The door of the Noble Ka’bah

“The door of the Honoured K’abah, which faces the eastern side of the K’abah, represents a spiritual symbol and a historical legacy that is centuries long. The current door is distinguished by its impressively huge dimensions, with a height of 318 cm, a width of 171 cm, and a depth of approximately half a meter.

The History of the Door of the Honoured K’abah

The history of the door of the K’abah dates back to ancient times. It is believed that King Tubb’a’ III, one of the ancient kings of Yemen, was the first to place a door and key for the K’abah. Throughout history, many rulers and Muslims have added their touches to the door. During the Quraish era, a double door was made, which was later renovated during the time of ‘Abdullah ibn uz-Zubair and al-Hajjaj bin Yusuf. Over time, its designs developed.

During Islamic eras, rulers excelled in decorating the door. For instance, King al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun adorned it with silver plates, while Sultan Suleiman al-Qanuni covered the door with gold-plated silver. Each generation left their mark on this blessed door, whether through exquisite decoration or the precious materials used

The Door of the K’abah in the Saudi Era

In the Saudi era, the door of the K’abah underwent its greatest modernisation phases. Two new doors were installed:

1. King ‘Abdul-‘Aziz’s Door (1363 AH): Made of aluminium, covered with silver-plated sheets of gold, and decorated with the Names of Allah.

2. The Current Door (1399 AH): King Khalid bin ‘Abdul-‘Aziz ordered it to be made from pure gold. It was made using 280 kilograms of 999.9% pure gold and took an entire year to be crafted in a special factory in Makkah.

Specifications of the Current Door

The current door was designed with the latest technologies to ensure durability and quality, considering climatic factors. It features exquisite decorative engravings, the most notable being the inscription of the Name of Allah, Glorified and Exalted is he, and the name of Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s salah and salam be upon him).  Additionally, it includes Quranic verses and Surah al-Fatiha. The door is also adorned with 15 circular plaques bearing the Names of Allah.

The Symbolism of the Door of the K’abah

The door of the Honoured K’abah is not just an entrance; it is an insight into a long history of devotion in serving the Sacred House of Allah. This door tells the story of generations of rulers and Muslims who dedicated their efforts to maintaining and embellishing it with the finest adornments and most precious metals. It remains a testament to the sanctity of the K’abah and a symbol of the greatness of Islam.”