Saudi Arabia preserves the Black Stone, a sacred relic of the Kaaba

The Black Stone is located in the southeastern corner of the Kaaba and is a religious and historical landmark closely linked to the ritual of tawaf, which begins and ends at its position.

Saudi Arabia gives special attention to the Kaaba and its features, with the Black Stone at the forefront in terms of maintenance, cleaning, and perfuming. These efforts are part of the Kingdom’s ongoing service to the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors throughout the eras of the Saudi state.

The Black Stone is associated with the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, as pilgrims strive to touch or kiss it if possible, or gesture toward it from a distance, following his example and to ensure the safety and smooth movement of worshippers around the Kaaba.

The Black Stone is set about one and a half meters above the tawaf floor, encased in pure silver, and appears as several small, joined fragments. Part of the stone is embedded within the structure of the Kaaba, bearing witness to a long history of care and preservation.

Islamic sources state that the Black Stone is a stone from Paradise, and that it was originally radiant white before descending to earth. According to a saying of the Prophet, "The Stone and the Maqam are two rubies from Paradise whose light Allah has extinguished."

Touching or kissing the Black Stone is not a requirement for the validity of tawaf, but it marks the start and end point of each circuit. Pilgrims are encouraged to kiss or touch it if possible, or to point toward it with the declaration of Allah’s greatness if unable, in consideration of others and to maintain safety.

The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque oversees the regular maintenance, cleaning, and perfuming of the Black Stone, employing specialized staff and modern technology. The stone has also been visually documented using high-resolution imaging to highlight its features and history.

These efforts are complemented by continuous organization of the flow of pilgrims near the Black Stone, helping to facilitate rituals in a safe and tranquil environment for all visitors to the Grand Mosque.

The Black Stone retains its place at the heart of the Kaaba and in the hearts of Muslims, standing as a witness to generations and reflecting the Saudi leadership’s commitment to preserving the holy site and serving its visitors.