Among the most revered elements of the Scared mosque in Makkah is the Hajar al-Aswad, known in English as the black stone. Hajar al-Aswad is a sacred stone set into the eastern corner of the Kaaba also known as the al-rukn al-aswad, encased in a silver frame, and positioned about one and a half meters above the ground. The Black Stone was held in reverence long before the advent of Islam. It is composed of several dark fragments of the stone held together, and though it may look like an ordinary rock to the eye, Islamic tradition regards it as a stone of Paradise brought down by Angel Jibreel (عليه السلام) to Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) when he and his son Ismail (عليه السلام) were building the Ka’bah.
Millions of Muslims who visit the Kaaba for Hajj and Umrah seek to touch it, kiss it, or the very least raise their hands towards it during tawaf, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Its history, origins, and symbolism make it not only a physical marker within the Kaaba rituals but also a reminder of divine connection.
Origins and History of Hajar al-Aswad
The origins of Hajar al-Aswad reach back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) and his son Ismail (عليه السلام). Islamic tradition relates that when Ibrahim was constructing the Kaaba under Allah’s command in Saudi. He needed a stone to mark it’s eastern corners. Angel Jibreel brought him the Black Stone from Paradise. It was described as whiter than milk when descended, the stone darkened over time due to the sins of mankind. This transformation became a living symbol of the human condition, purity touched by transgression but still honored by Allah.
The Black Stone remained intact for centuries and was a focal point in the Kaaba structure. During the lifetime of Abdul Muttalib, the grandfather of the Prophet ﷺ, the Quraysh safeguarded it’s holiness. Later, when the Kaaba was destroyed by fire and flood, the Quraysh decided to rebuilt it. In that historic construction, a dispute broke out who would have the honor of placing the black stone into its position. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, then a young man of thirty-five resolved the conflict with remarkable wisdom. He placed the stone on a cloth, asked each tribe’s leader to hold a corner, and then with his own blessed hands set the Hajar al-Aswad in its place. This moment highlighted his status as Al-Amin, the trustworthy, even before his prophethood.
The Virtue of the Black Stone
The Black stone holds a unique status within the rituals of Hajj and Umrah. While it is not worshipped, for Muslims worships none but Allah, it is kissed or touched as an act of devotion and love, simply because the Prophet himself did so. Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه), the second Caliph, made this clear when he kissed the stone and said I know that you are only a stone and can neither harm nor benefit. “Had I not seen the Messenger of Allah ﷺ kiss you, I would not have kissed you.” This powerful statement echoes through time, showing Muslims that the value of kissing and touching the stone hajar al-Aswad lies in its connection to Sunnah, not in any inherent power.
Performing tawaf within the Kaaba begins at the corner where the Black stone is fixed. Pilgrims are encouraged to face it, raise their hand, and point towards at the stone as an act of reverence before continuing their round. If one can reach it, touching or kissing the black stone is Sunnah, but if not, simply raising the hand and pointing towards it carries the same spiritual significance as demonstrated by the Prophetﷺ himself.
Physical Description and Preservation
Today, as the Black Stone appears as a series of dark fragments surrounded and encased in a silver frame, it continues to draw large crowds of worshippers. Over time, it has suffered damage from natural events, historical conflicts, and the constant handling by pilgrims eager to touch it. In the year 930 CE the Qarmatians, a radical group, attacked the holy city of Mecca and carried the Black Stone away, taking it to Bahrain. For over twenty years it remained away from the Kaaba until the stone was restored again. When the hajar al-aswad plays such an important role in rituals was stolen, it left marks on the stone, but its sanctity and reverence remained untouched.
The stone today consists of eight small fragments that are held together, forming tiny cubes of a bottle-green material within its pitch-black exterior and a silver-grey shine. Some records mention it was sent by the Fatimid caliph and that Fatimid Caliph al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah once interfered with it, while the historian al-Juwayni described how it turned black from the sins of humankind. The current setting of the al-Rukn al-Aswad within the Kaaba’s wall is carefully preserved by the authorities of the haram. Pilgrims often see the silver frame shining under the sunlight, guiding them towards the place where tawaf begins. Despite centuries of trials, the Black Stone continues to inspire awe and love in pilgrimage to Mecca.
Symbolism of Hajar al-Aswad
Beyond its physical form, the Black Stone symbolizes a covenant between Allah and his servants. Some narrations describe it as a witness that will testify on the Day of Judgement for those who honored it through sincere acts of worships in the Quran. Many scholars narrate that it came down from paradise during the time of Prophet Adam, and that the stone was sent as a sign of divine connection. Its position at the starting point of tawaf reflects the idea of beginning every act of devotion by seeking Allah’s guidance and aligning oneself with the example of Prophet.
The Act of Worship and Devotion
The act of approaching Hajar al-Aswad is not a form of worship of the stone itself, but an act of worship directed to Allah through following the Sunnah of the Prophet. Kissing the Hajar al-Aswad, touching, or even raising the hand towards the Black Stone of Mecca, during tawaf is known as Istilaam. This Sunnah is a demonstration of love, obedience, and respect for what Allah has consecrated.
Conclusion
Hajar al-Aswad is more than a stone fixed in the wall of the Kaaba. It is a symbol of the link between heaven and earth, a remnant from paradise, and a marker of faith passed down from the time of Ibrahim (عليه السلام) to the community of Muhammad ﷺ. Its history reveals resilience through trials, and its meaning inspires believers to renew their faith
