Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 25
25 enjoyed the trust of his fellow townsmen, and was held in respect by them. An illustration of both the position which he occupied even as a young man in Mecca, and the wise 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 disrepair, 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 south- eastern angle of the walls. Several leading families of the Qureish coveted the honour of placing the stone in position, and vehemently pressed their claims. 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 chanced 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 dispute, Muhammad spread out his cloak on the ground and placed the Black Stone on it. He then invited the leading members of the families that desired to have the