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| 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 Hacer-ul Esved. |
Istilam(اِسْتِلَام) Istilam is the Sunnah act of touching, kissing, or gesturing toward the Hacer-ul Esved (Hajar al-Aswad) at the beginning of each circuit during Tavaf around the Kabe.
اِسْتِلَام
Istilam is performed at the start of each of the seven circuits of Tavaf. The ideal form is to approach the Hacer-ul Esved, touch it with both hands, and kiss it gently. If this is not possible due to crowds, the haci may touch it with one hand and kiss that hand. If even touching is impossible, the haci faces the Hacer-ul Esved, raises their right hand toward it, and says 'Allahu Akbar' (God is Greatest) — this is the most common practice during Hac season due to the immense crowds. Hz. Peygamber Muhammad (sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem) performed all these variations, validating each as legitimate. Istilam should not involve pushing, shoving, or harming other hacilar. 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 Hz. Peygamber 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 Hacer-ul Esved.