Title: Question on Hajj Question: Why does Islam, which is against Idolatry, direct Muslims to kiss the black stone, circumambulate Ka`bah , throw stone on Satan during Hajj ? Answer: I really could not understand how the stated practices during Hajj can even be remotely compared to idolatry. Whatever the reasons for the stated practices, it should remain absolutely clear that no knowledgeable Muslim can even think about worshiping the Ka`bah or the Black Stone. Each of the practices undertaken during Hajj are a part of the prescribed worship of God, not that of the building or the stone. These practices could only have been compared to idolatry, had the Muslims worshiped these symbols, which, obviously, is not the case. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad November 5, 2001