The Excellent Exemplar - Muhammad — Page 12
THE EXCELLENT EXEMPLAR — MUHAMMAD 12 understanding that was characteristic of him is furnished by the story about the Black Stone. As already observed, the Ka’aba and its precincts were the center of Meccan life, and a great part of the prosperity of the town was connected with the Ka’aba, as the principal resort of pilgrimage in Arabia. The structure of the Ka’aba had fallen into dis repair, and it was decided to rebuild it. The famous Black Stone - a cornerstone, probably of meteoric origin - had to be replaced in position in the southeastern angle of the walls. Several leading families of the Qureish coveted the honor of placing the sto ne in position, and vehemently pressed their claim. The controversy became heated, tempers rose, and threats were uttered that the sword would be the arbiter. Someone suggested that the matter might be settled peacefully through arbitration. Muhammad chanc ed to enter the enclosure of the Ka’aba at that moment, and it was agreed that the dispute should be referred to him, and that his decision should be accepted. After ascertaining the cause of the argument, Muhammad spread out his cloak on the ground and pl aced the Black Stone on it. He then invited the leading members of the families that desired to have the honor of placing the stone in position to lift the cloak and carry the stone in this manner next to the angle of the wall where it had to be placed. Mu hammad then lifted the stone and placed it in position. This satisfied everybody, and resolved a situation that had threatened to become grave to the point of possible bloodshed. Though ever ready to promote justice and orderliness, and to soften, so far as it lay in his power, the hardships of life for those