Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Resolves the Inter-Tribal Dispute Over the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad)

Description

This event is regarded as one of the most tangible examples of the Prophet’s title “Al-Amīn” (the Trustworthy) and his supreme genius in Islamic history:

Crisis: During the renovation of the Kaaba, when the time came to place the sacred Hajar al-Aswad back in its position, every tribe desired this honour, bringing them to the brink of a major conflict.

Arbitration: Upon the suggestion of one of the Quraysh’s elders, it was decided that “the first person to enter the Kaaba from the Banū Shaybah gate would act as arbiter.” When that person turned out to be Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), everyone expressed their satisfaction by exclaiming, “Al-Amīn is coming!”

The Wise Solution: The Prophet (PBUH) spread his cloak (or a piece of cloth) on the ground, placed the stone upon it, and asked each tribal chief to hold one edge of the cloak. They carried the stone together to its intended location, and at the final point, he placed the stone in its position with his own hands.

Outcome: In this way, the honour of all tribes was preserved, and a potential civil war was averted.