IMPORTANCE OF HAJR-E-ASWAD IN ISLAM
The reverend Hajr-e-Aswad (black stone) placed in the center of Kaabah was sent down by ALLAH Almighty. Holy stone of Hajr-e-Aswad provides Muslims with a starting and ending point for the Tawaaf (seven times circumambulation around the Kaabah). Hajr-e-Aswad is a Muslim very important relic which in compliance with Islamic narrations many dates back to the time of Hazrat Adam (AS). Contemplating Islamic doctrines reveals many different stories regarding black stone and its origin but the authentic and genuine being the stone sent down by ALLAH Almighty. When Hazrat Ibraheem (AS) and Hazrat Ismaeel (AS) were building Kaabah according to the divine and heavenly orders to make it as a place of sanctuary for the Muslims until eternity, during the construction of Kaaba confusion arises that which point to make as the center for the worship of ALLAH. For precise Location ALLAH Almighty ordered Hazrat jibraeel (AS) to place the stone at exact place or location to bless them with the Holy stone of Jannat (paradise).
The Hajr-e-Aswad (black stone) ultimate origin, symbolism is a mystery up till now speculation continues. Hajr-e-Aswad has no mentioning in the Hoy Quran nor has any verse in detail or word in the sacramental ayah. Hajr-e-Aswad is placed in the Eastern corner of the Kaabah, since then countless people, pious and sanctified personalities, Prophets and their apostles had kissed and touched and this Holy Black Stone.
Dua (Supplications) made at Hajr-e-Aswad are accepted and it will testify Muslim’s Imaan (faith) in favour of the pilgrim, in front of ALLAH at the Day of reckoning.
Due to its blissful nature, it has termed as jewel of jannah (paradise) that doubles its importance for Imaan (faith) bearer Muslim.
Practice of Kissing Hajr-e-Aswad
Some people have made it a center of blessings and deemed it an compulsion to kiss and touch black stone in every tawaaf (circumambulation) of Kaabah. This is their lack of knowledge or little ignorance concerning the practices of performing Pilgrimage.
- Muslims must keep in mind that touching and kissing is Sunnah instead of an obligation.
- While kissing the Hajr-e-Aswad (black stone) Muslims should not hit or push aside another pilgrim and avoid making hurdles for the rest of the people during the Hajj and umrah.
- Around millions of people go to Makkah for performing Hajj and Umrah throughout the year, when the part is crowded and packed of pilgrims then the pilgrim must point towards Hajr-e-Aswad (Black stone) and recite Takbeer.
- Kissing the black Holy stone is the devotion and love towards the Islamic rituals that must not be done in any kind of obsession marked as idolatry.
- In Islamic narrations there are references that states the Prophet (PBUH) Hajj as both kissing the black stone while Tawaaf and pointing towards it. Although, kissing Hajr-e-Aswad and touching it both are preferably correct.