History of Hajr-e-Aswad- The Black Stone of Kaaba
Hajr e Aswad or the Black Stone of the Kaaba carries great significance in Islam. This stone is known to be a stone sent from the heavens above. According to a Hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas, the Holy Prophet PBUH is known to have said, “The Black Stone came down from Jannah (Paradise).”
Today the Hair e Aswad is present in the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Here thousands of Hajj and Umrah performing Pilgrims wait to get a glimpse and feel of this precious stone at the East corner of the Kaaba. Let’s take a closer look at the history surrounding the Hajr e Aswad and some interesting facts related to the stone sent from the Heavens above.
The black stone of Kaaba – Hajr-e-Aswad
Hajr e Aswad as mentioned earlier is a precious stone sent from the heavens above. According to Hadith, it was a white-colored stone, beautiful and dazzling in appearance. However, the stone is known to have changed into a black color due to the sins of the people who touch it. This stone also carries great value for all Muslims. A Hadith narrated by the Holy Prophet states that touching this Black Stone allows for the expiation of previous sins.
The appearance of the Hajr e Aswad on earth
So how exactly did the Hajr e Aswad come to Earth is a common question asked by many. The most authentic answer is that it was placed during the time of the construction of the Kaaba. When Hazrat Ibrahim and his son Ismail were building the Kaaba, they fell one brick short.
Hazrat Ibrahim instructed his son to go and look for a brick to fill in the gap left. Despite continuous searching, no brick could be found and Hazrat Ismail returned empty-handed. To his surprise, he saw the gap filled with a stone we call the Hajr e Aswad today. This stone was delivered through the Angel Jibrail, making it further evidence that it has come down from the Heavens.
The laying of the Hajr e Aswad on the Kaaba by the Holy Prophet
During the time of the Holy Prophet, intense rain caused the Kaaba to collapse and be rebuilt. When the time arose to make a decision as to who would place the Hajr e Aswad, an argument broke out amongst a group of people. Abuse and shouting could be heard. It was then suggested that whoever enters the Masjid ul Haram in the morning first, they shall decide.
It was the Holy Prophet who entered and hence the decision was left upon him. Keeping equality and justice in mind, the Prophet used his wisdom and placed his robe on the floor. Then he placed the Hajr e Aswad in the center and ordered the chiefs of each family to lift the corners of the robe.
The final placement of the stone was done by the Holy Prophet PBUH. Such a wonderful gesture by the Holy Prophet is a brilliant example of the simultaneous display of intelligence and equality.
The Hajr e Aswad brings forth a great deal of value in the Islamic religion. With so much religious significance in Islam is attached to this stone, the intense amount of devotion displayed by Muslims across the world comes as no surprise.
