Sacred artifact assignment: The Black Stone (Al Hajar al Aswad): I chose the Black Stone because its story intrigues me. It fascinates me because the hajj is a place that Muslims all around the world travel to to do an act of worship. It’s a very sacred act in terms of the religion. To me, it resembles a huge example of faith and devotion. It’s a very holy act in terms of faith and that to me is seen as something amazing. The idea that the black stone descended from paradise caught my eye and interested me in this artifact. I would like to do more research on the Black stone because it has been alive for centuries. The Black Stone holds deep significance in Islam for a variety of reasons. According to tradition it had been given to Abraham by the Angel Gabriel and was placed in the Kaaba, making it a symbol of monotheism in Islam. The Black Stone is believed to have come from heaven, which is why it’s considered sacred. Muslims don’t worship the Black Stone, but they do think touching or kissing it during the Black Stone …show more content…
Lots of these mats feature designs, often geometrical, without human or animal depictions, making them in line with Islamic principles of art. This prayer mat is designed to allow Muslims to create a sacred place wherever they are, the belief that prayer can be done at any time and place, as long as the place is clean. Religiously the prayer mat is a reminder of the practice of salah which is an act of worship performed 5 times a day where Muslims face the kaaba. The design of prayer mats often points in the direction of the mecca, which adds to its significance. Socially, prayer mats are significant in communal prayers, such as in mosques, and private settings, creating a personal sacred place of worship. Prayer mats are often exchanged as meaningful gifts that reflect respect for ones spiritual journey. The prayer mat symbolizes humility, purity, and a Muslim’s connection to