Black Stone (AL-HAJAR AL-ASWAD)

It is a stone from Al-Jannah (the Paradise). It was brought by Angel Jibreel (peace be on him) the trusted one to Ibraaheem (peace be on him ) who placed on the eastern corner of the Sacred House. It is (1.10m) high above the ground where circumambulation is done. Moreover, it has been surrounded with a pure silver frame to protect it. The place where the black stone is appears white. This stone used to be only one piece but with crises and happenings, it broke into pieces and only eight out those pieces are now left. They are small and different in sizes.

In order to make a specific point as the starting point for circling the Ka’bah, Prophet Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) placed a special stone in its eastern corner. This stone, according to the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) explanation, was originally shining white in color when it was brought down from Paradise, however due to the sins of man it changed to its present color of dull black. [At-Tirmizhi Hadith no. (877-878) vol.3, pp. 226]. Hence its named as Al-Hajar Al-Aswad (the Black stone).

The Prophet (peace be with him) kissed the black stone as did the other Prophets before him. Therefore, it is desirably for one performing Tawaaf (circumambulation of the ka’bah) to kiss it or at least touch it with his hand or something else. But if he is unable to do that he should only point at it with his hand and make Takbeer – Bismillahi Allahu Akbar. (Allah is the greatest).

Abdullah Bin Omar (may allah be pleased with both of them ) said: ‘I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be with him) saying: Indeed the Yemeni corner and the Station of Ibraaheem (Maqaam Ibraaheem) are two corundums among the corundums of Al-Jannah (paradise) but Allah blotted out their light. Had He not blotted out their light they would have illuminated the distance between the East and West. [At-Tirmizhi Hadith no. (877-878) vol.3, pp. 226].

Abdullah Bin Abbas (may allah be pleased with both of them )said: ‘Messenger of allah (peace be with him) said regarding the black stone: By Allah! On the Day of Reckoning Allah will raise it, having two eyes to see and a tongue to speak. It will bear witness for whoever that touched it with certitude’ [At-Tirmizhi Hadith no. (961) vol.3, pp. 294].

Ibn Omar (may allah be pleased with both of them ) said: ‘I heard the messenger of Allah (peace be with him) saying: rubbing hands on both of them wipes off sins’. That is the black stone and the Yemeni corner. [At-Tirmizhi Hadith no. (959) vol.3, pp. 292].