1983-December-2

A.M. Journal

Muhammad Speaks

Imam W. Deen Muhammad

QUESTION: What does the Black Stone in the corner of the Kaabah represent, and why couldn't it very easily be mistaken for an idol?
—Lincoln, Neb.

WDM: First, the Quran is what guides us and directs us. In the Quran, Allah the Most. High says: "Therefore, worsiiip the Lord of this House." "House" refers to the Kaabah. "Rabbun" is translated "Lord" in English, but we know in Arabic the word is rich with meaning and it means certainly, "Lord -- the one who governs us." But it brings to mind the idea of nourishing or supplying a thing, an object or creature with its needs until it reaches the point of its maturity where it can manage in its own creative role.

So we believe that Allah is the Rabbun for all creation heavens, earth, sun, moon, stars and creatures. So if Allah says worship the Lord of this House, then we know that it means the One Who Created is to be worshipped. Allah is its Creator, and Allah is the One who provides for all after creating all. Worship not the House, but worship only the Creator and Lord of all.

We shouldn't boast in the House, but boast in the Lord; in other words, don't glorify the House, but glorify God.

The Black Stone is in the corner of the House, it's a part of the House. We're not to worship the House; we're not to worship any part of the House.

As for it being mistaken by outsiders who look and see us praying in that direction, without knowledge such perception is likely.

People looking from the outside seeing us praying in that direction while in the vicinity of Mecca could think that we were worshipping an idol.

I believe Allah has left it like that so they will seek the question, and say: "Muslims say they don't worship idols, they don't worship any god but an invisible God, and then turn toward a visible object there."

Then when they seek the answer from Muslims, or from our Quran, they will understand and maybe then they will stop looking to Jesus' body as the body of God, and look beyond that to the Creator.