Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has urged pilgrims not to pause at the Black Stone during Tawaf, warning that doing so could badly affect safety, hinder the ritual, and disrupt the flow of worshippers, according to Gulf News.
The ministry has also advised pilgrims not to stand for long periods next to the revered stone in the Grand Mosque.
The authorities also clarified that prolonged pauses at the Black Stone may risk disrupting the smooth flow of pilgrims in the mosque’s central courtyard.
In this context, the ministry noted that Tawaf does not require touching or kissing the Black Stone.
Instead, pilgrims are encouraged to keep a steady pace and gesture toward the Black Stone as they pass, concentrating on continuous supplication and remembrance.
The Black Stone
Nestled within the Grand Mosque, the Black Stone is simply a sacred stone where Tawaf starts and ends.
Known as Hajar al-Aswad, this celestial stone captivates millions of pilgrims who seek to kiss or touch it during their Hajj pilgrimage.
Its original color was white, but over decades it was transformed into a deep, dark hue. This transformation is believed to be caused by its absorption of the sins of those who touched it.
In the light of this, it symbolizes the spiritual journey of purifying Muslim’s soul and seeking forgiveness.
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