Just like relics in every religion, Hajr e Aswad or The Black Stone is a relic of Islam and holds high value. This is a centre of Islamic rituals and faith. Hajr e Aswad is a sacred stone and Muslims coming for Hajj and Umrah kiss it to wipe off their sins. Therefore, understanding its importance, and the way to approach it is necessary if you will book All-inclusive Umrah Packages. The Black Stone is placed in the east side corner of the Ka’aba. From this corner, pilgrims begin Tawaf. It is a sacred act for Muslims to touch and kiss it. Everyone from our Prophet (P.B.U.H) to Sahabas and other famous prophets to pilgrims, have touched and kissed The Black Stone. Therefore, if any pilgrim reaches it without harming others, he must pray by holding it. However, it is not an obligation to do so.
History of Hajr e Aswad
There are many views on the origin of The Black Stone. Many claim that it was given to Hazrat Adam (A.S) when he was sent onto the earth. Others say that it fell from heaven to show Prophet Adam (A.S) where to build the house of Allah. However, the most valid narration states that it was given to Hazrat Ibrahim during the building of Ka’aba.
When Hazrat Ismail (A.S) and his father Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) were building the House of Allah, they noticed a gap in the wall of Ka’aba. Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) asked his son to look for a stone to fill the space. He went on searching but couldn’t find any so returned. Upon his return, he noticed that a stone had already been placed in the gap. Upon asking, Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) told him that Jibrael, an angel from heaven, came down with this stone to be put in there. About its color and sacredness and its heavenly descent, Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said that:
“When the Black Stone came down from Paradise, it was whiter than milk, but the sins of the sons of Adam made it black.” (Tirmidhi)
Significance of Hajr e Aswad
Religious Importance: As this stone came from the heavens and was placed by the blessed hands of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S), therefore, it has deep spiritual value. He placed it to mark the spot to start the Tawaf. Hence, it has become necessary for every pilgrim to begin their Umrah or Hajj from here.
Moreover, later on, after Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S), When Ka’aba was reconstructed after heavy floods had weakened its bases, there arose the need to place it back. Each one from Quraish wanted to perform this holy act of putting the sacred stone back. So, after much discussion, it was decided that whoever would reach Ka’aba early in the morning would do so. By the will of Allah, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) came first. Thus, he placed The Black Stone with his blessed hands in its place.
There is a hadith that also emphasises the importance of touching and kissing Hajr e Aswad. Prophet (P.B.U.H) stated that on the day of judgement, The Black Stone would come in a manner having two eyes and a tongue that would speak in the favour of those who touched and kissed it.
Part of Islamic Rituals: During Hajj or Umrah, it serves as the focal point for all pilgrims to start and end their circumambulation around the Ka’aba. Touching or kissing is not obligatory. Due to the dense crowd, it is advised to point towards it and say prayers.
The Epitome of Unity: Muslims from all over the world come to perform Umrah or Hajj. They all, despite their skin color, races, languages they speak, and cultures they live in, gather around this stone to start their pilgrimage. Hence, also touch and kiss it. Therefore, it also reflects the unity and binds them all together.
How to Reach Hajr e Aswad?
With a large crowd in Haram, it becomes hard to reach The Black Stone. Every pilgrim wants to reach the sacred stone and kiss it to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (P.B.U.H). Hence it demands patience and physical endurance to reach there. Although it is not a necessary ritual of Umrah or Hajj, Muslims yearn to do so. If due to crowds, reaching the stone by shoving and hurting others, it is better to stay back. You can also just point at it from a distance and seek blessings while praying. However, you can also follow certain steps to reach smoothly. These are:
- Get patiently into the line of people that is near Ka’abah. It is better to make your way into line at Yemini Corner.
- Keep one arm stuck to Ka’abah, doing so will not drag the pilgrim back to the crowd.
- If, by any means, you feel pressure on your arm moving away from Ka’abah, try to hold metal rings there.
- When you reach the stone nearby, start reciting duas. It will keep you focused and keep you away from panicking.
- After reaching the stone, place one hand on it and support the other by placing it on the Ka’bah wall.
- Say duas and touch and kiss it.
Touching and kissing Hajr e Aswad gives a pleasant feeling to the pilgrim. It is the blessing of Allah for those who touch it. However, those who could not are equally rewarded.
Conclusion
Hajr e Aswad is not an ordinary stone. Allah has called it a jewel of paradise. Therefore, whoever books Family Umrah Package must prepare himself for a spiritually rewarding journey. Touching and kissing Hajr e Aswad can be hard but with the right mindset and patience, pilgrims can easily reach the sacred stone. In this way, they will not hurt fellow pilgrims. Hence, will not risk their rewards.