Islam and Muslims The Kabaa

Did you know (I know most of you do) that Muslims throughout the world face the Kaaba during prayers, which are five times a day. For most places around the world, coordinates for Mecca in Saudi Arabia suffice.

But did you know that a significant feature of the Kaaba is the Black Stone, also called al-Hajar-ul-Aswad, which is believed by some Muslims to date back to the time of Adam and Eve. It is about 30 cm (12 inches) in diameter, is located on the Eastern corner of the Kaaba, and is surrounded by a silver frame. When Muslims come to Mecca to perform the Hajj, one of the tasks which they try to accomplish is to kiss the Black Stone, as Muhammad once kissed it.

Tradition has it that the Black Stone is a meteor that was white when it came to earth, but it black under the burden of peoples' sins. (Smokeybones)