08-03-2006, 08:16 AM
Bismillah
as salam alykom
Exactly curious, matter of fact, this whole world is a test for us mankind, it is a test in the sense of who obeys' Allah's rules and who doesnt. Coming to Ka`ba specially, Ka`ba always occupied a high position among Arabs even before the advent of the Messenger prayer and peace be upon him with his message. They always performed Haj and relevant rituals around it.
When Allah Instructed Mohamed prayer and peace be upon him and his followers to immigrate from Mecca, this was on its own a hard test. They had to leave behind everything, all their belonging, all their social positions and just move as immigrants with nothing but their faith.
Changing the Kibla to which they direct their face in submission to Allah while praying was another test. Allah Wanted for them to learn not to worship Ka`ba but rather the Lord of Ka`ba. In Arabic Ka`ba is called Allah's Sacred house. Thus, Allah Willed to stress the fact that they have to pray facing whereever Allah Instructs them to, because they are calling on Allah not on stones. Remember, at that time, people came from an idole worshiping phase. Allah Willed to radically eliminate this notion from their hearts and minds.
May Allah Accept and Forgive any shortcomings in my reply