Volume 3 – Entering the Kaaba
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) related:
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) emerged from my presence in a state of joy, then returned to me in a state of sorrow, saying, “I have entered the Ka’bah. Had I known what I know now about what I have done, I would not have entered it. For I fear that I have caused hardship for my community.” [70]
COMMENTARY:
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) is our leader in every matter, so his entering the Ka’bah would necessitate all pilgrims wanting to enter it as well, and everyone would crowd to get inside. This was the source of the Messenger of Allah's (peace and blessings upon him) sorrow.
Safiyya bint Shayba has related: I heard Eslemiyya saying, "I asked Osman, 'When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ called you, what did he say to you?' He replied, ‘The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to me, “I forgot to command you to cover the two horns,” so that nothing would obstruct those praying at the Ka’bah.’” Ibn Sarah narrated: “My uncle is Musafi’ bin Shayba.”
COMMENTARY:
Karneyn: This means "two horns." The horns of the ram sent by Allah to Abraham were present in the Ka'bah. Those praying would inadvertently glance towards them and become distracted. Therefore, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to Osman bin Talha, “I forgot to command you to cover the two horns,” so that nothing would obstruct those praying.
Year of Hijra 64: When Yezid’s army besieged the Ka'bah and stoned Abdullah bin Zubayr, a spark ignited the Ka'bah covering, and in this fire, the horns hanging in the Ka'bah were also burned. (Al-Manhal-Takmila, vol. 2, p. 228)