“Allah has made the Ka‘bah—the Sacred House—a source of stability for people, as well as the sacred months, the sacrificial animals, and the garlanded offerings. This is so that you may know that Allah knows all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth, and that Allah has full knowledge of everything. (97) Know that Allah is severe in punishment and that Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (98)”

Concerning His words, exalted is He: “Allah has made the Ka‘bah—the Sacred House”: Mujahid said, “It was called the Ka‘bah because of its square shape, and the Arabs call every square building a Ka‘bah.” Muqatil said, “It was called the Ka‘bah because it stands apart from other structures.” It was also said that it was called the Ka‘bah because of its elevation above the ground. The root of the word denotes protrusion and elevation. The ankle was given this name because of its prominence and projection from both sides of the