Kissing the Black Stone

Q 2: I have to line up in queues to kiss Al-Hajar Al-Aswad (the Black Stone in a corner of the Ka`bah) while I am offering Tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka`bah). At times of heavy crowding, the rows may return again to the Yemeni Corner (the Southern Corner of the Ka`bah facing Yemen). Does this interrupt my Tawaf? May Allah grant us all success.

A: Kissing Al-Hajar Al-Aswad during Tawaf is Sunnah (supererogatory act of worship following the example of the Prophet) not Wajib (obligatory). You should start with Al-Hajar Al-Aswad, touch and kiss it, or touch it with your hand and kiss your hands. If you are unable, you can touch it with something, and if even this is not possible, you can point to it with your hand. It is not permissible to harm anyone by attempting to reach it.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.