The Black Stone also known as the Stone from Heaven or Hajr e Aswad, holds a great spiritual and religious significance. Located in the eastern corner of the Holy Ka’abah, parallel to the Yemeni Corner, Hajr e Aswad is an area that is always flooded by pilgrims, be it during Hajj or Umrah.
Hajr e Aswad holds great historical and spiritual importance as the traditions suggest that Hajr e Aswad was sent down through Angel Jibrael to complete the construction of the Holy Ka’abah and Hazrat Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) placed it on the location it is. The stone is in a silver encasement and appears to be eight rocks molded together into one. Currently, the size of Hajr e Aswad is 20 cm by 16 cm.
Narrated by Ibn Abbas and reported in Jami` at-Tirmidhi 961, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said that on the day of Judgment, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) will raise the black stone with two eyes and a tongue through which it will testify whoever touch it. This signifies that kissing Hajr e Aswad or reciting Takbeer pointing symbolizes one's spiritual closeness.
Hajj & Umrah Duas
Allaahu 'Akbar.
The Prophet (SAW) performed Tawaf riding a camel. Every time he passed the corner (containing the Black Stone), he would point to it with something that he was holding and say: Allaahu 'Akbar. (Allah is the Most Great)(The 'something' that was referred to in this Hadith was a cane.)
More often than not, the area is crowded during both the Hajj and Umrah seasons. Making dua and reciting the Takbeer passing the black stone can be done even at a distance. Face the black stone and point at it with your hand and recite the Takbeer rather than pushing through to reach the stone.
Touching or kissing Hajr e Aswad is not an obligation and when reciting the Takbeer pointing at Hajr e Aswad, it is of equal significance and reward. both acts are desirable and care must be taken for other pilgrims around you.
Reciting the Takbeer passing the black stone strengthens one’s belief in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and that He is the One with all the might. Kissing Hajr e Aswad and reciting Takbeer is an act that will be rewarded on the day of resurrection.
This is an opportunity for the pilgrims to pause and take a moment to pray whatever they want by acknowledging Allah's greatness and seeking forgiveness and guidance. This moment is profound as it rejuvenates one's connection with their Creator.
Touching the black stone is not an obligation but a desirable act and a sunnah that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself practiced.
The black stone is located on the eastern corner of the Ka’abah.