People lining up against the Ka'ba to reach the black stone - hajre aswad

The black stone is from the heavens and was originally white. After people's touches and kisses, the stone absorbed their sins and become black. It is currently attached to one of the corners of the Ka'ba. Some people line up, others just make their way to it, to touch/kiss it.

The first man on earth - Prophet Adam (as) - first built the Kaaba. He (as) was told by Allah to build it "benath" Allah's throne, i.e. the throne of Allah is "above" the Kaba. However, the throne is symbolic in its nature as Allah is not a physical being that needs to rule from a throne. During time, the Kaba was destroyed and it was later re-built by the Prophets Ibrahim (as) and his son Ismail (as).

Before the time of prophet Muhammad (pbuh), pagans worshipped at Kaaba, as they used to have their idol gods within the Kaba) until prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his followers conquested Makkah in a peaceful manner without any blood shed. Since then it has since been a place of worship for Muslims.

Muslims from all over the world face the Kaba when they pray their five daily prayers. Also, many travel to Makkah for the Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) or the Hajj (annual pilgrimage). The Hajj is compulsory on every Muslim to do once in their lifetime, if he or she have the financial and medical means for it.