was legislated by Allah on the tongue of his Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It was built by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Isma`il (peace be upon them). Allah mentions this when He says, And (remember) when Ibrâhîm (Abraham) and (his son) Ismâ‘îl (Ishmael) were raising the foundations of the House (the Ka‘bah at Makkah), (saying), "Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily! You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower." Its building was renovated many times later. (Part No. 6; Page No. 311) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.