Why did God locate Kaaba in a barren desert?

Question:
Why did God locate Kaaba in a barren desert?

Answer:
Those who have gone to Mecca know that the Sacred House ( Baytu l-Haram) and Mecca in general is located among dry deserts and barren mountains as if rocks have been first baked in a furnace and then placed in their respective sites. However, this barren sizzling land is the greatest center of worship and oldest canon of monotheism on the face of earth. Moreover, it is safe sanctuary of Divinity where enjoys both legislative and ontological safety.
It may occur to one`s mind why Allah put such a center of worship in such a land. Ali (a`) states the philosophy of this Divine act beautifully in eloquent words of 'Qase' sermon as follows," God located His House in the craggiest of the places devoid of plants, among wild mountains and sandy land. If God desired to build His House and the worshipping abode of great hajj ritual among gardens, streams, even lands filled fruitful trees, in a well-off region with many palaces and a range of rich lands among cornfields and flower gardens and orchards, exotic greens replete with water and exhilarating places, He would do it; however, the easier the trial of hajj, the lesser one will get rewards. If God desired, He would have Kaaba built by rubies and effulgent emeralds whereas doubts and hesitation would less interpret into the hearts of naïves and satanic insinuations would easily be overcome.
But God wants his servants to try with a variety of afflictions and face them with difficulties in abiding by His worshipping rituals so that their hearts purge of vainglory and vanity and modesty and meekness replace instead. Under the aegis of such modesty God opens up the doors of divine mercy and grace to them and grants them the requirements of Divine forgiveness at their disposal.

Refrence:

1-Makarem e Shiraz i, Naser, Grand Ayatullah, 'Tafsire Nemune', vol.10, p420
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Source: http://persian.makarem.ir
Translation by: AhlulBayt News Agency (a.s) (Abna.ir)