Q 1: One of my friends said that Banu Shaybah are the custodians of the Ka`bah and that no one can open the door of the Ka`bah even if he has the keys unless he is one of them. He told me that a person who is not from Banu Shaybah took the keys and tried to open the door, but the door would not open until they brought a baby from Banu Shaybah and placed his hand on the key. Is this true?

A: Banu Shaybah are the custodians of the Ka`bah. It is not true that the door of the Ka`bah will not open if any one other than Banu Shaybah tries to open it. What is mentioned about someone other than Banu Shaybah who tried to open the door but failed to do so until they brought a baby from Banu Shaybah who put his hand on the key and the door was opened is not true. This is an open lie that contradicts natural norms appointed by Allah as making results dependent upon causes. He who alleges other than that contradicts the norm according to which Allah disposes the affairs of the universe. It was not authentically reported that Banu Shaybah have worldly or religious superiority. Only that the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave them the keys of (Part No. 2; Page No. 513)  the Ka`bah and appointed them as its custodians. But this does not mean that they violate natural norms.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.