Hajar al-Aswad | The Black Stone

Hajar al-Aswad is a rock set on the eastern part of the Holy Kaaba, the most significant shrine at the Great Mosque of Makkah or Al-Masjid Al-Haram. It is one of the most significant relics in Islam believed to be brought from Jannah and presented to prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) to be placed in a corner near the holy Kaaba.

Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The Black Stone came down from Paradise and it was whiter than milk, but the sins of the sons of Adam turned it black.” [Tirmidhi]

The stone was believed to be venerated during pre-Islamic pagan times. The Black Stone is part of the “Tawaf” ritual for every brother and sister visiting the holy city of Makkah for the purpose of Hajj or Umrah. Tawaf begins and ends from the sacred stone and has been kissed by millions of Muslims, the Prophets (Peace be upon them) including the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself.