The Black Stone

🕋 The Hajar al-Aswad (الحجر الأسود) — the Black Stone — is one of the most revered elements of the Kaaba (House of God) in Makkah, and it carries deep historical, theological, and symbolic significance in Islam. Its role can be understood on multiple levels:

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1. Historical Origin

• According to Islamic tradition, the Black Stone was given to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham عليه السلام) by the angel Jibrīl (Gabriel) during the construction of the Kaaba with his son Ismail (Ishmael عليه السلام) (Ibn Kathīr, Al-Bidāyah wa an-Nihāyah).

• It is believed to have descended from Paradise (Jannah) and was originally whiter than milk, but became black due to absorbing the sins of humankind (hadith in Jamiʿ at-Tirmidhi, 877).

• The stone was placed by Ibrahim at the eastern corner of the Kaaba to mark the starting point for ṭawāf (the circumambulation ritual).

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2. Ritual Function in Ḥajj and ʿUmrah

• Starting Point of Ṭawāf:

The Hajar al-Aswad marks the beginning and end point for each circuit around the Kaaba. Pilgrims align themselves with it before starting each round.

• Gesture of Reverence (Istilām):

• Sunnah to kiss the stone if possible, following the example of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1610).

• If direct kissing is not possible, one may touch it with the hand, or simply point towards it with the right hand while saying:

Bismillāhi Allāhu Akbar (“In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest”).

• It is not an object of worship — reverence for it is symbolic, as confirmed by ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb رضي الله عنه who said:

“I know that you are a stone, and can neither harm nor benefit; had I not seen the Prophet ﷺ kissing you, I would not have kissed you.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1597).

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3. Theological & Symbolic Significance

• Symbol of Covenant:

Some scholars liken it to a “cornerstone” in the Abrahamic covenant — a physical marker of the rebuilding of God’s House.

• Witness on the Day of Judgment:

Hadith reports say the stone will appear with two eyes and a tongue to testify on behalf of those who touched it sincerely (Sunan Ibn Majah, 2944).

• Reminder of Paradise:

Its heavenly origin serves as a tangible connection between Earth and the unseen realm of God’s mercy.

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4. Preservation and Damage History

• Over centuries, the stone has been broken into several fragments due to natural wear, theft (notably by the Qarmatians in 930 CE), and other incidents.

• Today, it is held together by a silver frame embedded in the Kaaba’s eastern corner.

— Azahari Hassim

Founder, The World of Abrahamic Theology