Among the four corners of theholy Kabah, one holds a distinct spiritual and historical value, the Rukn al-Yamani, also called the Rukan Yamani. This corner of the Kaaba, situated on the south-western corner of the structure, directly faces the land of Yemen, which is how it came to be known as the Yemeni Corner. Some narrations even say the Ka’bah is called the Rukan from this point. Pilgrims performing Hajj or Umrah seek to touch the corner following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Location and Relation to the Black Stone
The rukn, also known as the Yemeni corner, lies just before the Hajar al-Aswad, the Black Stone, forming a profound spiritual connection between the two. This path between the corner and hajr-e-aswad, is a place of deep supplication, often referred to as the most moving part of tawaf of Umrah and Hajj.
Pilgrims often recite the Qur’anic verse:
“Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire.”
This practice, narrated in hadith by Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA), reflects the hadith of Prophet’s ﷺ , making this touching of the corner during tawaf one of the most cherished acts of worshippers.
Sunnah of Touching the Corner
Unlike the Iraqi corner or other sides of the Kabah, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is authentically reported to have touched only the Rukan Yamani and the al Aswad (Black Stone) during tawaf. The act, known as sunnah of istilaam, is not merely symbolic but carries spiritual merit. According to narrations, the touching the Yemeni corner and the Black Stone erases sins, allowing pilgrims to corner and pray for forgiveness.
Thus, it is a clear teaching to touch the corner, especially the stone in the Yemeni corner, which, like hajr-e-aswad, is linked to divine mercy.
Symbolism and Spiritual Significance
The Rukan Yamani is considered more than a physical corner of the Ka’bah; it is regarded as a sign of divine presence. Some Islamic traditions mention that it is directly aligned with a “door of paradise.” This belief elevates the corner into a place where dua is accepted, even for those unable to touch it while in the state of ihram.
Its distinct feature being the only corner of the Kabah that isn’t covered with the kiswa makes it easily identifiable. For this reason, many describe it as the kabah which faces the land, or even situated on the side of the Kabah. Historically, it has also been also known as Rukn-al-Janubi (the southern corner).
Rukan Yamani Through the Ages
From the earliest days of Islam, scholars such as Ibn Jarir al-Tabari and Al-Azraqi have emphasized the importance of the corner of the holy Kabah, especially the side of the Kabah connected to Yemen. The corner has withstood countless reconstructions of the Kaaba, including those under Sultan Murad IV and later rulers in Saudi Arabia.
Even as the Kabah was rebuilt, the edge of the stone in this sacred corner remained intact, signifying continuity. Its resilience mirrors that of the Kabah itself, enduring as a timeless beacon of faith.
Conclusion
The Rukan Yamani embodies the blend of history, spirituality, and ritual that defines the Kabah. As part of the sacred tawaf, it connects worshippers to the Sunnah, the Qur’an, and the Prophet’s legacy. Whether experienced in the state of ihraam, during tawaf of Umrah, or as part of Hajj, the corner continues to symbolize mercy, humility, and unity.
Thus, the corner of the Kabah, where pilgrims touch the corner or raise their hands in dua, remains one of the most profound stations of the pilgrimage journey, a sacred reminder of forgiveness, faith, and devotion.
Among the four corners of the Kaaba, one holds a distinct spiritual and historical value, The Rukn Yamani, located on the south-western corner of the holy Kaaba, points towards yemeen, which is how it came to be known as the Yemeni Corner. This corner directly faces Yemen, which is how it earned its name. For centuries, pilgrims performing tawaf have sought to touch it, following the teachings of Prophet (PBUH).
