The Black Stone of the Kaaba
The most revered stone in Islam, and why its nature is unknown to science.
Key facts
- People and tradition
- Islam
- Region
- Arabia
- When
- Before the 7th century to today
The story
Set into the eastern corner of the Kaaba in Mecca is the Black Stone, revered by Muslims around the world. Islamic tradition holds that it was sent down from Paradise and placed in the Kaaba in the time of Abraham and Ishmael, and that the Prophet Muhammad set it in its place with his own hands when the Kaaba was rebuilt. Pilgrims performing the circuit of the Kaaba greet it, and those who can, touch or kiss it.
The Stone has been broken into fragments during its long history and is held together in a silver frame.
What science says
Because of the Stone's deep sacredness, it has never been examined scientifically, and it should not be. Writers from outside the faith have suggested that it may be a meteorite, impact glass or a dark volcanic or agate-like rock, but all of these are guesses based on descriptions. The honest scientific answer is that its nature is not known.
Did you know?
Pieces of black impact glass found at the Wabar craters in Arabia have been mentioned in these guesses, but no link has been shown.
Meteorites have been honoured as sacred in many religions, so the suggestion is natural, but it remains unproven.