Kaaba is a sacred building that serves as the qibla, the direction of prayer, for Muslims worldwide. Located in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, it holds great significance as the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Every year, millions of Muslims from different countries gather in Mecca to perform the pilgrimage of Hajj or Umrah.
But did you know that Kaaba is not only a sight to behold from Earth but also from outer space? Yes, several astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have witnessed the wondrous sight of Kaaba shining brightly amidst the darkness of the night.
Rayyanah Barnawi: The First Saudi Arabian Female Astronaut
One fortunate astronaut who had the opportunity to witness Kaaba from space is Rayyanah Barnawi. She is the first female Saudi Arabian astronaut who joined the ISS in March 2023. Rayyanah Barnawi is an engineer and scientist with a deep interest in space exploration.
Rayyanah Barnawi expressed her profound awe and emotional experience when she saw Kaaba from the windows of the ISS. She described Kaaba as the brightest star among the cities of Saudi Arabia. She also captured the moment by taking stunning photographs of Kaaba from outer space.
Sultan Al Neyadi: UAE Astronaut Recording a Video of Kaaba
In addition to Rayyanah Barnawi, another astronaut who witnessed the marvel of Kaaba from space is Sultan Al Neyadi. He is an astronaut from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who arrived at the ISS on March 3, 2023. Sultan Al Neyadi is a doctor and researcher with a passion for space exploration.
Sultan Al Neyadi not only saw Kaaba with his own eyes but also recorded a beautiful video of the city of Mecca, Kaaba, and Medina from outer space. He shared the video on his Twitter account @Astro_Alneyadi with the caption "A gift to the children of Salman on this blessed night."
In the video, Sultan Al Neyadi explained that he zoomed in and out of the footage of western Saudi Arabia during the nighttime. The first clip showcased Medina, then transitioned to Jeddah before featuring Mecca, with Kaaba shining the brightest from outer space.
"They shine like stars, and this is one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen," Sultan Al Neyadi expressed in the video.
Why Does Kaaba Shine Brightly from Outer Space?
You might wonder, why does Kaaba radiate such a bright light from outer space? Are there special lights installed around Kaaba? Or is there a natural phenomenon causing it?
The answer is that there are no special lights or natural phenomena causing Kaaba to shine brightly from space. It is purely due to the reflection of sunlight on the kiswah, the black cloth covering Kaaba.
The kiswah is a black fabric woven with gold and silver threads inscribed with verses from the Quran. It is replaced every year on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah or the day of Arafah during the Hajj season. The kiswah is approximately 47 meters long and 14 meters wide.
Due to its black color and metallic material, the kiswah absorbs and reflects sunlight effectively. When the sun sets or rises above Mecca, the sunlight illuminates the kiswah, making it shimmer like a star.
Furthermore, due to the cube-shaped structure of Kaaba and its central position within the Masjid al-Haram, it can reflect the light from surrounding lamps as well. This further enhances the prominence of Kaaba among the other buildings in Mecca.
In conclusion, Kaaba stands as a symbol of unity and spirituality for Muslims worldwide. Its magnificence extends beyond the boundaries of Earth, captivating the hearts and minds of those who witness its radiant glow from outer space.
The accounts of astronauts like Rayyanah Barnawi and Sultan Al Neyadi provide a unique perspective on the grandeur of Kaaba. Their emotional reactions and awe-inspiring experiences serve as a testament to the profound connection between humanity and this sacred structure.
Through the pages of the book "Magnet Umrah" penned by Mind Muhammad, we are invited to delve into the hidden wonders of Kaaba, shedding light on lesser-known facts. One remarkable revelation is the remarkable stability of the gravitational force surrounding Kaaba. This heightens the spiritual significance of the blessed place, while also offering unexpected health benefits to those in its vicinity.
"Magnet Umrah" takes us on a profound spiritual and emotional journey. Through the words of Mind Muhammad, we are encouraged to contemplate the greatness of Kaaba as the spiritual center and magnetic force for Muslims worldwide. The phenomena of radiance and gravitational influence beckon us to embrace the invaluable miracles embedded within this blessed sanctuary.
May this article serve as an enlightening exploration of the marvels of Kaaba from outer space, broadening your understanding and appreciation of its significance. The divine connection between Kaaba and the hearts of millions of Muslims around the globe is a testament to the power of faith and the enduring impact of sacred spaces.
Let the gates to the mystical realm, as presented in "Magnet Umrah," open before you—a masterpiece that strengthens belief and fills the soul with spiritual warmth.
May the wonders of Kaaba continue to inspire and uplift the spirits of all who embark on the pilgrimage of the heart, seeking solace, guidance, and unity in the timeless embrace of this sacred sanctuary. Wallahu A'lam..
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