Kissing the Stone
According to a Muslim scholar, Tabbarah, hesaid in his book, "The Spirit of Islam":
QUOTE |
"Moslems do not worship the Black Stone, but only show special reverence and veneration for its dignity and they kiss it only after the example of the Prophet and to keep their Covenant with God to obey His Will and avoid His disobedience." (Tabbarah, The Spirit of Islam, p. 173, Muslim). |
It is true that Muslims kiss the blackstone out of veneration or respect. This follows the example of the Prophet. It is not a necessity and simply follows tradition. It cannot be compared to the veneration shown to idols by pagans since that invloves an aspect of worship and acceptance of false diety which is certainly not the case with muslims and the black stone.