The Black Stone: Sacred Landmark at the Heart of the Holy Kaaba

In the southeastern corner of the Holy Kaaba stands the Black Stone, the faith-filled landmark from which Tawaf begins and ends, drawing the hearts and eyes of millions of Muslims performing the sacred ritual.

 The Black Stone is located at a height of about one and a half meters from the Mataf surface. It appears black with a reddish tint, surrounded by a pure silver frame, and appears inside in the form of small cohesive parts held together by a binding substance.

 During Tawaf, Muslims seek to kiss or touch the Black Stone, if feasible without hardship or crowding, or to point to it while reciting the Takbir, in adherence to the prophetic Sunnah.

 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia gives special care to the Holy Kaaba and its landmarks, driven by its dedication to serving the Two Holy Mosques. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque conducts periodic maintenance, cleaning, and perfuming of the Black Stone using specialized personnel and modern technologies, including high-resolution imaging to document its features with precision.