To kiss the Black Stone is the greatest dream of the pilgrims

Millions of pilgrims who come to the blessed cities to fulfill the duty of Hajj perform a Tawaf around the Kaaba every day. Pilgrims coming from different parts of the world to the sacred lands desire to stick to the walls of the Beytullah (House of Allah), shed tears, and pray while longing to touch the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone). Due to the crowds, sometimes the Hajar al-Aswad, believed to be a stone from heaven, is covered with curtains, making it impossible to approach. Many pilgrims who cannot get close to the Beytullah fulfill their worship by watching the Kaaba from afar. Those who want to reach the door of the Kaaba made of pure gold and touch the Mültezem (the area between the corner and the door) to pray, overcome the difficulties with patience. Those who want to touch the Hajar al-Aswad stone, believed to be from heaven and kept in a silver casing, have to queue from the Rukn al-Yamani (Yemeni corner) and wait for hours. However, in this challenging waiting process, it is of great importance not to hurt anyone’s feelings. When those who reach these blessed places lose themselves, pray for minutes, and forget about those waiting in line, the officials intervene. In recent years, the mistake of allowing video calls to show the Kaaba to people back home has come to light. In fact, while performing Tawaf and reaching the Beytullah, it is necessary to cut off ties with the world like during prayer. Those waiting in line to touch the Beytullah warn those extending video calls. Those who tearfully present their heartfelt supplications to Allah find great relief and peace as they make their way back to their hotels.