The Kaabah is a large structure roughly the shape of a cube. (The name Kaabah comes from the Arabic word "muka'ab" meaning "cube"). It is made of granite from the hills near Mecca . The most current dimensions for the structure are: 15 m high (49') with sides measuring 10.5 m (34') by 12 m (39').

It is covered by a black silk curtain decorated with gold-embroidered calligraphy. This cloth is known as the Kiswah ; it is replaced yearly. The Shahadah is outlined in the weave of the fabric. About two-thirds of the way up runs a gold embroidered band covered with Qur'anic text.

Entrance to the inside of the Kaabah is gained through a door set 2.13 meters above the ground on the north-eastern wall of the Kaabah.

Inside the Kaabah, there is a marble floor. The interior walls are clad with marble half-way to the roof; tablets with Qur'anic inscriptions are inset in the marble. The top part of the walls is covered with a green cloth decorated with gold embroidered Qur'anic verses.

The building is believed to be otherwise empty. Caretakers perfume the marble cladding with scented oil.

Muslims throughout the world face the Kaabah during prayers. Kaabah is simply a focal point for prayer which is known as Qiblat .

-Courtesy of www.wikipedia.org