The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued a directive advising all Hajj affairs offices to discourage pilgrims from attending prayers at Al‑Masjid al‑Haram between the 12th and 13th of Zul Hijjah 1446H. Instead, pilgrims are encouraged to perform their prayers at their accommodations or nearby mosques. The official guidance stems from a social-media announcement optimizing crowd management and worship safety during the peak of the pilgrimage .
The 12th and 13th days of Zul Hijjah represent crucial moments within the Hajj period. During this time, millions of pilgrims converge around the Grand Mosque for prayers and to perform the final rituals of Hajj . In issuing this directive, the Ministry aims to streamline crowd control, reduce congestion, and enhance the pilgrimage experience by minimizing overcrowding within the Haram.
Pilgrims and Hajj offices across Saudi Arabia have been asked to strictly comply with the instruction, which is also expected to be enforced by security officials and management teams on-site. Worshippers have been advised to utilize smaller satellite mosques and prayer spaces within their housing compounds to ensure both devotion and safety are preserved.
This proactive measure by the Hajj authorities underscores their ongoing commitment to maintaining order and protecting pilgrims during one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar.
