It is undeniable that the Kaaba is the most sacred place for Muslims. What's more, it contains black stone which is also important in Islam. So, let's take a look at all this in this article.
The Black Stone and the Kaaba: references to them in the Koran
To begin with, Allah mentions the Kaaba in His Noble Book in verses 96-97 of Sura Al Imran.
In other words, He says: "The first house that has been built for people, it is indeed that of blessed Bakka. And a good direction for the universe". (Close translation of the meaning of the verse). Moreover, Allah informs us who the builders of this Islamic building in verse 127 of Sura Al Baqara.
And He said: "And when Ibrahim and Ismâ'îl were building the foundations of the House. O our Lord, accept this from us! For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing".
Moreover, it was Allah Himself who indicated its location. In particular, He says: "And when We indicated for Ibrahim the place of the House...". (Sura al Hajj verse 26)
As for the black stoneIt is not mentioned in the Koran. Nevertheless, there are several accounts in which it is mentioned. We discuss this in the paragraph below.
Black stone and the Kaaba: what does the Sunna say?
It should be noted that the texts referring to Hajar Al Aswad (black stone in Arabic) and Kaaba are many. So we'll have to make do with just a few.
Firstly, Abdallah Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet said: "The black stone came down from Paradise. It was whiter than milk. It was the sins of the sons of Adam that made it black". (Reported by Tirmidhi and authenticated by Sheikh Al Albani)
Similarly, he said: "The Hajar al Aswad and the Maqam Ibrahim are two jewels among the jewels of Paradise. If Allah had not hidden their brilliance, they would illuminate everything between East and West". (Reported by Tirmidhi)
Finally, before emigrating to Medina, he said this shocking thing, reported by Tirmidhi. That is to say: "I swear by Allah that you are the best land that Allah has made and the one that He loves the most. If I had not been expelled from you, I would not have left you".
What is their place in Islam?
First of all, among the rites of pilgrimage is the circumambulation around the Kaaba. The starting point for this tawaf is the black stone at the corner before the door of the Kaaba.
On this subject, we can quote the words of Omar Ibn Al Khattab reported by Imam Ahmed. He said: "I know that you are just a stone. And if I had not seen my beloved touch you and kiss you, then I would not have touched you or kissed you. The Messenger of Allah is certainly an excellent example".
In addition to this, the Sacred House is the direction the believer must take when performing prayer.
As verse 144 of Sura Al Baqara underlines: "... Turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque..."
Thanks to all these texts, it is easy to understand the sacredness of the Kaaba and black stone. But also their place in the heart of the Muslim.
THE HARAMAIN VOYAGES TEAM
