Title: The Significance of the Black-stone Inside the Ka`bah Question: Please explain what the black stone inside the Ka`bah is. Richard Perry Answer: There are two separate aspects of your question: firstly, what is black-stone inside the Ka`bah , from a physical perspective; and secondly, what is the significance of the black-stone inside the Ka`bah . From a physical perspective, the 'black-stone' is precisely what its name connotes: 'A black stone'. From a physical perspective, therefore, it does not have any special significance or importance. As far as the significance of the black-stone is concerned, it symbolizes the starting-point during the circumambulation of the Ka`bah . At this point, the Muslims, who are close to the Ka`bah (during their circumambulation) touch the stone, while those who are away from it, raise their hands towards it, symbolizing the renewal of their pledge of allegiance with the Lord of the Ka`bah . In this symbolic expression, the black-stone is taken as a symbol of the hand of God. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad November 7, 2001