Hajr e Aswd (The Holy Black Stone)
The reverend black stone placed in the center of Ka’bah was meteorite sent down by Allah Almighty to estimate the precise location where exactly the Holy Ka’bah is to be built. Holy stone of Hajr E Aswad provides Muslims with a starting and ending point for the seven times circumambulation around the Ka’bah. Hajr E Aswad is a Muslim imperative relic that in compliance with Islamic narrations dates back to the time of Hazrat Adam (AS). Its reverence is evident from the Hadith in which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) termed it as a stone from paradise as stated:
“It was narrated that Ibn E Abbas (RA) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: The Black Stone came down from Paradise.” [Tirmidhi]
Anecdotes Regarding Black Stone:
Contemplating Islamic doctrines reveals different stories regarding black stone and its origin but the authentic being the stone sent down by Allah Almighty. When Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS) were building Ka’bah according to the divine orders to make it a place of sanctuary for the Muslims until eternity, during construction confusion arises that which point to make the center for the worship of Lord. For precise Location Allah Almighty ordered Gabriel (AS) to place the stone at exact location in order to bless them with the Holy stone of paradise.
In reference to the aforementioned story, Hadith narrates its heavenly origin as:
“The Black stone descended from paradise, and it was more white than milk, then it was blacked by this sins of the children of Adam.” [Tirmidhi]
Divine Significance for the Muslims:
The stone ultimate origin, symbolism is a mystery yet speculation continues. Black stone has no mentioning in the Hoy book of Quran nor has any detail verse or word in the sacramental verses.
Hajr E Aswad is placed in the Eastern corner of the Ka’bah, since then innumerable people, sanctified and pious personalities, Prophets and their apostles had touched and kissed this Holy Stone.
1. Supplications Accepted at Black stone:
Supplications made at Hajr e Aswad are accepted and it will testify Muslim’s faith in favor of the pilgrim, in front of Mighty Lord at the Day of reckoning. Hadith quotes it as:
“By Allah! On the Day of Qiyamah, Allah will present the Hajar al-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]
2. Jewels of Paradise:
Due to its heavenly nature, it has termed as jewel of paradise that doubles its significance for a faith bearer Muslim. The nature has described as the radiant most stones the light of which has concealed by the Rab of the universe as Hadith narrates:
“The Hajr 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]
Misconceptions Related to Black Stone
Apart from its celestial importance, there are some myths and misconceptions related to Hajr E Aswad. Christians justify their idolatrous rituals by claiming they worship Virgin Marry as the Muslims worship their black stone. One of the fundamental pillars of Islam is Tawheed entailing the oneness of God by not comparing anyone to His Exaltedness and glorifies Him. To worship a stone, idol or any powerful thing is blasphemy that is unforgiveable in sight of Allah.
This misconception has instilled in the minds of many which is cherish either knowingly, ignorantly or allegorically, considering a stone a God is as unholy as senseless by any school of thought or nations.
One of the Hadith shattered these all whims and false impressions if the people refer back to it and scrutinize its true meanings. Hazrat Umar (RA) saying defies all allegations as quoted in Hadith:
“‘By Allah! I know that you are a stone and can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet touching (and kissing) you, I would never have touched (and kissed) you.’ Then he kissed it and said, ‘There is no reason for us to do Ramal (in Tawaf) except that we wanted to show off before the pagans, and now Allah has destroyed them.’ ‘Umar added, ‘(Nevertheless), the Prophet did that and we do not want to leave it (i.e. Ramal).’”
Pertaining to the above Hadith it is clear that Muslim do not touch or kiss Blackstone in pursuit of worshipping but to commemorate the rituals of the Prophets been done in their eras.
Practices while Kissing Hajr E Aswad
Some of the people have made it a center of blessings and deemed it an obligation to touch and kiss black stone in every circumambulation of Ka’bah. This is their ignorance or little knowledge regarding the practices of performing Pilgrimage.
- Muslims should keep in mind that kissing and touching is Sunnah instead of an obligation.
- While kissing the stone Muslims should not push aside another pilgrim and avoid creating hurdles for the rest of the people during Hajj.
- Around millions of people go to perform Hajj every year, when the area is crowded and packed of pilgrims then the pilgrim should point towards Aswad and recite Takbeer.
- Kissing the back Holy stone is the love and devotion towards the Islamic rituals that should not be done in any obsession marked as idolatry.
- In Islamic narrations there are references which states the Prophet (PBUH) Hajj as both kissing the stone while Tawaf and pointing towards it. However, kissing Hajr E Aswad and touching it both are preferably right. Symbolic and physical both perspectives will be accepted in sight of Allah Almighty because the intention is more mighty then the deed itself.
Surmising, Hajr E aswad is the stone blessed to Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) to decide the center of Ka’bah rather as a tool of worshipping. Considering it imperative nature it should be respected regardless of its origin and myths associated with it since pagan times. The only thing that Muslims should keep in mind that the sole worshipping lord is He Himself and none bears the power to be worshipped.
