Hajr-e-Aswad (The Black Stone), is a fundamental artifact of incredible spiritual and historical importance in Islam. Settled in the eastern corner of the Kaaba in the blessed city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, this divine stone is believed to have descended from heaven. Muslims all over the planet love Hajr-e-Aswad, partner it with divine virtue and direction.
All through hundreds of years, a large number of travelers have kissed, contacted, or motioned towards this holy stone during the Hajj and Umrah journeys, noticing a practice followed back to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Hajr-e-Aswad keeps on representing confidence and solidarity, remaining as a strong demonstration of Islamic history and philosophy.
Why is Hajr-e-Aswad Called as the Stone from Heaven?
Hajr-e-Aswad (The Black Stone), is widely known as the ‘Stone from Heaven‘. It is because of its divine origins that are found in the Islamic history. As per the convictions, when Ibrahim (A.S) was building Kaaba Sharif for spirituality and worship, this stone was sent from the heavens to fill the void in the wall. Jibraeel (An angel from the heavens) gave this unique stone and it was seen first by Ismail (A.S), son of Ibrahim (A.S). The stone was initially shiny white, it became black over time.
In Surah Al-Imran (3:96), it is stated: “Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah – blessed and a guidance for the worlds.”
This entrancing story has been embraced and gone down through ages, supporting its status as a heavenly stone. The Hajr-e-Aswad holds tremendous significance for Muslims and is a crucial piece of Islamic history and spirituality.
In the Light of Sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
In Sahih Bukhari, it is reported from Ibn `Abbas that the Prophet said: “The Black Stone came down from paradise and it was whiter than milk, but the sins of the sons of Adam made it black.”
Another Hadith from Tirmidhi mentions that Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) came near the Black Stone and kissed it and said “No doubt, I know that you are a stone and can neither benefit anyone nor harm anyone. Had I not seen Allah’s Messenger kissing you I would not have kissed you.”
The Story of Hajr-e-Aswad
Long, long ago, it is believed that this stone was sent down from Heaven. It was given to fill the void in the wall of Kaaba. When it first came from Heaven, the stone was beautifully white.
Over time, the stone turned black. Some say it was because of the sins of people, reflecting how it absorbed all the wrongdoings of humans.
Today, the Black Stone is set into the Eastern corner of the Kaaba, which is a large cube-shaped building in the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The Kaaba is the most sacred site in Islam, and Muslims all around the world pray in its direction.
When Muslims go to Makkah for the Hajj pilgrimage, a journey every Muslim aims to make at least once in their lives if they can, many try to kiss the Black Stone. It’s not because they believe the stone itself has powers, but it’s a way to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad, who is said to have kissed the stone.
So, the story of the Black Stone is a mix of history, faith, and tradition that continues to be a significant part of Islam today.
How Hajr-e-Aswad Got Stolen & When it was Returned?
The Hajr-e-Aswad, or the Black Stone, has a remarkable history that includes a period when it was stolen and then returned.
In January 930, during the reign of the Abbasid Caliphate, a sect known as the Qarmatians led by Abu Tahir al-Jannabi raided Makkah during the Hajj pilgrimage. They caused chaos, killing thousands of pilgrims and desecrating the holy sites. The Qarmatians took the Black Stone from the Kaaba and carried it away to their base in Hajar, which is in modern-day Bahrain.
For twenty-three arduous years, the Black Stone stayed lost. During this period, the stone fractured into several fragments. According to some stories, it was also used disrespectfully during this time.
The Black Stone was eventually brought back to Makkah by the Qarmatians. They allegedly chose to return it in exchange for a sizable ransom after realizing its symbolic value to the Muslims. The Black Stone was reinstated in the Kaaba and is still there today after it was eventually returned in 952. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the one to place it back in Kaaba.
Though it was a dark period in Islamic history, the theft of the Black Stone and its eventual return is a testament to its enduring significance in the Islamic faith.
The Authenticity & Significance of Hajr-e-Aswad in the Light of References
The sayings of Islamic scholars and the Sahaba (companions of the Prophet Muhammad) about Hajr-e-Aswad, or the Black Stone, are not as widely documented as the Hadiths. However, their reverence for the Black Stone is clear from their actions and a few recorded words.
One of the most famous instances comes from Umar ibn al-Khattab, a companion of the Prophet and the second Caliph of Islam. When he approached the Black Stone to kiss it, he said: “No doubt, I know that you are a stone and can neither benefit anyone nor harm anyone. Had I not seen Allah’s Messenger kissing you, I would not have kissed you.” [Source: Sahih Bukhari]
This saying reflects the belief held by Muslims that the Black Stone itself doesn’t hold any power, but they respect and venerate it because it was an act performed by the Prophet Muhammad.
As for Islamic scholars, Indian scholar Muhammad Hamidullah summed up the meaning of the Black Stone: “This stone (Hajar Aswad) can indeed benefit and harm. It benefits those who follow the Sunnah (teachings and practices) of the Prophet in touching it, and it harms those who, God forbid, may try to harm it.” [Source: Wikipedia]
This statement emphasizes the symbolic importance of the Black Stone and the significance of following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad.
Sources:
Sahih Bukhari
The Pilgrim
