Hajr e Aswd (The Holy Black Stone) Meaning and Symbolism Hajr e Aswad is significant stone in the Islamic rituals. Islamic tradition narrates how this Holy stone fell from Janna, heaven to guide Adam and Eve the place where they would build the first place to worship. This is a Holy stone which was even stolen due to its great importance.  

Hajr e Aswad was originally crystal white.

It became black due to the sins committed by the people. The people who come from all over the world touch Hajr e Aswad during Hajj and during other Islamic rituals, which is why it became black. Moreover, Holy Prophet peace be upon him is reported to have said, “Touching them both (the Black Stone and al-Rukn al-Yamani) is an expiation for sins.”During Noahs flood the stone and the alter created by Adam and Eve were both destroyed. It was later during the time of Ibrahim when Hajr e Aswad was found at the original site of the altar. Ibrahim ordered his son Ismael to build a new temple. This new temple was the Holy Kaaba where this stone was placed and protected.

   Important facts about Hajr e Aswd, The Black Stone

When the Holy kaaba was being reconstructed after the Quraish demolished it, a dispute arose between the people as to who should place The Black Stone to its place. This was beginning to cause war as people were not ready to settle an agreement. It was decided that whoever came to the Kaaba first will choose. That person was, Holy Prophet peace be upon him. He proposed how the stone be placed on a sheet of cloth and every corner of the cloth will be held by a representative of the tribes. This pushed away the war and a settlement was reached.

Holy Prophet peace be upon him is reported to have said, “The Hajar al-Aswad and al-Maqam (Ebrahim) are two jewels from the jewels of Paradise. Had Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) not concealed their radiance, they would illuminate everything between the East and the West.”[Tirmidhi]

The stone was stolen from the Kaabah in 930

CE by Qarmatian warriors who were an Ismaeeli Shia sect. The stone was returned in 952 CE.The Black Stone was originally a complete stone but due to various incidents it broke into eight pieces. It is contained in a silver frame which is maintained till date,Six additional pieces are claimed to be in Istanbul, Turkey. One of the piece is present in the Blue Mosque.

While people gather to kiss the Hajr e Aswad they should make sure they do not push anyone. This may hurt other people. Causing harm to people is strictly condemned in the Islamic religion which is why people should make sure the avoid such acts. If the place is crowded, Muslims can point towards it and make dua. Holy Prophet peace be upon him is reported to have both kissed the stone and point at it.

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