Grand Mosque Authorities Urge Pilgrims to Keep Corridors and Courtyards Clear Amid Peak Worship Activities

MAKKAH, SAUDI ARABIA — In a renewed effort to ensure smooth movement and uphold the sanctity of religious rituals at Masjid al-Haram, Saudi authorities have called on pilgrims and worshipers to refrain from sitting in the mosque’s passageways, corridors, and courtyards, particularly during peak prayer hours and core pilgrimage rites such as Tawaf and Sa‘i.
The call, which was officially made public by the Kingdom’s Public Security Directorate, comes amid a noticeable rise in crowd-related challenges within the Grand Mosque, especially during the busy months of Hajj and Umrah. The directive is part of a wider campaign aimed at easing congestion and enhancing the spiritual experience of millions of Muslims visiting the holy site.
Security officials emphasised that sitting in active walkways and sacred areas not only obstructs the free movement of people performing rituals but also poses a potential safety risk, particularly at entry and exit points as well as other narrow zones within the mosque. The Saudi government, through its various agencies, has deployed multilingual signage and announcements at all major arrival points, including airports and land border terminals, to sensitise pilgrims ahead of their visit.
According to information gathered, the messages—delivered in languages widely spoken by pilgrims, including Hausa, Yoruba, Swahili, Urdu, Bahasa, and English—warn against obstructing the designated walking paths. Authorities noted that such actions inadvertently disrupt the organised flow of Tawaf around the Kaaba and hinder those performing the Sa‘i, which takes place between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
The Presidency for Religious Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has lent its voice to the directive, urging all worshippers to display the highest form of etiquette while within the sacred premises. They advised against jostling, loitering, or halting at critical movement points, noting that such behaviour detracts from the solemnity of the acts of worship and increases the likelihood of overcrowding.
Security personnel, working in tandem with volunteers and religious officials, continue to patrol the mosque premises to offer assistance where needed. Pilgrims in need of support—be it directions, health-related issues, or mobility assistance—are encouraged to approach any of the numerous help desks or to signal one of the roaming support teams available throughout the facility, rather than stopping in walkways or sacred zones.
This measure aligns with the Saudi government’s ongoing efforts to improve the logistics and overall safety of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage seasons. With over 1.8 million foreign pilgrims recorded during the 2025 Hajj season alone, the importance of coordination and cooperation with mosque authorities cannot be overemphasised.
As the number of visitors to the Holy Mosque continues to rise year-round, officials reiterate that preserving the spiritual atmosphere and ensuring the safety and ease of all worshippers depends largely on adherence to established guidelines and mutual respect among all present in Islam’s holiest site.