The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has announced designated entry times for worshippers wishing to visit Hijr Ismail, the curved area adjacent to the Holy Kaaba. According to the authority, the new schedule is intended to regulate movement, ease congestion, and enhance the experience of pilgrims performing Umrah during the 1448 AH season.

Under the announced arrangement, women are permitted to enter Hijr Ismail daily from 6:00am to 9:00am. Entry for men has been scheduled from 10:00pm to 1:00am. The authority said the designated timings are designed to facilitate worship and ensure smoother movement within the Grand Mosque, particularly in the densely visited area surrounding the Kaaba.

Why the Timings Matter for Pilgrims

Hijr Ismail, also known as the Hateem, is one of the most sought-after spots in the Grand Mosque. Many worshippers wish to pray inside it because of its closeness to the Kaaba and its deep historical significance. This high demand has long created crowding, especially during peak Umrah periods when millions of pilgrims circle the Kaaba in tawaf.

By separating entry times for men and women, the authority aims to reduce crowd pressure and improve safety in a confined and heavily trafficked space. The arrangement also helps maintain orderly movement for those performing tawaf, since the area sits directly along the circumambulation path.

Pilgrims planning to pray inside Hijr Ismail should note the schedule carefully and arrive within the designated window for their group. Those who cannot enter during the assigned hours can still gain the reward of praying near the Kaaba from other areas of the mataf and the surrounding floors.

The Historical Significance of Hijr Ismail

Located on the northern side of the Holy Kaaba, Hijr Ismail occupies a distinctive position within the Grand Mosque and is regarded as part of the Kaaba's original structure. Historical accounts indicate that the foundations raised by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail (peace be upon them) included this area within the original building of the Ancient House.

When the Quraysh rebuilt the Kaaba before the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), they excluded this section because their lawful funds ran short, leaving the structure in the semicircular form seen today. This is confirmed in the hadith of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), who reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) told her that her people had fallen short of funds when rebuilding the Kaaba, and that the Hijr was part of the House (Sahih Bukhari 1586, Sahih Muslim 1333).

Because of this, scholars across the Sunni schools agree that praying inside the Hijr carries the virtue of praying within the Kaaba itself. The Prophet (peace be upon him) guided Aisha to pray inside the Hijr when she wished to enter the Kaaba, saying it was part of the House (Tirmidhi 876, Abu Dawud 2028). This is why so many pilgrims are eager to offer prayers there.

An Important Note on Tawaf

Pilgrims should remember that the tawaf must be performed outside the Hijr Ismail, not through it. Because the Hijr is considered part of the Kaaba, walking between it and the Kaaba wall during circumambulation means the tawaf would not be valid for that round. This is a point of agreement among the four Sunni madhabs, and pilgrims must keep the entire Hijr to their right and circle around its outer wall.

The designated entry times apply only to those wishing to step inside the Hijr to pray, not to the tawaf itself, which continues around the clock.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Pilgrims hoping to pray inside Hijr Ismail this season should keep a few practical points in mind. Plan to visit during the assigned window for your group, and arrive early, as space inside the Hijr is limited and fills quickly. Women should aim for the early morning slot between 6:00am and 9:00am, while men should plan for the late-night window between 10:00pm and 1:00am, when the mataf is often calmer.

Keep your belongings secure and avoid pushing, as the area remains compact even with the new timings. Follow the directions of the authority's staff and stewards, who are present to guide the flow of worshippers. Above all, remember that the reward of prayer near the Kaaba is not limited to the Hijr alone, and that patience and good conduct toward fellow pilgrims are themselves acts of worship.