The Significance and Importence of Hajr-e-Aswad
Hajr-e-Aswad also known as the black stone is located on the eastern corner of the Holy Kaaba, an ancient building in the holy city of Mecca. The stone has a brief Islamic history and it dates back to the time of Adam and Eve. The Ziyarah of the stone is also part of the famous Islamic rituals of Umrah and Hajj.
Hajr-e-Aswad History
Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) orders his son to fill the gap and finish building the wall. His son went on to search for the stone in the area but couldn’t find any that may fit the place. When He came back, the place was already filled. Upon asking the father, Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) told that it was delivered by Gabriel. It was brought directly from Jannah (Heaven) and presented to Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH).
“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]
Importance of Hajr-e-Aswad in Islam
As mentioned previously, Hajr-e-Aswad has a lot of Islamic history apart from being a stone of Jannah. Some numerous hadiths and narrations show the importance of black stone in Islam.
“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]
This shows that kissing the black stone has this much importance in Islam. Note that when kissing the Hajr-e-Aswad, one should not apply force or harm others by any other means while kissing. It is a strictly forbidden act. If the area is crowded, you can use a stick or point toward’s the stone with your hand. You can then directly kiss the medium. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also pointed towards the Hajr-e-Aswad when the area was crowded.
The Significance of Hajr-e-Aswad:
“By Allah, On the Day of Qiyamah, All will allow Hajr e Aswad to present in such a manner that it will have eyes and tongue to affirm to the faith of all those who kissed it.” –Tirmidhi
This hadith shows the significance of Hajr-e-Aswad in Islam. The Hajr-e-Aswad was originally a complete stone but because of many historical events, it now consists of 8 pieces. All the pieces are of different sizes fixed on a larger stone enclosed in a silver frame. 6 additional pieces of the stone are claimed to be in Turkey. All of them are displayed in different locations.
Final Words:
With all this information and hadiths, we can say that Hajr-e-Aswad has a lot of significance in Muslim life. Just kissing the stone will provide you with endless rewards in the end. However, the act of touching or kissing the stone is done mainly because the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) touched it. It is crucial for every Muslim to respect it.
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