If you look at the Rukn Yamani of the Holy Kaaba, you will observe a big crack over there. Ever wondered why is there a crack in the Holy Kaaba? There are different stories about it and we shall try to present a balanced view.

The history of the construction of the Holy Kaaba

• The history of the construction of the Holy Kaaba
• Why is there a crack in the Holy Kaaba?
  • Shia point of view
• Sunni point of view
  • Disclaimer

The Holy Kaaba was built thousands of years before the birth of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. It was built originally by Prophet Ibrahim A.S and Prophet Ismail A.S. The Holy Kaaba has been standing there for thousands of years and got affected by the harshness of weather, got affected by floods and earthquakes.

It had always been subjected to renovation and rebuilding. Even at the time of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W, it was rebuilt twice. Before that, it was repaired and renovated multiple times. 

Why is there a crack in the Holy Kaaba?

Shia point of view

However, the Shias, who are the most famous sect of Islam, attach a great event with this crack in the Holy Kaaba. According to the folklore of the Shia, the mother of Caliph Ali R.A, when was pregnant with Ali R.A, and was induced with pains.

She started circumambulating the Holy Kaaba and it was then that the Holy Kaaba was opened for her. She went inside and gave birth to Hazrat Ali R.A. According to them, the crack on the wall of Holy Kaaba is due to that opening.

Sunni point of view

The Sunni, which is one of the popular sects of Islam, believes that there is no historical event attached with the crack in the Holy Kaaba. It is very much because of natural calamities and harshness of weather that it has been facing for years now. The crack has been now repaired by the Saudis.

Hazrat Ali, according to sunnis is the fourth caliph of Islam: a person who contributed immensely towards Islam. While Sunnis also believe that Hazrat Ali R.A. was born inside the Holy Kaaba but they do not accept the story claimed by Shia people that the wall of the Holy Kaaba was opened for the mother of Hazrat Ali. Therefore, they do not believe that the crack on the Holy Kaaba is due to this reason.

Disclaimer

We do not tend to promote any of the views as there no Islamic reference to the event that Shia relates. Also, this narration is one of the major cause of disputes among Shia and Sunnis. And Allah knows the best and May He guide us all! Ameen.