The Chapter on Abrogating Practices · 47 – Kissing the Black Stone
Abis bin Rabia (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) came to the Black Stone. He kissed it and said, “I know that you are just a stone, neither bringing benefit nor causing harm. But if I had not seen the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) kiss you, I would not have kissed you.” [603]
COMMENTARY
Muslim, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and Abdullah bin Siraj narrated this hadith from Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). Kissing the Black Stone is a sunnah. We must follow it whether we know its wisdom or not, for the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) kissed it. Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) is warning those among those present who do not know the wisdom in kissing the stone, perhaps thinking that it possesses some power. He was informing them that all power and ability belong solely to Allah. Kissing the Black Stone is an act of honor, respect for its status, and seeking blessing from it. The Exalted God has made certain times superior to others, certain places superior to others, and certain stones superior to others. The Black Stone is among those stones that are superior.
In some hadiths, it is stated, “The Black Stone is the right hand of Allah on earth,” meaning that Allah promises reward to those who kiss and touch it. Just as some rulers shake hands when making a promise to convey it. Those who take hold of the Black Stone have received a promise from Allah.