Black Stone, Mecca

The Black Stone, known as Al-Hajar Al-Aswad in Arabic, is an ancient relic deeply embedded in the eastern corner of the Kaaba, the sacred building located at the heart of the Grand Mosque, Al-Masjid Al-Haram, in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This revered stela is not only a cornerstone of Islamic tradition but also a symbol of faith for millions of Muslims worldwide.

The Black Stone is believed to date back to the time of Adam and Eve, and Islamic tradition holds that it was sent down from Heaven to guide humankind. It is said to have been white when it first descended but has since turned black due to the sins it has absorbed over the years. The stone is encased in a silver frame and is roughly 30 cm in diameter. Pilgrims performing the Hajj or Umrah often strive to touch or kiss the stone, emulating the Prophet Muhammad's actions during his lifetime.

Despite its religious significance, the Black Stone is not worshipped; rather, it is honored as a symbol of God's covenant with the prophets and the people. The act of touching the stone is seen as a gesture of respect and a means of connecting with the divine. The stone has survived centuries of turmoil and has been reassembled on several occasions after natural and human-induced damages.

The Kaaba, which houses the Black Stone, is the qibla, or direction, that Muslims face during their five daily prayers, no matter where they are in the world. During the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, millions of Muslims circulate the Kaaba in a counterclockwise direction, known as Tawaf, with many endeavoring to stop by the Black Stone.

The site is accessible year-round to Muslims performing the Umrah pilgrimage, and it sees a significant surge in visitors during the annual Hajj season. The area around the Kaaba, including the Black Stone, is under the constant care of the Saudi authorities, ensuring its preservation for future generations of the Islamic faith.