Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah – blessed and a guidance for the worlds (Quran 3:96).
“When they see His House – that magnificent sightFor which the hearts of all creatures are set alight -
It seems as if they’ve never felt tired before,
For their discomfort and hardship are no more.
Now the eye of the lover drowns in tear streams,
It sees through its tears the goal of its dreams;
Now for Allah, how much tears are issued,
Each one being followed by a multitude?
When the eye perceives the House, its darkness clears,
And from the sorrowful heart, pain disappears;
Vision cannot encompass this beautiful sight:
Each glance returns with greater delight!
No wonder at this, for when the Merciful preferred
The House for Himself, it became most honoured.
He clothed it in Majesty, a magnificent garment;
Embroidered it with Beauty, a wonderful ornament!
The hearts all love the House therefore,
Awed and humbled, in respect and honour.”
Poem by Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah
