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[[File:Blackstone.jpg|right|thumb|"''Its softness and moisture were such that the sinner would never remove his mouth from it, which phenomenon made the Prophet declare it to be the covenant of Allah on earth.''" - Ibn Jubayr]]  
[[File:Blackstone.jpg|right|thumb|"''Its softness and moisture were such that the sinner would never remove his mouth from it, which phenomenon made the Prophet declare it to be the covenant of Allah on earth.''" - Ibn Jubayr]]  
This article discusses the '''black stone''' housed at the [[Ka'aba]].
This article discusses the '''black stone''' housed at the [[Kaaba|Ka'aba]].


==Background==
==Background==


Five times a day Muslims prostrate towards the Ka'aba which houses the famous black stone (Ruknu l-Aswad).  The black stone is a baetyl originating from pre-Islamic Arabian polytheism.  It is an important part of the [[hajj]] which all Muslims must participate in at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage is performed primarily because it is mandatory and because Muslims believe their sins will be forgiven.<ref>"''Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "Whoever performs Hajj for Allah's pleasure and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew."''" - {{Bukhari|2|26|596}}</ref>  
Five times a day Muslims prostrate towards the Ka'aba which houses the black stone (Ruknu l-Aswad).  The black stone is a baetyl originating from pre-Islamic Arabian polytheism.  It is an important part of the [[hajj]] pilgrimage, performed primarily because it is mandatory and because Muslims believe their sins will be forgiven.<ref>"''Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "Whoever performs Hajj for Allah's pleasure and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew."''" - {{Bukhari|2|26|596}}</ref> . The pilgrims kiss the Ka'aba's eastern cornerstone (the black rock), and if they cannot kiss it, they point to it during circumambulation.


Muslims believe that the stone was "put there by Prophet Ibrahim and Isma’eel (peace be upon them both) by the order of Almighty Allah, and the purpose of it was to indicate the beginning of tawaf (circumabulation of the Ka`bah)."<ref>Sheikh Ahmad Kutty - [http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503543250 The Black Stone: History & Significance] - Islam Online, January 8, 2003</ref> However, there is no scientific, historical, or archaeological evidence that places Abraham and Ishmael at the Ka'aba. And there is no evidence that circumambulation of any building or stone was initiated by Abraham and Ishmael.
Circumambulation around the Ka'aba was originally a [[Pagan Origins of Islam|pagan]] ritual (albeit they did it naked), as was the running through the valley between Safa and Marwa.<ref>"''Narrated 'Asim bin Sulaiman: I asked Anas bin Malik about Safa and Marwa. Anas replied, "We used to consider (i.e. going around) them a custom of the Pre-islamic period of Ignorance, so when Islam came, we gave up going around them. Then Allah revealed" "Verily, Safa and Marwa (i.e. two mountains at Mecca) are among the Symbols of Allah. So it is not harmful of those who perform the Hajj of the House (of Allah) or perform the Umra to ambulate (Tawaf) between them." (2.158)''" - {{Bukhari|6|60|23}}</ref> The Ka'aba was originally a pagan shrine, housing 360 stones and statues. And pagans performed a hajj even before the advent of Islam.<ref>"''Narrated Abu Huraira: In the year prior to the last Hajj of the Prophet when Allahs Apostle made Abu Bakr the leader of the pilgrims, the latter (Abu Bakr) sent me in the company of a group of people to make a public announcement: 'No pagan is allowed to perform Hajj after this year, and no naked person is allowed to perform Tawaf of the Kaba.' (See Hadith No. 365 Vol. 1)''" - {{Bukhari|2|26|689}}</ref>
 
Muslims believe that the stone was "put there by Prophet [[Ibrahim]] and [[Isma'il]] (peace be upon them both) by the order of Almighty Allah, and the purpose of it was to indicate the beginning of tawaf (circumabulation of the Ka`bah)."<ref>Sheikh Ahmad Kutty - [http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503543250 The Black Stone: History & Significance] - Islam Online, January 8, 2003</ref> However, there is no scientific, historical, or archaeological evidence that places Abraham and Ishmael at the Ka'aba. And there is no evidence that circumambulation of any building or stone was initiated by Abraham and Ishmael.


