What is the response to those who accuse visiting the Kaaba of being polytheistic, and what do the Kaaba, Hajj, and Umrah represent for Muslims?

Paganism is an earthly religion associated with idols, involving attachment to them through fear, hope, humility, and worship. This may be accompanied by attributing self-power to them. The monotheistic Muslim, however, directs all meanings of worship to God alone.

Some cast doubt on the rituals of Hajj, such as kissing the Black Stone, claiming it is a manifestation of paganism. This claim is based on ignorance and ill intent, for Muslims do not worship the Black Stone nor the Kaaba; rather, they worship Allah Almighty alone by following what He has legislated concerning them.

Worshiping something means believing that it possesses supernatural authority, whether inherent or as an intermediary. This does not apply to the belief of Muslims regarding the Black Stone. Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, explicitly stated: "I know that you are a stone that neither harms nor benefits, and had I not seen the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, kiss you, I would not have kissed you." Al-Tabari said that Umar did this because people were new to idol worship, and he feared that the ignorant might think that touching the Stone was an exaltation of stones, while it was in fact following the act of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him.

The Black Stone is not a remnant of polytheism; rather, it was placed by Abraham, peace be upon him, to mark the beginning of circumambulation, and it has become one of the شعائر (sacred rituals or symbols) of Allah that are honored and respected. Honoring religious شعائر and relics is well-known among nations and does not imply worship.

Indeed, Allah Almighty has the right to specify whatever He wishes from objects, places, and times for the bonds of worship and rituals. The foundation of worship is based on following (divine command), not on personal opinion.

Among the rites of Hajj is the stoning of the jamarat, which revives the memory of Abraham, peace be upon him, when Satan appeared to him, and he pelted him with stones. The pilgrim stones the jamarat with the intention of submitting to Allah's command and demonstrating servitude, thereby humiliating Satan.