‘Abis b Rabi'a said he saw ‘Umar kissing the stone and saying, “I know for sure that you are a stone which can neither benefit nor injure, and had I not seen God’s messenger kissing you I would not have kissed you.” (Bukharl and Muslim.)
The Rites of Pilgrimage - Mishkat al-Masabih 2589
This narration from 'Abis ibn Rabi'a concerning the venerable Caliph 'Umar ibn al-Khattab kissing the Black Stone demonstrates profound Islamic legal methodology. The companions understood that acts of worship require divine authorization, either through explicit Quranic text or prophetic precedent (Sunnah).
'Umar's statement "I know for sure that you are a stone which can neither benefit nor injure" establishes the fundamental Islamic doctrine of tawhid - that all power belongs to Allah alone. Created objects possess no inherent power, thus eliminating any suspicion of stone-worship.
His qualification "had I not seen God's messenger kissing you I would not have kissed you" exemplifies the principle of following prophetic tradition without rationalization. This establishes kissing the Black Stone as a confirmed Sunnah act during tawaf, representing loyalty to the complete guidance of the Prophet Muhammad.
Scholars explain this act symbolizes the renewal of one's covenant with Allah, as the Stone is believed to be from paradise and will testify for those who touched it sincerely on Judgment Day. The ritual demonstrates perfect submission to divine commandments regardless of personal comprehension.