During its history, the black stone has been struck and smashed by a stone fired from a catapult,<ref>Hırka-i Saadet Dairesi; Hilmi Aydın(2004) - [http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?isbn=9781932099720 The sacred trusts: Pavilion of the Sacred Relics, Topkapı Palace Museum, Istanbul] - Tughra Books, ISBN 9781932099720</ref> it has been smeared with excrement,<ref>Burton, Richard Francis (1856) - [http://www.archive.org/details/personalnarrati03burtgoog Personal narrative of a pilgrimage to El-Madinah and Meccah] - G. P. Putnam & Co., p. 394</ref> stolen and ransomed by the Qarmatians,<ref>Francis E. Peters (1994) - [http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?isbn=9780691032672 Mecca: a literary history of the Muslim Holy Land] - Princeton University Press, pp. 125–126, ISBN 9780691032672</ref> and smashed into several fragments.<ref> Cyril Glasse - [http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?isbn=0759101906 New Encyclopedia of Islam: A Revised Edition of the Concise Encyclopedia of Islam (p. 245)] - Rowman Altamira, 2001, ISBN 0759101906</ref><ref>[http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/68328/Black-Stone-of-Mecca Black Stone of Mecca] - Encyclopædia Britannica, 2007</ref>
During its history, the black stone has been struck and smashed by a stone fired from a catapult,<ref>Hırka-i Saadet Dairesi; Hilmi Aydın(2004) - [http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?isbn=9781932099720 The sacred trusts: Pavilion of the Sacred Relics, Topkapı Palace Museum, Istanbul] - Tughra Books, ISBN 9781932099720</ref> it has been smeared with excrement,<ref>Burton, Richard Francis (1856) - [http://www.archive.org/details/personalnarrati03burtgoog Personal narrative of a pilgrimage to El-Madinah and Meccah] - G. P. Putnam & Co., p. 394</ref> stolen and ransomed by the Qarmatians,<ref>Francis E. Peters (1994) - [http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?isbn=9780691032672 Mecca: a literary history of the Muslim Holy Land] - Princeton University Press, pp. 125–126, ISBN 9780691032672</ref> and smashed into several fragments.<ref> Cyril Glasse - [http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?isbn=0759101906 New Encyclopedia of Islam: A Revised Edition of the Concise Encyclopedia of Islam (p. 245)] - Rowman Altamira, 2001, ISBN 0759101906</ref><ref>[http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/68328/Black-Stone-of-Mecca Black Stone of Mecca] - Encyclopædia Britannica, 2007</ref>
Muslims from all around the world spend a considerable amount of money and risk a crushing mob<ref> Tony Karon - [http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,101585,00.html "Hajj Tragedies Are Part of the Cost of Islam's Pilgrimage"] - TIME, March 06, 2001</ref> to visit the Ka'aba and kiss its eastern cornerstone--the black rock reputed to be a meteorite. If they cannot kiss it, then they point to it as they circumambulate the Ka'aba. Circumambulation around the Ka'aba was originally a [[Paganism|pagan]] ritual (albeit they did it naked), as was the running through the valley between Safa and Marwa.<ref>"''Narrated 'Asim bin Sulaiman: I asked Anas bin Malik about Safa and Marwa. Anas replied, "We used to consider (i.e. going around) them a custom of the Pre-islamic period of Ignorance, so when Islam came, we gave up going around them. Then Allah revealed" "Verily, Safa and Marwa (i.e. two mountains at Mecca) are among the Symbols of Allah. So it is not harmful of those who perform the Hajj of the House (of Allah) or perform the Umra to ambulate (Tawaf) between them." (2.158)''" - {{Bukhari|6|60|23}}</ref> The Ka'aba was originally a pagan shrine, housing 360 stones and statues. And pagans performed a hajj even before the advent of Islam.<ref>"''Narrated Abu Huraira: In the year prior to the last Hajj of the Prophet when Allahs Apostle made Abu Bakr the leader of the pilgrims, the latter (Abu Bakr) sent me in the company of a group of people to make a public announcement: 'No pagan is allowed to perform Hajj after this year, and no naked person is allowed to perform Tawaf of the Kaba.' (See Hadith No. 365 Vol. 1)''" - {{Bukhari|2|26|689}}</ref>


==Baetyl==
==Baetyl==
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{{Quote|1=[http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/31651/Arabian-religion/68311/Sanctuaries-cultic-objects-and-religious-practices-and-institutions Sanctuaries, cultic objects, and religious practices and institutions]<BR>Arabian religion, Encyclopædia Britannica, 2009|2=The sanctuaries, sometimes carved in the rock on high places, consisted of a ḥaram, a sacred open-air enclosure, accessible only to unarmed and ritually clean people in ritual clothes. There the baetyl, '''a “raised stone,”''' or a statue of the god, was worshiped. The Nabataeans originally represented their gods as baetyls on a podium, but later they gave them a human appearance.}}
{{Quote|1=[http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/31651/Arabian-religion/68311/Sanctuaries-cultic-objects-and-religious-practices-and-institutions Sanctuaries, cultic objects, and religious practices and institutions]<BR>Arabian religion, Encyclopædia Britannica, 2009|2=The sanctuaries, sometimes carved in the rock on high places, consisted of a ḥaram, a sacred open-air enclosure, accessible only to unarmed and ritually clean people in ritual clothes. There the baetyl, '''a “raised stone,”''' or a statue of the god, was worshiped. The Nabataeans originally represented their gods as baetyls on a podium, but later they gave them a human appearance.}}


