The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume I — Page 150
Seal of the Prophets - Volume I 150 Reconstruction of the Ka‘bah The event of the reconstruction of the Ka‘bah has been discussed to some extent in the second chapter. Since the structure of the Ka‘bah was damaged due to an unforeseen occurrence, the Quraish intended to demolish it and began reconstructing it anew. However, in initiating this task, all were hesitant. Since the Ka‘bah was the House of God, they feared a calamity might afflict the people of Makkah as a result. At last, Walīd bin Mughīrah, who was quite aged and was one of the leaders of the Quraish, began this work. The people waited for one night so as to ensure that no affliction befall Walīd bin Mughirah. When they were assured that no harm came to him, all joined together in performing this blessed task. Whilst demolishing the old structure when the Makkans reached the foundations laid by Abraham as , they came to a halt and began the reconstruction upon the original foundations. Coincidentally, it so happened that a ship wrecked upon the coast and its wood was purchased by the Quraish. However, that wood was not sufficient for the complete construction of the roof. Hence, as already mentioned, the Quraish were unable to fully erect this new structure upon the foundations laid by Abraham as , Khalīlullāh. Instead to one side a space of approximately 3 1/2 yards was left incomplete. Various other alterations were also made by the Quraish; however, these have already been mentioned, hence repetition is unnecessary. Whilst reconstructing the Ka‘bah, when the Quraish reached the place of the Ḥajar-e-Aswad , the tribes among the Quraish fell into a vehement dispute in regards to which tribe would place the Ḥajar-e-Aswad upon its permanent place. Naturally, every tribe longed for this honour. So much so that people prepared themselves to take up arms and some, according to the custom of the Jāhil i yyah , filled goblets with blood and drenched their fingers into it while taking firm oaths that they would die in battle lest this honour escape their tribe. Due to this dispute, the construction of the Ka‘bah was brought to a halt for many days. At last, Abū Umaiyyah bin Mughīrah presented a resolution that whosoever is seen entering the Ḥaram , before all else the following morning, would be appointed an arbitrator upon us and thus pass a judgement as to what shall be done in this regard. The decree of God was such that when eyelids rose the next morning all eyes noticed Muḥammad peace be upon him entering the Ḥaram. When they saw Muḥammad sa , the Makkans unanimously cried out “Amīn! Amīn!” and said, “We are content with his decision”. As Muḥammad sa moved closer, the matter was presented before him for judgement. By the