by attributing it to Himself. He commanded them to touch and clasp it, so that their obedience in complying and their drawing near to Allah Most High might become manifest, thereby bringing them blessing and felicity.

He said: Another interpretation has been offered: “Allah’s right hand” means “Allah’s assurance of safety,” since the Stone is part of the House, and He, Glorified is He, has said:

“Whoever enters it is safe.”
[Āl ‘Imrān 97]

He said: There is nothing objectionable in these interpretations, for the reason we have explained: that this cannot be attributed to Allah, Glorified and Exalted. The soundness of this is demonstrated by what is narrated from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace: “The Black Stone is one of the rubies of Paradise; it was only the sins of the children of Adam that blackened it.” Likewise, ‘Umar’s statement: “I know full well