Leaning And Kissing Kaba And Hajr-e-Aswad – Is It Shirk ?
The importance of the Kaaba is not due to the stones themselves, but because Allah chose it as a focal point for worship. Materially, it is a simple structure built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS), but spiritually its significance comes from divine designation, not inherent power. Allah wanted worship to have unity, discipline, and equality — one direction for all, without priests or hierarchy. The Kaaba serves as that symbolic center, not as a divine object. This is why the Qur’an calls it the first house designated for worship and a means of order for humanity, while repeatedly emphasizing that Allah is beyond space and direction. Islam is very careful to prevent confusion between symbol and worship. This was made unmistakably clear by ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab (RA) when he kissed the Black Stone and said: > “I know that you are only a stone and can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Messenger of Allah ﷺ kiss you, I would not have kissed you.”(Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim) This statement establishes the principle: any act involving the Kaaba or the Black Stone is obedience, not belief. According to scholars like Javed Ahmad Ghamidi, touching or kissing the Kaaba is not required at all, and the Prophet ﷺ did it only when it was easy. When difficulty arose, he simply gestured — never creating chaos or obsession. Worship remains directed to Allah alone, while the Kaaba remains a chosen symbol that unifies human devotion. So yes, the Kaaba is physically just a place — but spiritually, it matters because Allah chose it, not because it possesses power.