Rukn Yamani

What Does Rukn Yamani Mean in Detail?

The Rukn Yamani is one of the four corners of the কাবা শরীফ, named because it faces the direction of Yemen. Along with the হাজরে আসওয়াদ corner, it rests on the original foundations laid by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). For this reason, only these two corners are touched during তাওয়াফ — the other two corners (Iraqi and Levantine) were rebuilt slightly off the original foundation by the Quraysh. The Sunnah is to touch the Rukn Yamani with the right hand while passing it, saying 'Bismillah, Allahu Akbar,' but without kissing the hand afterward — unlike the practice with the হাজরে আসওয়াদ. If the হাজী cannot touch it due to crowds, they simply continue walking without pointing toward it (pointing is specific to the হাজরে আসওয়াদ only). Between the Rukn Yamani and the Hajar al-Aswad, হাজীগণ recite আল-কুরআনic দোয়া: 'Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire' (2:201).