The door of the Noble Ka’bah, facing the eastern side of the Ka’bah, represents a spiritual symbol and a historical legacy spanning centuries. The current door is distinguished by its majestic dimensions, with a height of 318 cm, a width of 171 cm, and a depth of approximately half a meter.
History of the Door of the Noble Ka’bah
The history of the Ka’bah’s door dates back to ancient times. It is believed that King Tubba III, one of the ancient kings of Yemen, was the first to install a door and key for the Ka’bah. Over time, many rulers and Muslims added their touches to the door. During the Quraysh era, a double door was crafted, which was later renovated during the time of Abdullah ibn al-Zubair and al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, with designs evolving through the ages.
In 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 it with gold-plated silver. Each generation left its mark on this blessed door, whether through exquisite decorations or the use of precious materials.
The Door of the Ka’bah in the Saudi Era
In the Saudi era, the door of the Ka’bah underwent significant modernization. Two new doors were installed:
1. King Abdul Aziz’s Door (1363 AH): Made of aluminum, 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 its creation from pure gold, using 280 kilograms of 999.9% pure gold. Its crafting took an entire year in a special workshop 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, most notably 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), along with Quranic verses and Surah al-Fatiha. The door is also adorned with 15 circular plaques bearing the Names of Allah.
Symbolism of the Door of the Ka’bah
The door of the Noble Ka’bah is not merely an entrance but a window into a long history of devotion to 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, remaining a testament to the sanctity of the Ka’bah and a symbol of the greatness of Islam.