Abis bin Rabi’ah says that I once saw Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) come near the Black Stone and address it, saying: By Allah! I know that you are merely a stone that can neither benefit nor harm anyone. If I had not seen the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) kissing you, I would never have kissed you. Saying this, he then approached and kissed it.