Saudi Arabia advises pilgrims against stopping at Black Stone in Mecca’s Grand Mosque 

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has advised pilgrims to avoid stopping next to the Black Stone (Al Hajar Al Aswad) during Tawaf, cautioning that lingering can obstruct the ritual, compromise safety, and disrupt the flow of worshippers.

Pilgrims are encouraged not to stand for extended periods next to the revered stone in the Grand Mosque, Islam’s holiest site in Mecca.

Prolonged pauses near the Black Stone, located in the eastern corner of the Kaaba, can impede the smooth movement of pilgrims in the mosque’s central courtyard.

The ministry stressed that Tawaf does not require touching or kissing the Black Stone.

Instead, pilgrims should maintain a steady pace and simply gesture toward the stone as they pass, focusing on continuous supplication and remembrance.

 Following this guidance ensures a safer, smother and more organised, as well as spiritually fulfilling experience for all worshippers performing Hajj or the lesser pilgrimage.