The "Black Stone" (al-Ḥajar al-Aswad) is a revered object located in the eastern corner of the Kaaba, Islam's most sacred site in Mecca. It's not a black hole, but rather a fragmented stone, now held together by a silver casing.
History and Significance
- Pre-Islamic Era: The stone was venerated at the Kaaba during pre-Islamic pagan times. [Britannica, Wikipedia]
- Islamic Tradition: Islamic tradition states the prophet Muhammad integrated the stone into the Kaaba's wall. [Wikipedia] Some believe it was a meteorite. [Reddit, CNN]
- Damage and Preservation: The stone's current fragmented state is attributed to damage sustained when it was taken by the Qarmatians in 339 AH. [Al Arabiya] It's held together by a silver band. [Reference from Sept 28, 2024]
Composition and Scientific Inquiry
While its exact composition remains uncertain, there is speculation about its possible meteoric origin. [CNN, GeologyPage, Reddit] Scientific studies on the stone are limited, leaving its precise nature still a matter of ongoing discussion and research. [Quora]
The belief that the Black Stone was once pure white and turned black by absorbing the sins of pilgrims is a significant part of Islamic tradition. [Zamzam]
In summary, the Black Stone is a historically and religiously significant object, not a black hole, within the Kaaba. Its origins and composition remain areas of both scientific and religious interpretation.
