How to Kiss Hajr e Aswad (Black Stone) During Hajj

The importance of kissing Hajre Aswad and the significance it has for a Muslim are evident from the previous post, which showed the references from Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) the importance of the stone. Thus, out of respect and to fulfill the tradition of Hajre Aswad Muslims kiss the stone whenever they are doing Tawaf e  Kaaba.

Pertaining to the kissing of Hajre Aswad, it is done during Tawaf in the days of Hajj. Without any doubt Hajj is one of the greatest congregations on the surface of this planet, therefore, kissing the Black Stone is not an easy thing to do when millions of others are also striving towards it. In this regard, those who are able to kiss the stone in person can do so, whereas those who are not able to go close to the stone because of all the crowd and hustle can raise their hand and point towards it which represents the same reverence as would a kiss do. Therefore, kissing the stone is not mandatory; rather it can be done by waving towards the stone as well.

Although there is an option of kissing the stone from a distance, however, there are ardent lovers of the stone who want to kiss the stone in the traditional way so that they are able to fulfill the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). For such people, there is a systematic way by following which they can increase their chances of kissing the stone. The following lines shall discuss few steps that can help in increasing the probability of kissing Hajre Aswad during Tawaf.

Step#1

The first step is of getting into the line of people who are along with the line of Kabah. The best way to start it is by getting into the line at Yemini corner.

Step#2

The second step is of sticking with the wall of Kabah. In doing so you need to make sure that one hand of yours should be constantly touching the Kabah wall so that you aren’t dragged away into the crowed. In addition, the second thing to do is to make sure the hand of yours that is towards the crowd is in a laid down position, so that you don’t push someone unintentionally when the hustle grows.

Step#3

The third step in progression towards the Hajre Aswad is not to break the flow and move forward within the current. The line moves forward inch by inch, therefore, any trying of overtaking the other person or changing the line and then moving ahead will all be in vain. Therefore, the best ploy is to go with the current and not break it.

Step#4

When you start getting near to the mob, now would be the best time to start reciting your Adhkars as when you grow nearer the pressure of the crowd increases and in such situation, it is quite natural that you might get impatient and forget your adhkar. Therefore, start reciting them when you are in line.

Step#5

When you will be reaching close to the corner, where perpendicular current will also be trying to push you, at that point, you need not to panic; rather you must use the force from opposite direction to your advantage, as all it will be doing is pushing you closer to the stone. Therefore, instead of fighting the current, maneuver to your benefit and move closer to the mob.

Step#6

If at some point you feel that you cannot handle the pressure of the crowd, then instead of panicing and removing your hand from the wall of Kabah, you must find the rings that are there instilled in the wall. These rings will help you maintain your center of gravity.

Step#7

When you get within feet or inches of the Stone, start reciting the duas you can remember and ask refuge and help from Allah Almighty. When you are near the stone and everyone is pushing, it can turn out to be a state of frenzy and you might push someone. Therefore, ask Allah Almighty to give you patience and courage to reach the stone with ease.

Step#8

Once you have reached the stone, then instead of losing your senses at the sight of the stone and sticking there for long, the wise thing to do is to just kiss it and move on quickly. If you stay there even for a second longer, then chances are that the incoming crowd would push you and you may fall, which is a risk you should never take in such a crowded place. Therefore, kiss the stone and move on quickly without giving a chance to others to push you.

Remember, while kissing the holy black stone is gives an immense feeling of being blessed by Almighty, it also requires you to follow a systematic approach to help your kissing cause come true peacefully. For that, you are suggested to keep these guiding steps in your mind that will ultimately help you towards kissing of stone.