A man asked Ibn `Umar about the touching of the Black Stone. Ibn `Umar said, "I saw Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) touching and kissing it." The questioner said, "But if there were a throng (much rush) round the Ka`ba and the people overpowered me, (what would I do?)" He replied angrily, "Stay in Yemen (as that man was from Yemen). I saw Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) touching and kissing it."
Hadith Commentary: The Virtue of Touching the Black Stone
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 1611 demonstrates the established Sunnah of touching and kissing the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad) during Hajj and Umrah. Ibn Umar, known for his strict adherence to the Prophet's traditions, emphatically confirms this practice by stating he witnessed the Messenger of Allah performing this ritual himself.
Scholarly Interpretation
The Black Stone is considered the right hand of Allah on earth, through which believers pledge their covenant with their Lord. Touching it symbolizes renewing one's faith and seeking forgiveness for sins.
Ibn Umar's repetition of "I saw Allah's Messenger touching and kissing it" emphasizes the importance of following the Prophet's example exactly as he demonstrated, without alteration or excuse.
Practical Ruling on Crowded Conditions
When the questioner raised the concern about overcrowding, Ibn Umar's stern response indicates that difficulties in performing rituals do not justify abandoning the Sunnah. Scholars clarify that if one cannot kiss the Stone directly, they should touch it with their hand or a stick and then kiss what touched it.
If even touching is impossible due to crowds, one should face the Stone and make the takbir (saying "Allahu Akbar") while pointing toward it, thus fulfilling the spirit of the ritual according to one's capability.
Spiritual Significance
This hadith teaches that acts of worship should be performed according to the Prophetic example, not based on personal convenience. The Black Stone will testify for those who touched it sincerely on the Day of Judgment, making this ritual both a physical and spiritual connection to the legacy of Prophet Muhammad and the ancient house of Allah.