During the sacred season of Hajj, Muslims from across the world flock to Makkah with hearts filled with longing — not just to perform the pilgrimage, but to gaze upon the Kaaba, and if possible, to kiss the Black Stone, known to the locals as “Al-Hajar Al-As’ad” (the Blessed Stone).
This is the very stone kissed by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, a Sunnah that millions follow today. As Umar ibn Al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه) once said before kissing the stone:
“I know you are a stone that can neither harm nor benefit. Had I not seen the Prophet ﷺ kiss you, I would not have kissed you.”
The Black Stone: A Celestial Legacy
Located in the southeastern corner of the Kaaba, the Black Stone marks the starting and ending point of Tawaf. It is one of the most spiritually significant features of the Holy Mosque.
The Black Stone is oval-shaped, and Islamic tradition states that it was brought down from Paradise by Jibril (Gabriel) to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). According to hadith, it was originally whiter than milk and snow, but became blackened due to the sins of humanity.
The stone sits half a meter above the ground, embedded within a pure silver frame. It is made up of 15 different stone fragments, the largest about the size of a date. Only 8 of these pieces are visible, while the remaining 7 are covered with a special wax mixture containing amber, musk, and other protective substances.
The Origin of the Silver Frame
In 60 AH (680 CE), following the death of Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, Abdullah ibn Al-Zubayr refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid, Muawiyah’s son. Retreating to Makkah, he sought sanctuary in the Kaaba, calling himself “The One Taking Refuge in the House”.
In 64 AH, Yazid’s forces laid siege to Makkah, launching catapults (manjaniq) at the Kaaba. Fires broke out, the roof collapsed, and the structure was severely damaged.
After Yazid’s death, Ibn Al-Zubayr rebuilt the Kaaba and, for the first time in history, encased the Black Stone in a silver frame to protect it. This tradition continued, with successive caliphs and wealthy patrons offering new frames. The last to donate one before the Saudi era was Ottoman Sultan Mehmed V Rashad in 1331 AH.
Modern Restoration of the Frame
Under King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the silver frame was repaired. Later, in 1375 AH, King Saud ordered a complete replacement with a new pure silver frame, crafted by Ahmad Ibrahim Badr, the chief goldsmith of Makkah, who also made the Kaaba’s door and served in this role for over 35 years.
His descendants continued this legacy. The frame was replaced twice by King Khalid (1399 AH) and King Fahd (1422 AH).
Today, the Black Stone’s silver frame weighs around 50 kilograms, and its crafting takes approximately three months. The stones are carefully bonded with a high-heat melted wax compound to ensure firm attachment.
Maintenance and Care of the Black Stone
The intense desert heat and occasional mishandling by pilgrims lead to cracks in the binding wax, requiring periodic restoration.
This task is now overseen by Faisal Muhammad Mahmoud Badr, the grandson of the master artisan from King Abdulaziz’s era. Maintenance takes 1–2 hours, during which:
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- The wax is melted and reapplied
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- The stone fragments are re-secured
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- The structure is inspected for durability and safety
The Most Heinous Attack: The Qarmatian Theft
One of the darkest episodes in Islamic history occurred in 317 AH (930 CE) when the Qarmatians, an extremist sect falsely claiming loyalty to Ahlul Bayt, attacked the Kaaba during Hajj, killing 30,000 pilgrims, removing the Kaaba’s door and covering, and stealing the Black Stone.
They took it to their stronghold in Al-Ahsa (modern-day Bahrain), installing it in a fake Kaaba and inviting people to perform pilgrimage there. For 22 years, the stone remained in their possession.
After repeated failed attempts to retrieve it, the Fatimid Caliph Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah issued a stern warning, threatening to crush the Qarmatians militarily if the stone was not returned.
Frightened by the ultimatum, they returned the Black Stone in 339 AH, placing it on a camel bound for Makkah.
Ibn Kathir records the event: “In the blessed month of Dhu al-Qa’dah, the Black Stone was returned to its place. The Qarmatians had held it for 22 years. Muslims rejoiced immensely upon its return, praising Allah for restoring this sacred relic.”
Security of the Black Stone Today
Due to its sacred and historical significance, the Black Stone is guarded at all times. 24 security officers rotate shifts to monitor and protect it, ensuring order during the intense rush of pilgrims, especially around the Hajj and Umrah seasons.
Each guard is replaced hourly to maintain focus and vigilance. They also assist the elderly and disabled in safely approaching the stone.
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