'''The black stone was important to the Arabian polytheists prior to Muhammad's prophethood.'''
The black stone was important to the Arabian polytheists prior to Muhammad's prophethood.
 
{{Quote|1=[http://www.tafsir.com/default.asp?sid=2&tid=3608 The Dispute regarding Who should place the Black Stone in Its Place]<BR>Tafsir Ibn Kathir|2=Ibn Ishaq said, "The tribes of Quraysh collected stones to rebuild the House, each tribe collecting on their own. They started rebuilding it, until the rebuilding of the Ka`bah reached the point where the Black Stone was to be placed in its designated site. A dispute erupted between the various tribes of Quraysh, each seeking the honor of placing the Black Stone for their own tribe. The dispute almost led to violence between the leaders of Quraysh in the area of the Sacred House. Banu `Abd Ad-Dar and Banu `Adi bin Ka`b bin Lu'ay, gave their mutual pledge to fight until death. However, five or four days later, Abu Umayyah bin Al-Mughirah bin `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Makhzum, the oldest man from Quraysh then intervened at the right moment. Abu Umayyah suggested that Quraysh should appoint the first man to enter the House from its entrance to be a mediator between them. They agreed.
{{Quote|1=[http://www.tafsir.com/default.asp?sid=2&tid=3608 The Dispute regarding Who should place the Black Stone in Its Place]<BR>Tafsir Ibn Kathir|2=Ibn Ishaq said, "The tribes of Quraysh collected stones to rebuild the House, each tribe collecting on their own. They started rebuilding it, until the rebuilding of the Ka`bah reached the point where the Black Stone was to be placed in its designated site. A dispute erupted between the various tribes of Quraysh, each seeking the honor of placing the Black Stone for their own tribe. The dispute almost led to violence between the leaders of Quraysh in the area of the Sacred House. Banu `Abd Ad-Dar and Banu `Adi bin Ka`b bin Lu'ay, gave their mutual pledge to fight until death. However, five or four days later, Abu Umayyah bin Al-Mughirah bin `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Makhzum, the oldest man from Quraysh then intervened at the right moment. Abu Umayyah suggested that Quraysh should appoint the first man to enter the House from its entrance to be a mediator between them. They agreed.


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==God Eloh and his Black Stone==
==God Eloh and his Black Stone==
Ancient writers Herodian and Cassius Dio mention a temple in Syrian city of Emesa (nowadays known as Hims or Homs). Why was this temple special and particularly interesting for us? A local Semitic god named '''Eloh''' (meaning Lord) was worshipped there. He was better known to Romans and Greeks as Heliogabalus, a corruption of Eloh Gabal (Lord of Mountain, one of Eloh’s titles). Eloh was associated with sun and thus identified with Roman god Sol and Greek Helios.
Ancient writers Herodian and Cassius Dio mention a temple in Syrian city of Emesa (nowadays known as Hims or Homs). Why was this temple special and particularly interesting for us? A local Semitic god named ''Eloh'' (meaning Lord) was worshipped there. He was better known to Romans and Greeks as Heliogabalus, a corruption of Eloh Gabal (Lord of Mountain, one of Eloh’s titles). Eloh was associated with sun and thus identified with Roman god Sol and Greek Helios.


In the temple one of the holiest relics of antiquity, the Black Stone, was kept. It was believed to come from outside earth (meteorite?) and to be a manifestation of Eloh himself. Faithful from the entire Roman orient were flocking for a pilgrimage there. They were bringing valuable gifts and offerings. The followers of Eloh had to obey bizarre rules. For example they had to be circumcised and were not allowed to eat pork.
In the temple one of the holiest relics of antiquity, the Black Stone, was kept. It was believed to come from outside earth (possibly a meteorite) and to be a manifestation of Eloh himself. Faithful from the entire Roman orient were flocking for a pilgrimage there. They were bringing valuable gifts and offerings. The followers of Eloh had to obey ritualistic rules. For example they had to be circumcised and were not allowed to eat pork.


