The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has announced designated daily entry times for worshippers wishing to visit Hijr Ismail, the semicircular area adjacent to the Holy Kaaba. The move is part of ongoing efforts to regulate movement and improve services for the growing number of pilgrims and visitors at Masjid al-Haram.

According to the authority, women are permitted to enter Hijr Ismail daily from 6:00am to 9:00am, while entry for men is scheduled during a separate window later in the day. The authority said the designated timings are intended to facilitate worship, ensure smoother movement within the Grand Mosque, and improve the overall experience for those performing Umrah and prayers.

Why the area draws so many worshippers

Hijr Ismail, sometimes called the Hateem, sits on the northern side of the Holy Kaaba. It holds special significance because it is regarded as part of the original structure of the Kaaba. Historical accounts indicate that the foundations raised by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail included the area within the original building of the Ancient House.

When the Quraysh rebuilt the Kaaba in the years before the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, they excluded that section because of limited resources, leaving the structure in the form seen today. Because the area is considered part of the Kaaba, many pilgrims are keen to pray inside it. That devotion, multiplied across millions of visitors, creates intense crowding in a small space.

Managing crowds around the Kaaba

Regulating entry to Hijr Ismail is one of several measures Saudi authorities use to manage the flow of worshippers in the mataf, the area immediately around the Kaaba. Separating entry times for men and women reduces congestion at the busiest points and helps prevent the crushing that can occur when large numbers gather in a confined space.

The step comes as the Kingdom prepares for a busy Umrah season under the 1448 AH calendar, with pilgrims arriving from around the world. Authorities have paired physical crowd management with digital tools, including the Nusuk app, through which pilgrims must obtain permits before entering the Grand Mosque.

What pilgrims should know

Entering Hijr Ismail is not a required part of Umrah or Hajj. Praying inside it is a virtue that pilgrims may seek when conditions allow, but it should never be pursued in a way that causes harm or pushes against other worshippers. Scholars have long emphasized that protecting fellow Muslims from harm takes precedence over performing a voluntary act.

Pilgrims hoping to pray in Hijr Ismail should plan their visit around the designated times and approach the area calmly. Those unable to enter can be reassured that their Umrah or Hajj remains complete and valid without it. The following practical steps can help:

  • Check the times before you go. Note the current entry windows for men and women, as the authority may adjust them during peak periods.
  • Avoid the most crowded hours. Early mornings and late nights are often calmer than the periods immediately after obligatory prayers.
  • Do not push or rush. Entering gently, and yielding to the elderly and weak, is part of the good character expected of a pilgrim.
  • Remember the priority of worship. Completing tawaf and the other rites correctly matters more than entering any single spot.

By following the announced schedule and showing patience and courtesy, pilgrims can help the authorities keep movement around the Kaaba safe for everyone.