Saudi Arabia to Restrict Kaaba Area for Umrah Pilgrims during Ramadan
- MCH 2023
Saudi Arabia – The Saudi Arabian authorities have implemented new regulations during the holy month of Ramadan 2024. Access to the ground floor of the Kaaba area or circumambulation (tawaf) is now exclusively reserved for Umrah pilgrims.
The Joint Authority of the Two Holy Mosques (Al-Haram Mosque and Nabawi Mosque) have stated that these restrictions aim to ensure the safety and comfort of worshippers during their religious practices.
The directive was issued by local authorities prior to Ramadan.
It's known that there's a significant increase in the number of pilgrims and visitors every month during Ramadan, so worshippers who are not performing Umrah and wish to pray will be redirected to other identified locations.
Suasana Masjidil Haram sepi jamaah saat Ramadhan akibat pandemi corona.
- Channel News Asia
Based on the data from the 2023 Hajj pilgrimage, the number of visitors to Masjidil Haram during the first 20 days of Ramadan exceeded 22 million worshippers.
This necessitates the Saudi authorities to introduce specific rules and facilities during Ramadan.
Meanwhile, visitors to Masjidil Haram who are not performing Umrah can still access circumambulation on the upper floor during Ramadan.
As part of the preparations for the holy month of Ramadan, the Saudi government is also preparing the names of the imams who will lead the Tarawih and Tahajud prayers specifically during Ramadan.
As reported by Inside the Haramain on Friday (March 8) four imams are confirmed to lead the voluntary night prayers, namely the Grand Imam of Masjidil Haram, Sheikh Abdur Rahman Al Sudais, Sheikh Abdullah Awad Al Juhany, Sheikh Maher Al Muaiqly, and Sheikh Bandar Baleelah.
Masjidil Haram will hold Tarawih and Witr prayers consisting of 13 Rakaats this Ramadan, with 10 Rakaats of Tarawih prayer followed by three Rakaats of Witr prayer.
