Hajar Aswad (حَجَر أَسْوَد), or the Black Stone, is a highly revered stone located at the southeastern corner of the Ka'bah, within Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This stone is considered a symbol of blessings and plays a crucial role in the Tawaf ritual performed by Muslims during Hajj and Umrah.
History and Origins of Hajar Aswad
Hajar Aswad is believed to have originated from Paradise and was given to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) as a sign of covenant and approval for the construction of the Ka'bah. According to Islamic tradition, the stone was originally white, but over time, it turned black due to the sins of the people who touched it. This is seen as a symbol that the stone absorbed the sins of those who came into contact with it.
Function and Significance
Hajar Aswad is not an object of worship in Islam, as only Allah SWT is to be worshiped. However, the stone holds profound spiritual significance. During Tawaf, Muslims aim to touch or kiss Hajar Aswad as an act of respect and a reminder of their covenant with Allah. If it is not possible to touch the stone due to the crowds, Muslims simply point towards it and raise their hands in prayer.
Hajar Aswad in Hajj and Umrah
During Tawaf, pilgrims performing Hajj or Umrah walk around the Ka'bah and stop briefly in front of Hajar Aswad to touch or kiss the stone. This is done during the seven circuits of Tawaf. If touching Hajar Aswad is not feasible because of the crowd, pilgrims can gesture towards it with their hand. This action is not a form of magic or worship, but rather a symbolic act of respect and devotion to Allah SWT.
Position and Form of Hajar Aswad
Today, Hajar Aswad is encased in a silver frame at the southeastern corner of the Ka'bah. The stone consists of several small fragments that have been united and protected by silver to prevent damage. Although its size is small, Hajar Aswad holds immense spiritual value for Muslims around the world.
Hajar Aswad (حَجَر أَسْوَد), or the Black Stone, is a highly revered stone located at the southeastern corner of the Ka'bah, within Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This stone is considered a symbol of blessings and plays a crucial role in the Tawaf ritual performed by Muslims during Hajj and Umrah.
History and Origins of Hajar Aswad
Hajar Aswad is believed to have originated from Paradise and was given to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) as a sign of covenant and approval for the construction of the Ka'bah. According to Islamic tradition, the stone was originally white, but over time, it turned black due to the sins of the people who touched it. This is seen as a symbol that the stone absorbed the sins of those who came into contact with it.
Function and Significance
Hajar Aswad is not an object of worship in Islam, as only Allah SWT is to be worshiped. However, the stone holds profound spiritual significance. During Tawaf, Muslims aim to touch or kiss Hajar Aswad as an act of respect and a reminder of their covenant with Allah. If it is not possible to touch the stone due to the crowds, Muslims simply point towards it and raise their hands in prayer.
Hajar Aswad in Hajj and Umrah
During Tawaf, pilgrims performing Hajj or Umrah walk around the Ka'bah and stop briefly in front of Hajar Aswad to touch or kiss the stone. This is done during the seven circuits of Tawaf. If touching Hajar Aswad is not feasible because of the crowd, pilgrims can gesture towards it with their hand. This action is not a form of magic or worship, but rather a symbolic act of respect and devotion to Allah SWT.
Position and Form of Hajar Aswad
Today, Hajar Aswad is encased in a silver frame at the southeastern corner of the Ka'bah. The stone consists of several small fragments that have been united and protected by silver to prevent damage. Although its size is small, Hajar Aswad holds immense spiritual value for Muslims around the world.