? The Story Behind the Hajar al-Aswad

The Hajar al-Aswad is a sacred stone set into the eastern corner of the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque of Makkah.

1. Origin in Islamic Tradition

• According to Islamic belief, the stone was sent down from Jannah (Paradise) to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) by Allah.

• It was originally white, but over time it turned black due to the sins of humanity it absorbed.

• Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Ismail (peace be upon them) placed the stone in the Kaaba when they built it as a house of worship for Allah.

2. Role in the Hajj Ritual

• Pilgrims try to kiss or touch the stone during Tawaf (circumambulation around the Kaaba), imitating the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ who kissed it.

• If they cannot reach it due to the crowd, pilgrims simply point towards it each time they pass.

3. Symbolism

• Not an idol: Muslims do not worship the stone. Kissing it is an act of love and respect, following the Sunnah.

• Reminder of unity: Millions of Muslims from around the world come to perform the same action in humility before Allah.

• Witness on Judgment Day: Islamic narrations say the Black Stone will testify for those who touched it sincerely.

4. Preservation

• Over the centuries, the stone has been damaged and repaired several times. Today, it is held together by a silver frame.

• The current stone is made up of fragments of the original, cemented into the frame.

✅ In Short:
The Hajar al-Aswad is not worshipped but is honored as a sacred relic from Paradise, connected to the building of the Kaaba by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail. It serves as a physical connection to prophetic history and a spiritual reminder during Hajj and Umrah.