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Hajr-e-Aswad: The Holy Stone

color of holy stone

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The Hajr-e-Aswad is often referred to as the Black Stone. It is a holy stone found in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Hajr-e-Aswad is located in the easternmost corner of the Kaaba. It is one of the most important items in Islam. Each year, millions of Muslims make the pilgrimage to the Kaaba. There they pay their respects to the holy stone that is housed there.

We shall go into the history, significance, and mythology surrounding Hajr-e-Aswad in this article. Also, we study the numerous interpretations and beliefs that are linked with this precious stone.

History of Hajr-e-Aswad

It is often said that the Hajr e Aswad was delivered to Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He was working on the building of the Holy Kaaba and the building of the Holy Kabah was nearly finished. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) saw that one of the walls of the House of Allah. It had a vacant area or gap in it. As a result, the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) instructed his son, the Prophet Ismail (AS), to look for a rock. So that they may fill the gap in the wall of the Holy Ka’bah.

Therefore, the Prophet Ismail (AS) looked for a stone that would fit there exactly. But he continued his quest on the outskirts of Makkah, and to no avail. He was unable to locate the ideal stone. So, he returned to the Holy Ka’bah. He was taken aback to see that a beautiful stone had already been placed in the breach of the wall. After inquiring with his father, the young man learned that the majestic Angel Jibreel (AS) was the one who had delivered the celestial stone to the Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

The stone has a long and tumultuous history, during which time it has been taken, damaged, and restored several times over several centuries. It is supposed to have been split into multiple pieces and then restored with silver wire during a siege that took place in Mecca in the seventh century.

Hajr-e-Aswad in Pieces
Hajr-e-Aswad in Pieces

Hajar-e-Aswad’s Placement when Quraish Renovated the Kaaba

The Holy Ka’bah was submerged in water for the majority of each year due to the fact that it was situated at the bottom of the valley of Farhan. A large amount of damage was done to the foundation of the Holy Ka’bah as a result of heavy rains. As a direct consequence of this, it was determined to repair the Holy Ka’bah’s foundation in order to fortify its stability. Everyone who was a Muslim took part in reinforcing and rearranging the foundation of the Holy Ka’bah until it was time to replace Hajr e Aswad.

Conflict:

Each of the Quraish families was tasked with the obligation of constructing one-fourth of the Holy Ka’bah. As a result, all of the heads of the Quraishite households immediately began to compete with one another for the privilege of positioning the Black Stone. The level of discord and contention rose to such an extreme that there was a great probability that a war would break out if it was not brought under control in a timely manner. Exactly at that moment, a member of the family rose up and said, “I have a suggestion; let’s wait till tomorrow and see who enters the Masjid al-Haram first in the morning; then let him decide.” Everyone else thought it was a reasonable proposal, and they agreed with you.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Solved the Problem:

The next day, everyone waited with bated breath to see who would be the first to enter the Holy Ka’bah. Surprisingly, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the first person to visit the House of Allah SWT when it was originally built. And since he was well known, beloved, loved, and respected by everybody, the crowd shouted in a loud voice, “Here comes Al-Amin” (which literally translates to “the trusted one”).

After then, everything that happened was related to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The people remained silent while the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) considered possible solutions to the problem. After spreading his robe out on the ground, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) lifted the Hajr e Aswad and put it in the center of the garment. He then added, “The chief of each family will take one corner of the robe and lift it together.” After hearing this, everyone agreed with it and realized what an outstanding illustration of justice it was. After the garment had been raised to a height that was considered appropriate, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) personally took the Hajr e Aswad and positioned it in its proper location.

Stolen Tales of Hajr-e- Aswad

In 683 CE:

The holy stone has been defiled and subjected to severe damage throughout the course of its history. During the Umayyad siege of Mecca in the year 683 CE, a stone that was shot from a catapult and hit the Hajr e Aswad caused it to be crushed and broken into pieces. After some time had passed, the shattered shards of the Black Stone were pieced back together by Abdullah bin Zubair (RA) using pure silver ligament.

In 930 CE:

In the latter part of the month of January in the year 930 CE, members of the extremist sect known as the Qarmatians stole the Hajr e Aswad. They concealed the holy stone in their stronghold at Hajar, which is now the country of Bahrain. Masjid al-Dirar, also known as the Mosque of Abu Tahir al-Qarmati, is where the holy stone was deposited. Abu Tahir al-Qarmati was the head of the Qarmatians. He did so with the intention of diverting the Hajj away from the holy city of Makkah, which is very old. On the other hand, he was unsuccessful because Muslim pilgrims continued to worship and adore the location of Hajr e Aswad.

The Holy Stone Was Used As Ransom:

According to the history of the Al-Juwayni sect, the Hajr e Aswad was brought back to the Holy Kaaba after an absence of twenty-three years in the year 952 CE. In reality, the Qarmatians utilized the holy stone as a kind of ransom. They compelled the Abbaside rulers to pay a sizeable sum in exchange for the release of Hajr e Aswad. As soon as the ransom was paid, the Qarmatians hid the Black Stone inside the Friday Mosque in Kufa by placing it in a bag and tossing it within. Along with the bag, there was a note that said, “By the command we took it, and by the command, we brought it back.” After then, the Hajr e Aswad was placed back in its original site, and that is where it can still be found to this day.

The removal and transportation of Hajr e Aswad caused the stone to sustain significant damage. As a consequence, it was shattered into eight separate pieces, which are referred to as fragments. However, according to Qutb al-Din, Abu Tahir al-Qarmati, who was responsible for the kidnapping, was doomed to a horrible end. According to what he stated, “The filthy Abu Tahir was afflicted with a gangrenous sore, his flesh was eaten away by worms, and he died a most terrible death.”

