The Black Stone in Islam is no ordinary stone—it is considered a sacred object of heavenly origin with profound spiritual significance. Unlike earthly stones, it is believed to have been sent down from Paradise, making it a revered symbol for Muslims around the world.
This article explores key aspects of the Black Stone, including its believed descent from heaven, its placement by Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) and his son Ishmael (Ismaeel), and how the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) resolved a tribal dispute over it. We will also discuss its physical composition, symbolic meaning, and why pilgrims today continue to honor it—while clarifying that it holds no divine power in itself.
What Is the Black Stone?
The Black Stone, known in Arabic as Al-Ḥajar al-Aswad, is a sacred stone located in the southeastern corner of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It measures about 30 cm (12 inches) in diameter and is positioned 1.5 meters (5 feet) above the ground.
Role of Black Stone in Tawaf
Pilgrims begin and end their Tawaf—the act of walking around the Kaaba—starting from the Black Stone. Many pilgrims try to touch or kiss it, following the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), although this is not an obligatory ritual of the pilgrimage or Umrah.
Placement of Black Stone by Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail
The Black Stone was placed in its current position by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail (peace be upon them), by the command of Almighty Allah. Its main purpose is to indicate the starting point of Tawaf.
Why the Black Stone Turned Black
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) highlights the reason behind the color change of the black stone, saying:
“When the Black Stone came down from Paradise, it was whiter than milk, but the sins of the sons of Adam made it black.” [Sahih: Musnad Ahmad]
Al-Muhibb Al-Tabari commented, “The fact that it is black is a lesson for those who have insight. If sins can have this effect on an inanimate rock, then the effect they have on the heart is even greater.”
Black Stone Highlights Following the Prophet’s Example, Not Worshipping the Stone
The Prophet (peace be upon him) touched and kissed the Black Stone, and Muslims follow his example. However, the Black Stone is not worshipped. This is clarified in a narration from the second Caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), who said:
“I know that you are only a stone which can neither bring benefit nor cause harm. Were it not that I had seen the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) kiss you, I would not have kissed you.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Thus, the Black Stone is a revered symbol in Islam that connects Muslims to the Prophet’s legacy and the sacred history of the Kaaba. While honored and respected, it is never worshipped, serving instead as a starting point for the spiritual journey of Tawaf.
Read also: Is the kaaba an idol?
What is the black stone made of?
The Black Stone is comprised of eight small rocks that are molded together using Arabic frankincense. It is placed in a pure silver encasement that serves to protect the stone. The precise composition of the Stone is not determined, but it is believed to be made of basalt or a dark glassy rock called tuff.
Where did the Black Stone Come from?
All geological studies on the Black Stone are not conclusive. No one can confirm the origin of this sacred stone. The only indisputable fact about this stone is what Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said about it (being sent from paradise).
Is the Black Stone from heaven?
The Black Stone was sent down by Allah to this earth from Paradise. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) says about its origin:
“The Black Stone came down from Paradise.” [Hasan: Sunan an-Nasa’i]
Is the black stone a meteorite?
Since the Black Stone was not formed from earthly materials but was sent down from Paradise, as stated by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), some believe it may be a meteorite. However, this remains a hypothesis, as testing the Stone is not possible without removing and examining it—something not permitted by its guardians.
The True Story of Black Stone in Mecca
It is believed that the Black Stone was given by the noble angel Jibril (AS) to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) after he completed building the Kaaba with the help of his son Ismaeel (AS). The Stone fit perfectly into a gap in the Kaaba’s wall.
Rebuilding the Kaaba and the Dispute Among the Quraish
Many years later, a flood destroyed the Kaaba’s foundation. During its reconstruction, the Quraish divided the work, assigning each family a section. When it came time to place the Black Stone, a dispute broke out—each leader wanted the honor.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Resolves the Conflict with Wisdom
To settle the matter, the Quraish agreed that the first person to enter Masjid al-Haram the next morning would decide. To their surprise, that person was Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Delighted, they exclaimed, “Here comes Al-Amin!” (the Trustworthy One).
The Prophet (PBUH) placed his cloak on the ground, set the Black Stone in the center, and invited one leader from each tribe to lift it together by holding the corners. Once it was raised, he placed the Stone into the wall with his own hands—ending the conflict peacefully and wisely.
Read: History of Hajj.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Black Stone holds deep religious and historical significance in Islam. Believed to have been sent from Paradise and later darkened by human sin, it symbolizes both spiritual heritage and moral reflection within the Islamic tradition. The article discusses the following points:
- The Black Stone is believed to have been sent from Paradise and given to Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) by the angel Gabriel (Jibril).
- It marks the starting point for the Islamic ritual of Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba.
- The Prophet Muhammad is credited with peacefully resolving a tribal dispute over who would place the Stone during a reconstruction of the Kaaba.
- Islamic tradition holds that the Stone was originally white but turned black due to the sins of humanity, emphasizing a moral and spiritual message.
- The black stone has no inherent power to harm or benefit. Muslims kiss or touch the Stone during pilgrimage, emulating the Prophet’s example—not out of worship, but as a gesture of respect.
Want to know more about what to do with sins and the concept of repentance in Islam? Read this article and start a conversation with our team for more discussions about related topics!
