The Black Stone (Golden Words of Allah – Episode 51)

“The Stone will come on the Day of Resurrection with two eyes with which it will see, and a tongue with which it will speak, and it will testify in favour of everyone who touched it in truth.”

By Abdullahi Yusuf

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All perfect praise is due to Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, the Lord of the Worlds. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah, and Muhammad (pbuh), is His slave and final Messenger.

Introduction
Nestled within the eastern corner of the Kaaba is a stone unlike any other—Al-Hajar al-Aswad, the Black Stone. To the unknowing, it may seem but a simple relic. Yet for Muslims, its importance runs deep. Not because of the stone itself, but because of what it represents: the legacy of Tawheed, the unity of God, and the eternal bond between earth and heaven.

According to Hadith, the black stone was sent down from Paradise. It was once radiant white, but the sins of humanity turned it black. As such, the Black Stone is not to be worshipped or glorified in isolation it is a symbol of submission, unity, and the spiritual return to our Creator.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) revered the Black Stone, but he placed its value within the proper context. He kissed it during Tawaf, and so did his companions out of love for the Prophet’s practice, not the stone itself.

Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) once said: “I know that you are only a stone and can neither harm nor benefit anyone. Had I not seen the Prophet (peace be upon him) kiss you, I would not have kissed you.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1597)

The Black Stone marks the beginning of Tawaf, the circumambulation of the Kaaba just as Allah is the beginning and end of our journey. It reminds us of our origin from Paradise, and our hope to return. Its darkened appearance is a striking symbol of how sin stains purity, yet the mercy of Allah always offers renewal.

On the Day of Judgement, the Black Stone will testify: “The Stone will come on the Day of Resurrection with two eyes with which it will see, and a tongue with which it will speak, and it will testify in favour of everyone who touched it in truth.” (Tirmidhi, 961 – Hasan)

The Black Stone is not an idol. It is not worshipped. It is a symbol of divine obedience, of the Prophet’s legacy, of humanity’s fall and hope of redemption. Its place in the Kaaba connects us to the spiritual heritage of Ibrahim and Muhammad (peace be upon them), and its kiss is a gesture of love, not devotion.

“In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe…”(Surah Al-Imran 3:97)

And Allah knows best.

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