A famous stone exists that many view as important and many are confused by its importance. Like the Blarney it is often kissed. What do I speak of?

Arpeggionist

I believe you're referring to the Kabaa stone in Mecca, in which the central ritual of Islam, the Haj, involves the faithful worshipers rotating and kissing the stone. (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Stone) Aug 20 09, 3:34 PM

gonnzo

The Black Stone in the Kaaba at Mecca, Saudi Arabia. "The Black Stone is a significant feature of the Kaaba, believed by Muslims to date back to the time of Adam and Eve. Located on the eastern corner of the Kaaba, it is about 30 cm (12 in) in diameter and surrounded by a silver frame. All Hajj pilgrims must attempt to kiss the Stone as Muhammad once did. If they cannot then a flying kiss would be sufficient. Because of the large crowds, this is not always possible, and so as pilgrims walk around the Kaaba, they are to point to the Stone on each circuit." There is a discussion of the significance of the stone in the section following the description. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaaba#Black_Stone Aug 20 09, 3:36 PM

serpa

Gene Simmons of KISS claims he sold a kidney STONE on ebay for fifteen grand! http://www.chordstrike.com/2009/06/kiss-kidney-stone-anyone.html Aug 20 09, 4:00 PM

star_gazer

Correct! The Black Stone has had an interesting history during the Islamic period. In 930 AD a ruler of Bahrain - who belonged to a branch of Ismailism known as the Karmatians - sacked Makkah and carried the Black Stone away for some 70 years until it was ransomed. In the process, the Black Stone was cracked. It is now held together by a silver band. The fact that Islam was able to function without the Black Stone for 70 years is one of the best illustrations that it is but a marker for Tawaaf - and NOT an object of worship. http://jews-for-allah.org/2009/03/09/myth-muslims-worship-a-rock-stone-deuteronomy-2864/ Gene Simmon's kidney stone was not the answer I was looking for. Aug 20 09, 4:01 PM