Loading...
| Arabic | اِسْتِلَام |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | is-ti-LAAM |
| Etymology | From the Arabic root س-ل-م (s-l-m) in the form Istif'al, meaning to seek or attempt to touch. Istilam literally means 'to seek to touch' or 'to greet by touching,' specifically referring to the ritual touching of the Black Stone. |
Istilam(اِسْتِلَام) Istilam is the Sunnah act of touching, kissing, or gesturing toward the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) at the beginning of each circuit during Tawaf around the Kaaba.
اِسْتِلَام
Istilam is performed at the start of each of the seven circuits of Tawaf. The ideal form is to approach the Black Stone, touch it with both hands, and kiss it gently. If this is not possible due to crowds, the pilgrim may touch it with one hand and kiss that hand. If even touching is impossible, the pilgrim faces the Black Stone, raises their right hand toward it, and says 'Allahu Akbar' (God is Greatest) — this is the most common practice during Hajj season due to the immense crowds. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) performed all these variations, validating each as legitimate. Istilam should not involve pushing, shoving, or harming other pilgrims. Scholars emphasize that the reverence is not for the stone itself but for obedience to the Sunnah — as Umar ibn al-Khattab said: 'I know you are a stone that neither benefits nor harms; had I not seen the Prophet kiss you, I would not have kissed you.'
From the Arabic root س-ل-م (s-l-m) in the form Istif'al, meaning to seek or attempt to touch. Istilam literally means 'to seek to touch' or 'to greet by touching,' specifically referring to the ritual touching of the Black Stone.
Download IhramOS — your complete pilgrimage companion
Works without internet — perfect for Hajj