The Black Stone: A Heavenly Gift in the Heart of the Kaaba

Close-up of the Black Stone set in the Kaaba's corner

The Hajar al-Aswad, also known as the Black Stone is one of the most revered elements of the Kaaba. Originating from paradise and brought to earth by the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), this sacred stone holds unparalleled significance in Islam. As narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "The Black Stone descended from Paradise" (Tirmidhi)."

For centuries, the Black Stone has been a symbol of faith, devotion, and unity for millions of Muslims. Situated on the southeastern corner of the Kaaba, it marks the starting and ending point of Tawaf (circumambulation), a central ritual of Hajj and Umrah.

A Stone with a Heavenly Legacy

The Black Stone’s story is intertwined with the history of the Kaaba. Originally, the stone was radiant white, but as the Prophet ﷺ explained, "The sins of the sons of Adam made it black" (Tirmidhi). This transformation serves as a reminder of human imperfection and the need for Allah's forgiveness.

Although much of the Black Stone is embedded within the Kaaba, eight visible fragments—each no larger than a date—are encased in a protective silver frame. This preservation effort began with Abdullah ibn al-Zubair and has been maintained by rulers and custodians of the Kaaba throughout history. The Black Stone has endured numerous challenges:

1. Pre-Islamic Tribes: When the Quraysh rebuilt the Kaaba, they faced a dispute over who would place the Black Stone. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, then a young man, resolved the conflict with wisdom, ensuring unity among the tribes.

   
   

2. The Qarmatian Seizure: In 317 Hijri, the Qarmatians took the Black Stone, hiding it for 22 years before returning it to its rightful place in 339 Hijri.

   
   

3. Modern Preservation: Over centuries, rulers have repaired and encased the stone to protect it from wear, with the most recent restoration by Saudi Arabia's King Abdul Aziz and King Saud.

The Virtue of Touching the Black Stone during rituals

When beginning Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba, it is Sunnah to face the Black Stone. If possible, pilgrims should kiss the Black Stone directly as a sign of reverence. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Touching the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner erases sins" (Ahmad). If the crowd makes this difficult, they can touch it with their hand and then kiss their hand afterwards, or use an object like a stick to touch the stone and then kiss that object. For pilgrims unable to physically touch the stone due to crowds, pointing toward it with the declaration of "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest) fulfils the Sunnah.

An Everlasting Witness

The Black Stone holds a unique place in Islamic eschatology. On the Day of Judgment, it will testify on behalf of those who sincerely touched it, as narrated by the Prophet ﷺ:

"By Allah, Allah will raise it on the Day of Resurrection with two eyes by which it sees and a tongue that speaks, testifying to those who touched it in truth" (Tirmidhi).

Acting on the Teachings of Islam: Unity and Care

When approaching the Black Stone, it is essential to embody the core values of Islam: respect, kindness, and consideration for others. Pushing, shoving, or causing harm goes against the spirit of this sacred act. If the area is too crowded, simply point toward the Black Stone and say "Allahu Akbar." This act alone holds immense virtue and preserves the dignity of those around you.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reminded Umar, "O Umar, you are a strong man. Do not crowd the weak. If you find a clear space, touch it. Otherwise, say ‘Allahu Akbar’ and move on" (Akhbar Makkah). Ibn Abbas echoed this sentiment, saying, "If you find a crowd at the corner, do not harm others, nor let yourself be harmed" (Al-Azraqi). These words remind us that our worship should never come at the expense of someone else’s comfort or safety.

Aisha, the Mother of the Believers, offered profound wisdom on this matter. When asked to push through the crowd to touch the Black Stone, she replied, "Go yourself," choosing to preserve her modesty and refused to mix with men (Bukhari). She also rebuked those who shoved and caused harm, saying, "It would have been enough to say 'Allahu Akbar' and pass by" (Musnad Al-Shafi’i).

Reflecting on these teachings, we must realize that true worship is not only in the physical acts but also in upholding the values of Islam. By being respectful and refraining from harm, we honor both the sacredness of the Kaaba and the unity of the Ummah. Let this serve as a reminder: the Black Stone is a symbol of faith, but our character in the way we approach it is the truest reflection of our devotion.