Saudi authorities have made a tender reminder to pilgrims that they should steer clear of crowding or pushing around the venerated Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) at Mecca’s Grand Mosque. The action is for the purpose of providing a smooth and safe flow of movement during the Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Holy Kaaba.
Authorities said extended standing or jostling close to the Black Stone interferes with the harmony of pilgrim movement and raises the risk of injury, particularly during rush hours. The warning comes as huge crowds of worshippers continue to throng the mosque during Ramadan and ahead of the Hajj season.
The General Presidency of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques urged pilgrims to prioritize spiritual intimacy over the physical closeness to the Black Stone. Also, religious commentators remind the worshipping community that intentions are primary, and caressing the stone, although preferential, isn’t mandatory.
The article notes Saudi Arabia’s continued emphasis on securing pilgrim safety and comfort, employing a combination of advice, crowd management, and technology to contain the increasingly large number of believers at Islam’s most sacred location.
