Makkah
Hajar al-Aswad
The Black Stone - sent from Paradise, set into the Ka'bah's eastern corner.
What is the Hajar al-Aswad and do Muslims worship it?
The Hajar al-Aswad is a stone set into the Ka'bah's eastern corner that marks the start of each Tawaf circuit. Muslims do not worship it. As Umar ﷺ said, 'I know you are only a stone... I only kiss you because I saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ kiss you.'
Significance & history
Reported in hadith to have descended from Paradise, the stone is now broken into several pieces held together by a silver frame. It marks the starting and ending point of each Tawaf circuit. Its spiritual weight is in obeying the Prophet's ﷺ example, not the stone itself.
【BOOK】 The author's account of Istilām on his first Tawaf will appear here.
Role in the ritual
Every Tawaf circuit begins in line with the Hajar al-Aswad. Pilgrims perform Istilām - kissing it if possible, touching it with the right hand, or simply pointing to it saying 'Bismillah, Allahu Akbar' - from a distance if crowded.
Etiquette
- Never push, shove, or harm others to reach the stone - this is haram.
- Pointing from a distance is fully valid and safer in crowds.
- Do not stop in the Mataf near the corner - you obstruct the flow.
- Women are especially advised to greet from a distance for safety.
Key Facts
The stone is fragmented; the silver frame was added by 'Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr's engineers.
Istilām while pointing is worth the same reward when done sincerely.
Its eastern corner is known as the Rukn al-Aswad.
The Prophet ﷺ said touching the stone erases sins by Allah's mercy.
Visitor information
- Location
- Eastern corner of the Ka'bah, ground level of the Mataf
- Timings
- Access is easier late night (after Isha) and before Fajr; peak crowds at midday.
- - Do not try to physically reach the stone during peak hours.
- - Approach from the outer edge of the Mataf so you can step out safely if crowded.
- - Say 'Bismillah, Allahu Akbar' at the start of each circuit whether or not you touch it.