Al-Ḥajaru ʾl-Aswad (الحجر الاسود) - The Black Stone
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: الحجر الاسود (Al-Ḥajaru ʾl-Aswad)
- Turkish: Hacer-ül Esved
Etymology: The term “Al-Ḥajaru ʾl-Aswad” literally translates to “The Black Stone” in English. The word “ḥajar” means stone, and “aswad” signifies black.
Historical and Religious Significance
Al-Ḥajaru ʾl-Aswad, or The Black Stone, is an iconic and spiritually significant stone set into the corner of the Kaʿbah, the sacred building at the center of Islam’s most important mosque, Al-Masjid al-Haram, in Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia.
Physical Description
Mr. Burkhardt describes the stone as an irregular oval, approximately seven inches in diameter, with an undulating surface. The Black Stone comprises around a dozen smaller stones of various sizes and shapes, joined together with cement and smoothed. Over time, due to the countless touches and kisses it has received, its initial appearance, resembling lava with extraneous particles, has worn down. Today, its color appears reddish-brown, transitioning to black.
The stone’s fragments are held in place by a border likely composed of pitch and gravel, rising slightly above the stone and encircled by a silver band. According to Captain Burton, this metallic band is now a broad arch of gold or silver gilt.
Importance in Islamic Tradition
As Recited by Ibn ʿAbbās
According to narrations from Ibn ʿAbbās, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is said to have declared that the Black Stone came down from Paradise. Initially, it was whiter than milk, but the sins of humanity blackened it over time. On the Day of Resurrection, the stone will allegedly have two eyes and a tongue, enabling it to see, recognize, and speak for those who touched and kissed it.
Scholarly Perspectives and Historical Accounts
- Maximus Tyrius: A second-century writer noted that the Arabians worshiped a god represented by a quadrangular stone, hinting at the Kaʿbah, which houses the Black Stone.
- Guebars (Ancient Persians): The Guebars suggest that the Black Stone was a relic from Mahabad and his successors, seen as an emblem of Saturn.
Modern Scientific Perspectives
The stone is hypothesized to be an aërolite or meteorite, garnering its veneration partly from its fall from the sky. This view has led researchers to consider various meteorite falls, detailed extensively in academic journals like the Edinburgh Philosophical Journal.
Books for Further Studies
- Islam: A Short History by Karen Armstrong
- Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam by Venetia Porter
- Mecca: The Sacred City by Ziauddin Sardar
- The Hajj: Pilgrimage in Islam by F.E. Peters
- In the Heart of the Desert: The Story of an Exploration by Stephen Pneuman
Takeaways and Conclusion
Al-Ḥajaru ʾl-Aswad holds a revered place in the hearts of Muslims, symbolizing a mystical connection to Paradise. Its physical characteristics and historical accounts highlight its unique journey through time and tradition. Pilgrims performing Hajj often strive to touch and kiss the stone, reaffirming their faith and seeking blessings. The stone’s role emphasizes the importance of continuity and reverence in Islamic rites, blending ancient traditions with timeless spirituality.
