Saudi authorities oversee the maintenance, cleaning and preservation of the Black Stone.
Saudi Arabia continued its care of the Black Stone at the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, overseeing its maintenance, cleaning and perfuming through specialised personnel and modern technologies. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on 29 October 2026, the efforts reflected the Kingdom’s commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques and preserving the religious landmarks of the Grand Mosque.
Located at the southeastern corner of the Holy Kaaba, the Black Stone holds an important place in Islamic worship. It is the point from which Tawaf, the ritual circumambulation of the Kaaba, begins and ends, attracting the attention of millions of Muslims performing the pilgrimage and Umrah.
The Black Stone is positioned approximately one and a half metres above the surface of the Mataf, the designated area surrounding the Kaaba where pilgrims perform Tawaf. It appears black with a reddish tint and is enclosed within a silver frame. Its interior consists of several small, cohesive pieces held together by a binding substance.
During Tawaf, Muslims seek to kiss or touch the Black Stone when circumstances permit. However, when approaching it would cause hardship or contribute to overcrowding, worshippers may point towards it while reciting the Takbir, in accordance with the prophetic Sunnah.
The ritual practice reflects the established religious guidance for performing Tawaf while allowing worshippers to observe the prescribed practice without causing difficulty to themselves or others.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provides dedicated care for the Holy Kaaba and its associated features. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque is responsible for conducting periodic maintenance, cleaning and perfuming of the Black Stone.
These activities are carried out by specialised personnel using modern technologies. The work also includes high-resolution imaging to document the Black Stone’s physical features with precision.
Through these maintenance and preservation activities, Saudi Arabia continues its efforts to care for the Holy Kaaba and facilitate the religious experience of Muslims visiting the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
