The Black Stone (Al-Hajar Al-Aswad) is situated in the southeastern corner of the Holy Kaaba, elevated approximately 1.5 meters above the ground of the Mataf (the circumambulation area). It serves as the official starting and ending point for the Tawaf during Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
Origin and Religious Significance
A Ruby from Paradise: According to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Black Stone was brought down by the Angel Gabriel (Jibril) from Paradise. Originally, it was pure white—whiter than milk—but became blackened due to the sins of humanity.
Symbol of Monotheism: Touching, kissing, or gesturing toward the Black Stone is a Prophetic Sunnah following the practice of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Islamic tradition holds that the stone will bear witness on the Day of Resurrection for those who greeted it with true faith.
Key Historical Milestones
Rebuilding by Abraham and Ishmael
Prophetic Antiquity
When Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) and his son Ishmael (Ismail) completed the construction of the Kaaba, Abraham requested a distinctive marker to designate the starting point of Tawaf. Angel Gabriel brought the Black Stone and placed it in its designated corner.
Arbitration of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Pre-Islamic Era (c. 605 CE)
When the Quraysh rebuilt the Kaaba, a severe dispute arose among tribal leaders over who would earn the honor of placing the Black Stone in its position. To prevent bloodshed, they agreed to accept the judgment of the next person to enter the sanctuary—who happened to be Muhammad ﷺ prior to his prophethood. He placed the Stone on a cloak, instructed each tribal chief to hold a side of the fabric, and raised it together. He then set the Stone into place with his own hands, resolving the crisis peacefully.
The Qarmatian Abduction
317 AH (930 CE) – 339 AH (951 CE)
In 317 AH, the Qarmatian sect attacked Mecca and forcibly removed the Black Stone, taking it to their stronghold in Al-Hasa (Eastern Arabia). It remained away from the Kaaba for nearly 22 years until it was eventually recovered and restored to its original location in 339 AH.
Modern Composition and Preservation
Today, the visible portion of the Black Stone consists of eight small fragments joined together. It is encased within a protective frame made of pure silver to ensure its structural integrity and is regularly anointed with fine musk and aromatic perfumes.