Islamic tradition says the black stone built into the foundation of the Kaaba in Mecca was given to Abraham and his son Ishmael by the angel Gabriel as a sign of God's pleasure. Many archaeologists believe it had been a meteor, and some stories say it fell to Earth when Adam and Eve were evicted from Eden.
However it happened, a journey to the black stone of Mecca is part of the pilgrimage required of all Muslims and is holy to all who finally visit the place toward which they have faced each time they prayed.
(See also Islam)
Sources: Ludwig, Theodore M. The Sacred Paths: Understanding the Religions of the World. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1996.
