إِنَّ أَوَّلَ بَيْتٍ وُضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِي بِبَكَّةَ مُبَارَكًا وَهُدًى لِّلْعَالَمِينَ
Indeed the first house (of worship) appointed for people is certainly that which is in Makkah Mukarramah, full of blessing and guidance for the people of the worlds. (Surah Aal ‘Imraan v96)
In this verse of the Quraan Majeed, Allah Ta‘ala explains that the Ka’bah is the very first house constructed for His worship. It was Nabi Aadam (‘alaihis salaam) who initially constructed the Ka’bah after descending from Jannah.
Allah Ta‘ala also mentions that the Ka’bah is a means of barakah (blessings) and guidance for people. However, in order for one to benefit from the blessings of the Ka’bah and gain guidance, it is necessary that he understand the sanctity of the area and conduct himself correctly. If one fails to respect the Ka’bah, Haram, musjid, etc., as they ought to be respected, and one commits sins in the vicinity of these symbols of Deen, then despite the Ka’bah being a source of immense barakah and guidance, one will return home bereft of blessings and guidance.
Hence, every person blessed to visit the Ka’bah should strive to present himself at Allah Ta‘ala’s door with utmost humility and respect, after repenting sincerely from all his sins. Additionally, he should do his best to abstain from all sins e.g. photography, casting gazes at non-mahram men/women, etc.
If we follow the correct procedure and conduct ourselves correctly, our ‘umrah and hajj trips will be a means of transforming our lives and drawing us nearer to Allah Ta‘ala.