Building the Kaaba
The Kaaba was damaged by a massive flood that cracked its walls and destroyed its structure. It was also looted by thieves. The Quraysh wanted to rebuild the Kaaba to restore its honor and maintain their status among the Arabs. They agreed to use only lawful and pure earnings for this purpose. This was five years before the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received his first revelation.
The Quraysh tribes started rebuilding the Kaaba, with each tribe responsible for a specific section. The construction continued until they reached the stage of placing the Black Stone.
Placing the Black Stone
When the construction reached the stage of placing the Black Stone, a major dispute arose among the Quraysh tribes. Each tribe wanted the honor of placing the Black Stone in its position. The disagreement almost led to bloodshed and continued for about four days. They finally reached a solution that would satisfy everyone.
The solution was to appoint the first person who would enter the area as their judge. The first person to enter was the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). When they saw him, they were delighted and said, “The trustworthy one has arrived.” They agreed to let him decide.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) listened to their dispute and asked them to bring a cloth. He placed the Black Stone on the cloth and asked each tribe to hold a corner of the cloth. He then instructed them to lift the cloth together until they reached the spot where the Black Stone was to be placed. The Prophet (peace be upon him) then placed the Black Stone in its position with his own hands. This resolved the conflict, and everyone was satisfied with his judgment.
Wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
The story of the Black Stone demonstrates the wisdom and intelligence of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in resolving disputes. His solution prevented bloodshed among the Quraysh tribes and allowed him to have the honor of placing the Black Stone himself, with everyone’s approval.
What is the Black Stone?
The Black Stone is a small rock situated in one of the corners of the Kaaba. Allah (SWT) sent it down from heaven through the angel Jibreel (peace be upon him) to be the most significant and honored part of the Kaaba. According to a hadith narrated by Anas, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The Black Stone is from Paradise.” (الحَجَرُ الأَسْوَدُ مِنَ الجَنَّةِ)
Hadiths about the Virtues of the Black Stone and Kissing It
Several hadiths mention the virtues of the Black Stone:
- “Touching the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner erases sins.” (إنَّ مسحَ الحجرِ الأسودِ، والركن اليمانيِّ، يَحُطَّانِ الخطايا حطًّا)
- “When the Prophet (peace be upon him) circumambulated the Kaaba, he touched the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner in every round.” (كانَ إذا طافَ بالبيتِ استلمَ الحَجَرَ والركن في كلِّ طواف)
- “Umar came to the Black Stone and kissed it. He said, ‘I know you are just a stone and can neither harm nor benefit. Had I not seen the Prophet (peace be upon him) kissing you, I would not have kissed you.'” (أنَّهُ جَاءَ إلى الحَجَرِ الأسْوَدِ فَقَبَّلَهُ، فَقالَ: إنِّي أعْلَمُ أنَّكَ حَجَرٌ، لا تَضُرُّ ولَا تَنْفَعُ، ولَوْلَا أنِّي رَأَيْتُ النبيَّ صَلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ يُقَبِّلُكَ ما قَبَّلْتُكَ)
Summary
This story highlights the wisdom and leadership of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in resolving a significant conflict among the Quraysh tribes during the reconstruction of the Kaaba. The Prophet’s fair and clever solution prevented bloodshed and ensured that the Black Stone was placed with unanimous agreement. The Black Stone holds immense significance in Islam, being a part of Paradise and a symbol of divine connection. Various hadiths emphasize the virtues of touching and kissing the Black Stone during the pilgrimage.