Unique Features of the Holy Kaaba’s Door That Many People May Not Know

Makkah: The door of the Holy Kaaba, located inside Masjid al-Haram, holds great spiritual significance and is also considered a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and craftsmanship.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the door of the Kaaba is positioned on the eastern side and is raised approximately 2.25 meters above the floor of the Mataf area. The elevated placement was designed historically to protect it from floods that once affected the city of Mecca.

The door measures about 3.1 meters in height and 1.9 meters in width. It is made of 24-karat pure gold and weighs nearly 280 kilograms, making it one of the most valuable and unique doors in the world.

In 1979, during the reign of Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the door of the Kaaba underwent renovation and restoration, during which several improvements were made. The front side of the door features intricate Islamic engravings and decorations centered on verses from the Holy Quran, beautifully crafted in fine Arabic calligraphy by skilled artisans and metalworkers.

The door includes two large rings used to open it, allowing entry into the Kaaba through a metal staircase. However, the door is opened only on special occasions and with official permission. One such occasion is the ceremonial washing of the Kaaba, where water from Zamzam Well mixed with rose water is used.

Historically, several doors have been installed on the Kaaba over time. According to historical accounts, Ibrahim first installed a simple door when he rebuilt the Kaaba, which was placed at ground level. Later, during the era of the Quraysh, the structure was rebuilt and the door was raised above ground level.

Throughout different Islamic periods—including the Umayyad Caliphate, Abbasid Caliphate, and the Ottoman Empire—the maintenance and restoration of the Kaaba’s door continued under the supervision of ruling caliphs and sultans.

The key of the Kaaba remains in the custody of the Bani Shaybah family, a responsibility that has been passed down since the time of Muhammad and continues to this day.