What did the Arabs believe about the ka'aba?

Answer 1

The Ka'aba is a cubic structure located in a square adjacent to the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Islam's holiest city. In pre-Islamic times it was holy to Arabs of all religions - Jews, Christians and pagans, but it was principally a pagan shrine. Surrounded by statues of many gods, the pagans dedicated the shrine itself to the moon god. When the Prophet Muhammad re-entered Mecca, he destroyed the pagan images and claimed the Ka'aba for Islam alone. He later told all Muslims to face the Ka'aba when praying. In Islamic belief, the Kaaba was originally built in heaven 2000 years before the creation of the world. Adam erected the Kaaba on earth but this was destroyed during the Flood. Abraham was instructed to rebuild it, and was assisted by Ishmail. While looking for a stone to mark the corner of the building, Ishmael met the angel Gabriel, who gave him the Black Stone, which was then whiter than milk. It later became black from the sins of those who touched it.