The act of Tawaaf is not just about circling the Kaaba seven times, rather, it is about submitting yourself fully to the Creator of the Worlds. It teaches the pilgrims that Allah Almighty should be kept at the centre of their lives. Muslims visit the holy lands with the hope of getting closer to God. To have a safe and comfortable trip, they opt for different Umrah Packages. While performing the Tawaaf ritual, pilgrims come across the Rukn-e-Yamani. This blog will share why believers touch the Rukn e Yemini and what role it plays in the Islamic context.
What is Rukn-e-Yemini?
In the Kaaba, Rukn-e-Yemini is one of the four corners, facing Yemen. Because of this, it is called Rukn-e-Yemini. You will see the holy stone, Hajr e Aswad, placed near it. When pilgrims go around the Kaaba during Tawaf, they reach this corner first before moving to the Black Stone. Rukn-e-Yemini was built with granite and limestone, the same stones that were used for the Kaaba building. Its location and the mention in the Hadith make it special. It is the only area that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) used to touch during Tawaaf.
What Makes Rukn-e-Yemini Significant in Islam?
The significance of Rukn-e-Yemini lies in its history. In the year 1040 AH, Sultan Murad IV rebuilt the Holy Kaaba again. During this time, the edge of the stone in this corner got damaged. It was repaired by pouring molten lead over it. This process not only preserved the corner structurally but also highlighted its importance in maintaining the original form of the Kaaba. Moreover, the stone was put together with the help of nails and adhesives during the time of the Fatamid Caliphs. According to another popular narration, Rukn-e-Yemini is important in Islam because it was the spot where the mother of Hazrat Ali (RA) gave birth inside the Kaaba. Although this story is widely known and shared, it has not been confirmed by Islamic scholars, so it remains open to interpretation and discussion.
Why Do Pilgrims Touch Rukn-e-Yemini?
This section will explore why Muslims touch the Rukn-e-Yamini while performing the ritual of Tawaaf in Umrah. Let’s try to understand:
Following Sunnah
The reason why pilgrims touch the Rukn-e-Yemini is to follow the Prophet’s Sunnah. During his life, the Prophet used to touch only two corners of the Kaaba while performing Tawaaf. These were the Black Stone and the Rukn-e-Yemini. He did not kiss the Rukn-e-Yemini, but he touched it gently with his hand. This simple act holds great value for Muslims. By repeating what the Prophet did, pilgrims show love and respect for his actions. It brings them spiritually closer to his way of worship.
Islam teaches Muslims to lead their lives on the example of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him). When someone touches the Rukn-e-Yemini to follow the Prophet’s example, it becomes a form of worship. Even though it may seem like a small action, in the eyes of Allah, it carries great meaning because it shows devotion and sincerity. That is why many people go out of their way to touch the Rukn-e-Yemini while doing Tawaaf.
Seeking Blessings
Many pilgrims touch the Rukn-e-Yemini because they believe it is where blessings are found. While the Quran does not mention this specifically, some Hadiths and traditions highlight the special nature of this corner. It is believed by many scholars that sins can fall away when a believer passes this corner with sincere intentions. For this reason, people often make heartfelt duas when they approach the Rukn-e-Yemini. They ask Allah for forgiveness, guidance, and protection from hardship.
The Prophet used to recite verses from the Surah Baqarah while passing through the Rukn-e-Yemini and the Hajr e Aswad. The verse is as follows:
“رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً، وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً، وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ”
“Our Lord, give us goodness in this world, and goodness in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire”
This makes it clear that this section of the Tawaaf has great value. It is a place where prayers are made and hopes are lifted. Pilgrims often feel that touching the Rukn-e-Yemini adds weight to their duas and helps them feel more hopeful in their worship.
Spiritual Connection
When pilgrims visit the holy land of Mecca, they don’t come to perform Umrah only, instead, they bring their eyes filled with hope and emotions. The Mecca is filled with calmness and positive vibes, making it a holy city in the religion of Islam. As people walk around the Kaaba to fulfil the ritual of Tawaaf, they experience closeness to their Lord Almighty. Moreover, this feeling is further escalated upon touching Rukin-e-Yemini. For many worshippers, it becomes a moment of personal reflection.
However, this bond is not about the stone only, rather, it is about the historical context that shapes its value. The Rukn-e-Yemini is a sacred part of the holy structure, that was constructed by Hazrat Ibrahim and his son Ismail. It represents faith, obedience, and the closeness of Allah to His worshippers. So when a pilgrim reaches out and touches that corner, he is not just following a ritual. He is expressing his submission and humility. The touch becomes a way to silently speak to Allah, to seek His mercy, and to feel spiritually renewed in His presence.
Tips to Visit Rukn-e-Yemini
This section will look into certain tips you must follow before visiting the Rukn-e-Yemini. First of all, try performing the Tawaaf during less crowded times, like at night. This is when you will have enough time to circle the Kaaba without any rush or people pushing you. Also, you can reach the corner safely. If it is too crowded, then it is better to walk past by without touching. Also, make sure to walk at a steady pace and be aware of others around you. Do not stop suddenly or block the way. Keep your right hand ready in case you get close enough to touch the corner lightly with respect.
Moreover, you are not required to kiss or wipe the Rukn-e-Yemini. This is a major myth that many Muslims follow blindly. The Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) only touched it with his hand. If you cannot reach it, then simply walk past it. The rewards will be given as intention matters more to Allah.
Final Words
This blog has discussed the reasons why pilgrims touch the Rukn-e-Yemini during Tawaaf. From seeking blessings to getting closer to Allah Almighty, this corner holds a greater value for the Muslims around the globe. Do you want to be a part of those pilgrims as well who visit the holy lands? Then contact Muslims Holy Travel to get customised Family Umrah Packages at an affordable price.