The Black Stone of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which is also referred to as Hajar al-Aswad, is considered the object of worship among Muslims, which is believed to be an Islamic relic of the time of Adam and Eve. Millions of pilgrims visit the holy Mecca city each year to perform their religious journeys of Hajj, in which Black Stone plays a vital part.
Black Stone, the holy sacred rock set, is located in the eastern corner of the ancient building in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which is known as Kaaba. During the time of the hajj, as a part of the tawaf ritual, Muslim pilgrims are found to be circling the Kaaba while many of them are engaged in kissing the stone.
History of the Black Stone of Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Though the origin of the Black Stone of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, still remains a mystery, there are several myths associated with this object. Although no written record has been found, it was assumed that the stone was most likely revered by the pre-Islamic religious traditions. According to many, the stone is considered to be found at the time of Adam and Eve. In a story, the stone has been described as a meteorite which has fallen in the location where it was instructed to Adam and Eve to construct the first temple. According to the narration of another story, the stone was recognised as a symbol of forgiving the sins of Adam upon his removal from paradise.
The history of the Black Stone of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, can also be traced during uncovering the story of prophets Abraham and Muhammad. There is speculation that Abraham and his son Ishmael initially established the Black Stone in the Kaaba, while Muhammad replaced the Black Stone of the Kaaba when the building was reconstructed in the seventh century. Black Stone remains an integral part of the religious journeys of Islamic individuals during hajj even though the origin of Black Stone may never have accurately unfolded.
Physical appearance of Black Stone
The Black Stone, nestled in the Kaaba's corner, marks the beginning of Tawaf and draws worshippers with profound reverence.#Makkah_and_Madinah_Eagerly_Await_You pic.twitter.com/Da3ufCnpcp
— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) October 9, 2024The diameter of the Black Stone is approximately 12 inches, and is split into multiple pieces. Initially, the stone was a single rock, but later, over time and several historical events, it turned into eight rock sets of different sizes and was fixed with a large stone in a silver frame. The frame is found to have been replaced over time by various rulers to maintain the stone properly.
The first frame was constructed by a renowned figure from the second generation of Mecca’s Muslim families, who is known as Abdullah bin Zubair. It has been believed that there is a ritual significance of placing the Black Stone in the east corner of Kaaba from which direction rain bringing east wind comes and Canopus rises.
Some European travellers are found to be visiting Kabba of Mecca city in the disguise of pilgrims in the 19th and early 20th centuries from whom the appearance of the Black Stone can be known. As per the description provided by the Swiss traveller Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in his book titled “Travels in Arabia”, the shape of the Black Stone is an irregular oval, which involves a number of smaller stones.
Why is the Black Stone kissed?
All Muslims across the world seek to go to Mecca city at least once not only to watch the holy Black Stone in reality but also to obtain the opportunity to kiss the stone. In this way, they show their respect towards the Black Stone. It is regarded as the only piece of rock which remained from the original Kaaba structure during the time of Ibraham and Ismail. After several disruptions and events at the Kaaba, this becomes the only stone to survive.
Muslim pilgrims are seen to circle the Kaaba in connection to the tawaf ritual where many of them get the opportunity to touch and kiss the Black Stone. However, the pilgrims who are not able to touch the stone are found to be kissing the objects connected to the stone. Even knowing that it is just a simple stone, Muslims are involved in such activity because the Prophet Mohammed was seen to kiss the Black Stone. Like the national flag of a country, the Black Stone holds the same unique symbolic value among Muslims that is revered by them. The activity reflects their love and respect towards the Black Stone rather than their obligations.
According to the beliefs of many pilgrims, kissing the stone will wash away all their sins. As per the assumption of the Islamic people, the color of the stone was previously white which has turned into black through the absorption of sins of several pilgrims who touch and kiss the stone.
Key historical events surrounding the Black Stone
The Black Stone has undergone several historical events including the attempts for theft. For example, the Umayyad army burned the Kaaba in 683 AD in 683 AD during the siege of Mecca, which led to huge damage to the Black Stone. Furthermore, around 930 CE, an extremist Muslim religious group from the region of eastern Arabia, which is known as Qarmatians, stole the Black Stone. As per the opinion of a historian, it was found to be returned back to its primary location during the time of approximately 952 CE.
Maintenance of Black Stone in the Modern Age
A specialised and qualified technical team has been recruited by the “General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque” to undertake regular care of the Black Stone. Advanced and modern methods are used for the execution of the tasks related to Kaaba and its surroundings, with the maintenance of high standard quality. The methods involve the usage of the cutting edge technologies like augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR).
AR and VR initiatives have been launched by the respective authorities to enable the exhibition of historical architecture in Mecca City among visitors. This initiative enables Mecca visitors to experience and explore the Kaaba and its surroundings, such as the Yamani Corner, the tilling of the Grand Mosque, the Shadhrwan and the Black Stone. This also fosters the culture of digital transformation with the alignment of Saudi Vision 2030.
FAQ
1. What is the significance of the Black Stone in the Hajj pilgrimage?
Millions of pilgrims visit the holy Mecca city each year to perform their religious journeys of Hajj, in which Black Stone plays a vital part. According to the beliefs of many pilgrims, kissing the stone will wash away all their sins.
2. How did the Black Stone of Kaaba come to be split into multiple pieces?
The diameter of the Black Stone is approximately 12 inches, and it is split into multiple pieces. Initially, the stone was a single rock, but later, over time and several historical events, it turned into eight rock sets of different sizes and was fixed with a large stone in a silver frame.
3. Why do Muslims kiss the Black Stone during their pilgrimage?
Muslim pilgrims are seen to circle the Kaaba in connection to the tawaf ritual, during which many of them get the opportunity to touch and kiss the Black Stone. Even knowing that it is just a simple stone, Muslims are involved in such activity because the Prophet Mohammed was seen to kiss the Black Stone.
4. What are some key historical events that have affected the Black Stone?
The Black Stone has undergone several historical events including the attempts for theft. For example, the Umayyad army burned the Kaaba in 683 AD during the siege of Mecca, which led to huge damage to the Black Stone. Furthermore, around 930 CE, an extremist Muslim religious group from the eastern region of Arabia, which is known as Qarmatians, had stolen the Black Stone.
5. How is the Black Stone maintained in modern times?
Advanced and modern methods are used for the execution of the tasks related to Kaaba and its surroundings, with the maintenance of high standard quality. The methods involve the usage of cutting-edge technologies like augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR).
