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The Islamic calendar was a lunar calendar. The months of the Islamic calendar started when the first crescent of a New Moon was sighted. The solar year is eleven to twelve days longer than the lunar year so Ramadan, for instance, migrates throughout the seasons. The first day of Ramadan in 2005 is October 4th; while, the first day of Ramadan in 2006 is September 17th. Some Muslims determine the beginning of the month by astronomical calculations; but some Muslims insist the month only begins when there is a physical sighting of the moon even though the Qur'an does not require one. All Muslims at least once in their lives perform a pilgrimage to Makkah, if their health and finances allow. The annual Hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar year, the month of Dhu Al-Hijjah when the greater Hajj must take place. The rites of the Hajj, include a tawaf where pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. One of the holiest relics of Islam, Al-Hajarul Aswad (Hajar el Aswad, The Black Stone) is the cornerstone of one of the four corners of the Kaaba. The Kaaba was the focal point of Muslim prayers. All Muslims worldwide turn to this cube shaped structure (Kaaba was Arabic for cube) based in the city of Makkah (Mecca) in their five daily prayers.
Muslims believe that the stone was found by Ibrahim and his son Ismail when they were collecting stones to build the Kabaa. They believed that the stone was worthy enough to serve as a cornerstone. The black stone, which is about 50 cm in diameter is surrounded by a silver band. In 930 CE, the stone broke apart into several pieces when it was stolen by Ismaili warriors who had pillaged Makkah (Mecca). Twenty-two years later it was returned. Silver nails were used to fasten the broken pieces to the stone. Some Muslims view the stone as nothing more than a stone. Some Muslims believe that during the time of Adam, the stone fell like a meteorite from the sky bringing with it a powerful purity that could cleanse the faithful of their sins. Originally thought to be dazzling white in colour, the stone turned black after absorbing sins for long period of time. Some Muslims think that the stone can only eradicate minor sins, and, that the stone will give favorable testimony on Judgement Day to Allah about those who have kissed it.
The second Caliph kissed the
stone before the assembly stating that he had also seen Allah's Messenger
kissing the stone. Most Hajj pilgrims nowadays are not able to get close enough to touch or kiss the stone and must hail Al
Hajarul-Aswad (Hajar el Aswad) solemnly from a distance.
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