Rukn Yaman, the Yemen corner at the Kaaba

The Kaaba’s four corners each point to a significant region, and the Yamani Corner’s direction is symbolic of the land of Yemen, a region historically associated with faith and steadfastness.

Rukn Yamani, also known as Rukn-al-Janubi and the Yemeni Corner, is located in the south-western corner of the Holy Ka’bah. It is parallel to Hajar Aswad (the Black Stone), situated on the opposite end of the southern wall. The corner was given the name Rukan Yamani because it points towards the land of Yemen. It is the only corner of the Ka’bah that isn’t covered with the Kiswa.

The Yamani Corner rests on the foundations set by the Prophet Ibrahim peace be upon him (peace be upon him) upon which he built al-Kaaba.

Rukn Yamani is the last corner pilgrims pass before reaching the Black Stone during each circuit of Tawaf.

It is a Sunnah to perform Istilam – touching it. However, there is no harm if a pilgrim cannot touch or reach the Rukan Yamani due to the crowd inside the Ka’bah.

Whenever Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him used to pass or walk between the Hajar al-Aswad and Rukn Yamani, he used to recite the following dua:

Rabbanaa aatinaa fid-dunyaa hasanatan wa fil-aakhirati hasanatan wa qinaa ‘adhaaban-naar. “O Rabb, grant us (all that which is) good in this world, (all that which is) good in the Aakhirah and save us from the punishment of the fire (of Jahannam).” (Surah Baqarah, verse 201)

Concerning the virtue of touching the Yemeni Corner, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Touching the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner indeed erases sins.” (Saheeh al-Jaami’, no. 2194).