The Kaaba is situated in the centre of Makkah. It is a symbol of immense spiritual importance for all the Muslims. One of the most beloved acts during the pilgrimage is touching the Kaaba. This is a simple but profound gesture and more than just a physical act; it shows a deep spiritual connection with Allah (SWT) and which serves as a reminder of Islam's rich history.

In this text, you'll learn the deep significance of touching the Kaaba, and what impact touching the Kaaba has in the hearts of believers. One more question that most pilgrims have in mind is this: Is it permissible to touch any part of the Kaaba, or is only the side with the Black Stone allowed to touch?

About the Holy Kaaba

Kaaba is a cubical shape structure in the centre of Masjid Al-Haram. Muslims from all over the world face this direction while performing their prayers. It is known as Qiblah, the direction of prayer. It was built by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) with his elder son Ismail (AS).

Rituals Connected to Touching the Holy Kaaba

Tawaf is one of the most important rituals during Hajj and Umrah in which a pilgrim walks in circles around the Kaaba in an anti-clockwise direction. Seven circles refer to one Tawaf. During this sacred act, many of them try to touching the Kaaba during Tawaf or even kissing the Black stone, which is placed at one corner of the cubical structure.

The Station of Ibrahim is another meaningful moment in the pilgrimage, and it is located near the Kaaba. Pilgrims pray here, remembering the place where Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) stood while building the Kaaba. Touching the stone at this site is seen as a way to honour Ibrahim's firm commitment to Allah and His commands.

Spiritual Significance of Touching the Kaaba

  1. It is linked to Islamic History: Touching the Kaaba offers Muslims a unique chance to get connected to Islamic History. It serves as a powerful link to the heritage of Prophets and Devout people who have shown firm faith through numerous challenges in their lives over the centuries.
  2. Making your Soul Pure: People who are performing Hajj or Umrah see touching the Kaaba as a way to purify their souls. Just as the physical bath or Wudu cleans the body, touching the Kaaba shows the washing away of your spiritual impurities, bringing the heart and soul closer to Allah.
  3. Unity and Equality: When pilgrims from all corners of the world come together at the Kaaba, touching the Kaaba highlights the unity of the Muslim Ummah (community). Regardless of their background, nationality, or social standing, they all are equal in the eyes of Allah SWT.

Is it allowed to touch any other side of the Holy Kaaba other than the Blackstone side?

The short answer to this question is yes, it is allowed to touch any side of the Holy Kaaba other than one which has Black Stone. While touching the Black Stone is considered the most important act of touching, it helps remove all your past life sins, and by touching it you can make your spirit completely pure of any sins. Pilgrims can also touch any of the sides of the Kaaba during their Tawaf if they can do it with ease. If the place is too crowded and if you are a woman, then you should stay away from the Men crowd and avoid touching the Kaaba or Blackstone it is not a mandatory act. The important thing behind performing Tawaf is intention not touching or kissing the Kaaba.

Conclusion

In summary, touching the Kaaba is considered a powerful and deeply meaningful act for Muslims around the world. Whether it's during performing the rituals of Hajj or Umrah or simply due to devotion. This touching gesture shows a profound connection to Allah (SWT) and links a person to Islamic history. It is a reminder of Muslim unity as a global community, ignoring all the differences between them i.e., Social Status or wealth status.

Touching the black stone is considered more valuable as it is said that by touching this stone of heaven with the right intention, you're all past sins that you committed will be erased. It serves as a symbol of soul purification.