This cult would probably be forgotten among thousands of others if not a dramatic twist of its fortune. In 218 a young priest of that temple and a Roman citizen Varius Avitus Bassus was prompted by his power-hungry family and usurped the throne of Rome by claiming to be an illegitimate son of murdered emperor Caracalla (ruled 211-217). He ruled for just four years and is remembered mostly by his nickname – name of his god – Elagabalus.
This cult would probably be forgotten among thousands of others if not a dramatic twist of its fortune. In 218 a young priest of that temple and a Roman citizen Varius Avitus Bassus was prompted by his power-hungry family and usurped the throne of Rome by claiming to be an illegitimate son of murdered emperor Caracalla (ruled 211-217). He ruled for just four years and is remembered mostly by his nickname – name of his god – Elagabalus.


Elagabalus was one of the most perverted rulers in universal history. He was reported to have prostituted himself in the imperial palace. He had numerous wives and husbands at the same time. He was known to be a masochist and allowed everyone to beat him. The young man was literally sex-obsessed, but the contemporaries were telling that it is the cult of is Eloh that depraved him.
Elagabalus was a perverted ruler. He was reported to have prostituted himself in the imperial palace. He had numerous wives and husbands at the same time. He was known to be a masochist and allowed everyone to beat him. The young man was obsessed with sex, but his contemporaries were of the view that it was his cult of Eloh that depraved him.


The young emperor brought his famous Black Stone to Rome. He wanted to make the worship of Eloh either supreme or the only religion of the Roman Empire. This caused uproar among Romans. Every year in summer a bizarre procession was talking place. The Black Stone was placed on a chariot with reins stick to it (suggesting that the god himself was coaching). The emperor was walking afoot near the chariot. Senators, notable citizens, parade of soldiers, musicians and exotic animals followed.
The young emperor brought his famous Black Stone to Rome. He wanted to make the worship of Eloh either supreme or the only religion of the Roman Empire. This caused uproar among Romans. Every year in summer a bizarre procession was talking place. The Black Stone was placed on a chariot with reins stick to it (suggesting that the god himself was coaching). The emperor was walking afoot near the chariot. Senators, notable citizens, parade of soldiers, musicians and exotic animals followed.


After four years of insane rule, Elogabalus was murdered by soldiers. His body was thrown to river Tiber. <ref>Poczet Cesarzy Rzymskich (In English: Roman Emperors), by Aleksander Krawczuk</ref>
After four years of insane rule, Elogabalus was murdered by soldiers. His body was thrown to river Tiber. <ref>Poczet Cesarzy Rzymskich (In English: Roman Emperors), by Aleksander Krawczuk</ref>
<center>
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Golden coin of Elagabalus.jpg|Golden coin of Elagabalus  
File:Golden coin of Elagabalus.jpg|Golden coin of Elagabalus  
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File:Paphian Stone of Aphrodite.jpg|Another black stone: Aniconic Black stone once venerated at the Temple of Aphrodite, near Paphos, Cyprus
File:Paphian Stone of Aphrodite.jpg|Another black stone: Aniconic Black stone once venerated at the Temple of Aphrodite, near Paphos, Cyprus
</gallery>
</gallery>
</center>


==Hadith==
==Hadith==
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{{Quote|1={{Muslim|7|2916}}|2=Suwaid b. Ghafala reported: I saw Umar (Allah be pleased with him) kissing the Stone and clinging to it and saying: I saw Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) having great love for you. This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Sufyin with the same chain of transmitters (and the words are):" That he ('Umar) said: But I saw Abu'l-Qasim (way peace be upon him) having great love for you." And he did not mention about clinging to it.}}
{{Quote|1={{Muslim|7|2916}}|2=Suwaid b. Ghafala reported: I saw Umar (Allah be pleased with him) kissing the Stone and clinging to it and saying: I saw Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) having great love for you. This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Sufyin with the same chain of transmitters (and the words are):" That he ('Umar) said: But I saw Abu'l-Qasim (way peace be upon him) having great love for you." And he did not mention about clinging to it.}}


==See also==
==External Links==


* [[Paganism]] ''- A hub page that leads to other articles related to Islam and Paganism''
*[http://www.indigogroup.co.uk/edge/blstone.htm The Black Stone - the Omphalos of the Goddess]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
 
[[Category:Paganism]]
==External links==
[[Category:Ritual]]
* [http://www.indigogroup.co.uk/edge/blstone.htm The Black Stone - the Omphalos of the Goddess]
[[Category:Relics]]
 
[[Category:Pre-Islamic Arabia]]
[[Category:Islam and Paganism]]
[[Category:Sacred history]]
[[Category:Heaven]]
[[Category:Sirah]]
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