HAJR E ASWAD (THE BLACK STONE)
HAJR-E-ASWAD (THE BLACK STONE)
Hajr e Aswad, The Black Stone, is an Islamic relic that is installed in the eastern corner of Santa Kaa’ba.
You may have seen pilgrims who kiss, touch or simply gesture to him while performing Hajj and Umrah. If you have not already done so, you should see Hajj 2018 live coverage. Or an even better option, get one of those cheap Umrah packages and experience it yourself.
Have you ever wondered what is the history of this stone and what is its meaning? Well keep reading and all your questions will be answered.
Origin:
There are different narratives about the origin of Hajr-e-Aswad. One narrative is that he fell from Paradise to show Prophet Adam (A.S) where to build the first house of worship on Earth.
According to the most authentic and commonly accepted narrative, Hajr-e-Aswad was taken to the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) when he was building the Kaa’ba. He states that when the prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) had almost finished building the Kaa’ba, he noticed that there was a gap. Then he asked his son, the prophet Ismail (A.S.), to look for a stone that could fit into the hole. The prophet Ismail (A.S.) searched but could not find any suitable stone. When he returned to his father, he noticed that the breach was full. When asked the prophet Ibrahim (A.S.), he revealed that the stone was brought to him by the angel Jibraeel (A.S.) from heaven.
Ibn Abbas narrated that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“When the Black Stone came down from Paradise, it was whiter than milk, but the sins of the sons of Adam made it black.” (Tirmidhi)
WHY DO MUSLIMS KISS HAJR-E-ASWAD:
While performing Tawaaf, it is necessary for Muslims to kiss Hajar al-Aswad (or simply touch him or point him out). Kissing him does not mean they are paying respect to the stone or praying it. They do it only because it is the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
There is a misconception among non-Muslims and people who returned to Islam that Muslims pray to the Stone and it is a kind of idol worship. Hazrat Umar (R.A) addressed this problem. He said:
“I know well that you are just a stone that can do neither good nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet (PBUH) kiss you, I would not have done so.”
Clarifies that the notion that kissing the stone is a kind of idolatry, has no foundation. Muslims kiss the stone only because Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did it.
Meaning:
Hajr-e-Aswad is a stone of heaven, a place that we all long for. That makes it quite significant. In addition, there are several hadiths that tell us about the meaning of this stone.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“By Allah! On the Day of Qiyaamah, Allah will present the Hajar e Aswad in such a manner that it will have two eyes and a tongue to testify to the Imaan (faith) of all those who kissed it.” (Tirmidhi)
On the Day of Judgment, the faith of every soul that has kissed Hajar al-Aswad will be witnessed by the stone itself.
Another hadith states:
“The Hajr e Aswad and al-Maqam (Ibrahim) are the two jewels from the jewels of Paradise. Had Allah not concealed their radiance, they would illuminate everything between the East and the West.” (Tirmidhi)
This hadith also establishes the meaning and importance of Hajar al-Aswad.
So this is all, now you know about the origin and importance of Hajar al-Aswad. This is not an ordinary stone, it is a stone from heaven and Muslims kiss it because it is a Sunnah.
