ON THE OCCASION OF CONFRONTATIONS

When the Prophet was thirty-five years old, before the time of his prophethood, a situation arose in Makkah, which called for tactful handling. The walls of the Kabah, which had collapsed for some reason, were being rebuilt by the Quraysh tribe, and in the process a problem arose as to who should be given the privilege of laying the black stone in its place in the Kabah wall. Since it was a matter of great prestige, everyone wanted this honour for himself.

The dispute on this question continued for several days without there being any amicable solution in sight. Finally, all the tribesmen concerned showed their willingness to accept a suggestion made by one of their senior members, viz., that the person who entered the Kabah the earliest the following morning would be appointed as their arbitrator. The next morning, when they all saw that the first person to enter the Kabah was the Prophet, they all chorused: “He is the trustworthy one (Al-Ameen). We shall all abide by his decision.” (Sirah Ibn Hisham, Vol. 1, p. 197)

The Prophet then asked the people to bring a sheet of cloth. When it was produced, he spread it on the ground and placed the black stone on it. Then he asked the people to hold the sheet by the edges and carry it to the wall of the Kabah. The Prophet then placed the black stone in the wall with his own hands.

This act of the Prophet serves as a fine example of how a controversial matter can be amicably solved, and to everyone’s entire satisfaction, by having everyone participate. Such matters often turn into prestige issues. But if the matter is wisely handled and people are assured that they will not lose face, no difficulty will be faced in addressing the problem.