#Rules #Tips #Congregants #Enter #Kaaba #Precincts #Grand #Mosque
Makkah, NOT Online
There are new rules imposed by the Grand Mosque authorities for worshipers who want to enter and worship in the Kaaba grounds. This rule makes i type (tawaf place) can only be entered by pilgrims who meet special requirements.
If pilgrims are going to the Grand Mosque and want to pray in the courtyard of the Kaaba, especially male pilgrims must wear ihram clothing. If the congregation does not wear ihram clothing, namely two pieces of white cloth for the Umrah pilgrimage, then they are not allowed to enter.
If the congregation wears normal clothes, they will be directed to the 3rd floor of the Grand Mosque when performing congregational prayers. For those who don’t want to go upstairs, the congregation can pray outside the mosque or in the courtyard.
This new policy was issued by the Grand Mosque authorities to give pilgrims who perform the Umrah the opportunity to carry it out thawaf smoothly. Male Umrah pilgrims are characterized by wearing two pieces of cloth; one is used as a bottom like a sarong while the other piece of cloth is draped over the body.
“Only Ehram Entrance (only those dressed in ihram can enter),” said the information board installed at the main door of 79 Grand Mosque.
However, based on observations NOT Online directly at the Grand Mosque, Thursday (2/5/2024), this policy does not affect the enthusiasm of the congregation to pray in the courtyard of the Kaaba. Even though they are not in the Umrah ihram, they have special tips.
Male pilgrims, in particular, still wear ihram clothing (even if they are not performing Umrah) to be able to ‘escape’ the surveillance of the askar (Haram Mosque police).
“We are so far from Indonesia that it would be a shame if we didn’t pray in the mosque. It would be more satisfying if we pray directly to see the Kaaba in the courtyard. So it’s okay to wear ihram clothes to be able to pray directly inside,” said one of the congregation who did not want to be named NOT Online.
Meanwhile, for female pilgrims, this policy has no effect. The reason is, in accordance with the Shari’a, there are no specific requirements regarding ihram clothing for women. This makes it easier for female pilgrims to enter and leave the Kaaba courtyard at the Grand Mosque.
However, the authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have previously issued rules regarding dress for women who perform Umrah at the Grand Mosque. Through the official social media X Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Saudi Arabia, there are three rules that female Umrah pilgrims must follow.
First, female pilgrims must wear wide and loose clothing. Second, the clothing worn must cover the entire body, and third, the clothing worn must not have any decorative elements.
To ensure the orderliness of this policy, Askar installed partitions to “sort” which pilgrims could enter the Kaaba courtyard and which ones had to be on the top floor. They did not hesitate to evict them
Umrah restrictions
Previously, in the month of Ramadan 1445 H, the Saudi Arabian government also restricted the implementation of Umrah.
“Permits to perform two or more Umrah pilgrimages will not be issued during the holy month,” the ministry said in an official statement published by NOT Online from Saudi Gazette. “This step is to reduce crowding and provide the opportunity for all pilgrims to perform Umrah easily and comfortably during the holy month,” added the statement.
In the Nusuk application system that regulates Umrah permits, pilgrims who attempt to apply for an Umrah permit more than once during the month of Ramadan will receive the message “Issuance of permit failed”. This aims to ensure that every pilgrim has the same opportunity to carry out Umrah smoothly.
