MAKKAH — The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque urged Umrah pilgrims to devote fully to worship while performing tawaf (circumambulation around the Holy Kaaba) at the Grand Mosque. "Pilgrims have to devote fully to supplication to God in silence without raising their voice, respect the sanctity and status of the Holy Kaaba, and adhere to the etiquette of the Grand Mosque while performing tawaf. There should not be any inappropriate behavior on their part such as crowding or jostling or preoccupation with photography," the authority instructed while urging the pilgrims to maintain peace and calm while performing tawaf. The authority stated that the Umrah pilgrims can kiss the Black Stone (Al-Hajar Al-Aswad) only at times when there is no overcrowding if possible, and they can also perform the two rak'ats of voluntary prayer after tawaf at anywhere in the Grand Mosque. It urged pilgrims and worshipers to avoid actions that may expose others to danger, such as chances of stampeding and overcrowding. "The Umrah performers should be keen to perform the rituals in the correct manner and they can go to the fatwa offices located throughout the Grand Mosque to get clarification for their doubts with regard to any religious matters. The pilgrims shall also to cooperate with the workers who were designated to serve them as well as to ensure their safety at the mataf," the authority said while stressing that compliance with their directives contributes to the safety and comfort of the pilgrims and worshipers at the Grand Mosque.
