Holy Kaaba: New Timings Set for Voluntary Prayers in Hijr Ismail
According to the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, the entry time for men to the Hateem area is from 8 am to 11 am, while for women, the designated hours are from 8 pm to 2 am.
The authority has established that worshippers can spend a maximum of 10 minutes within the facility, with entry to Hateem being permitted only through the designated western gate.
These measures, they say, aim to manage crowding and improve convenience for pilgrims, ensuring that worshippers can engage in their spiritual practices without overwhelming congestion.
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In 2023, the Umrah pilgrimage saw a record-breaking participation, with more than 13.5 million Muslims performing the ritual, marking the highest number of international pilgrims to undertake Umrah in a single year.
Unlike the Hajj, which occurs during specific dates in the Islamic calendar, Umrah can be performed year-round, making it accessible to millions of Muslims seeking to fulfill this important religious duty.
The Hateem, also known as Hijr Ismail, is a crescent-shaped area adjacent to the north-western wall of the Holy Kaaba. It is enclosed by a low, semi-circular wall made of marble. Historically, this area was part of the Kaaba itself and is considered sacred. Pilgrims often pray here, as it is believed to be a blessed spot.
Source: Agencies