In 1674:

The stone was shattered again in 1674, this time by zealous adherents of the Hanbali school of Islamic jurisprudence. These individuals were convinced that the stone was being worshipped in the same manner as a god. It was again fixed, this time utilizing gold wire as the repair material.

Significance of Hajr-e-Aswad

The importance of Hajr e Aswad rests in the fact that it is connected to the Prophet Ibrahim and the building of the Kaaba by the Prophet Ibrahim. In Islamic tradition, the Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail constructed the Kaaba to serve as a place of prayer for God. The Kaaba is the holiest building in Islam. It is stated that Hajr-e-Aswad was put in the eastern corner of the Kaaba as a marker for the beginning of the circumambulation (tawaf) that is part of the Hajj pilgrimage. Tawaf is the Arabic word for “circumambulation.”

The Hajj is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is a compulsory religious obligation. All Muslims who are physically capable of doing it are obligated to carry it out at least once in their lives. The pilgrimage, known as the Hajj, is comprised of a number of different rituals. One of which is the seven-time circumambulation around the Kaaba, with each circuit beginning and finishing at the Hajr-e-Aswad.

Color of Hajr-e-Aswad

According to Islamic historical accounts, the color of Hajr e Aswad was once pure white, also known as milk white. But it turned black with the passage of time due to the sins of mankind.

Interpretations and Beliefs about Hajr-e-Aswad

There are a great number of stories and tales that are connected to the stone. Some Muslims believe that the stone came crashing down from heaven during the period of Adam and Eve. Some people think that the angel Gabriel was the one who delivered the stone to Mecca. Also, it has the ability to pardon sins because of its presence.

One School of Thought:

The importance of Hajr-e-Aswad might be interpreted differently according to the many schools of thought within Islam. Some Muslims believe that the stone is only a marker that signifies the beginning of the tawaf. It does not have any significant meaning in and of itself in terms of religion. Others see it as a potent representation of their faith and a physical manifestation of the Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering commitment to God.

Second School of Thought:

There is a school of thought among certain Muslims that the stone has the ability to fulfill wishes, ward against evil, and heal illness. They seek the blessings of the Kaaba by circling it seven times and then kissing or touching the Black Stone located in the center of the Kaaba. The dark color of the stone is also interpreted in a variety of ways, and some people think that it is only a reminder of the devotion that the Prophet Ibrahim had to God.

Other people are of the opinion that the stone does not possess any supernatural abilities and that it is simply a symbol of that commitment. Some Muslims think that the stone became black as a result of the crimes committed by humanity. In contrast, others believe that the stone was always black and that its color depicts the darkness that existed in the world before Islam was introduced.

In spite of these differences in understanding, all Muslims hold the Hajr-e-Aswad in the highest regard. It acts as a constant reminder of their responsibilities to God. Also, it is a symbol of their common faith and togetherness.

Management of Hajr-e-Aswad

A visit to the Hajr-e-Aswad is considered to be a profoundly religious and spiritual experience for Muslims. Pilgrims make an attempt to touch or kiss the stone that surrounds the Kaaba as part of the tawaf ritual. On the other hand, it might be challenging to approach the stone because of the great number of pilgrims. Precautions have been taken for their safety.

In recent years, there have been debates and disagreements over the management of the Hajr-e-Aswad and how it is maintained. A number of people have raised criticism at the Saudi government for the way it has dealt with the stone. Alleging that the country has not done enough to safeguard and maintain the holy treasure. Others have advocated for more openness in the administration of the Hajr-e-Aswad and the Kaaba. On the grounds that these religious sites do not solely belong to the Saudi government but rather to the whole Muslim community.

Manners to kiss the Holy Stone

  • Muslims should not push one another when kissing the Hajr e Aswad. They should not cause difficulties for other pilgrims.
  • Muslims should remember that kissing or touching the Hajr e Aswad is a Sunnah, not an act of worship.
  • In Islamic history, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) kissed and pointed to Hajr e Aswad during Tawaf. Both activities are allowed because Allah SWT values purpose over the deed. Millions of Muslims undertake Hajj annually. Pilgrims should point to the Black Stone while reciting Takbeer if the Hajr e Aswad is crowded.
Manner to kiss the holy stone
Manner to kiss the Holy Stone

Hadiths for Hajr-e-Aswad

The Black Stone came down from Paradise and it was whiter than milk, but the sins of the sons of Adam turned it black.  (Tirmidhi)

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)

 

The Hajar al-Aswad and Maqam Ibrahim are two jewels from the jewels of Paradise. Had Allah SWT not concealed their radiance, they would illuminate everything between the East and the West. (Tirmidhi) 

 

Conclusion

The Hajr-e-Aswad is a representation of the common religion and unity that exists throughout the Muslim community. It is a reminder of the devotion that the Prophet Ibrahim had for God. As well as it is the commitment that all Muslims have to seek forgiveness and guidance from Allah.

The Hajr-e-Aswad is still considered one of the most sacred items in Islam. Each year, millions of Muslims from all over the globe make the journey to the Kaaba. They go there for Umrah and Hajj and also to pay their respects to the holy stone. The Hajr-e-Aswad is a precious artifact in Islam. It is still considered as such despite disputes surrounding its administration and maintenance.

The significance of Hajr-e-Aswad remains unchanged, even as the world undergoes continuous transformation and progress. In a world that is often torn apart by differences in culture, religion, and politics. This Holy stone is a symbol of hope, faith, and togetherness to bring people together.

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