Answer: The Holy Quran states in Sura Al Imran Verse 96: 'The first house set up for the people is surely the one in Makkah having blessings and guidance for all the worlds'. This verse shows that the Kaaba is indeed the first house of worship in this world. The Kaaba being the first house of worship means that a structure was officially built so that it be called 'a house'. As such, while the spot of the Kaaba was only a little sand hill, a structure was built over it which became known as the 'house of Allah'.

In this regard Imam Al Baihaqi, in his book, Dalaa'il An Nubuwwah, has reported on the authority of Abdullah bin Amr that the Holy Prophet (s.a.s) said: 'After the arrival of Adam (a.s) and his wife Hawwa into the mortal world, Allah Almighty commanded them through angel Jibraeel that they build the house of Allah (the Kaaba). After they had fulfilled the command, they were asked to go round it by making Tawaf. They were told that they were the first among people and this house was the first house of worship appointed for people'.

And Allah knows best.
Mufti Waseem Khan