Saudi Arabia removed the protective barriers placed around Kaabah on the directions of Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, the head of the general presidency for the affairs of the two holy mosques, on Tuesday night. King Salman has given the order after which Sheikh Sudais directed the staff to remove the barriers.
Barriers were placed around Kaabah as part of coronavirus restrictions, and have been removed following the ease in restrictions.
The decision follows the start of the Umrah season after the end of Hajj (pilgrimage). The number of pilgrims for Umrah is increasing at Grand Mosque.
“The presidency is working with all the sectors operating at the Grand Mosque to receive pilgrims and provide them with all services and facilities,” Sheikh Al-Sudais said.
The barriers were placed around Kaabah on July 1st, 2020 in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus in the mosque. Hajj and Umrah pilgrims were denied touching Kaaban and Hajra Al-Aswad (the Black Stone).
Pictures of pilgrims rushing to touch Kaabah were shared on the official Twitter account of the Grand Mosque following the removal of barriers.
Read more: Abrar-ul-Haq shares video of stitching Kiswa for Holy Kaabah
“PICTURES: The Kaaba after protective barriers were removed last night,” read the tweet. With the removal of Kaaabah, access to Hateem has been made possible after 2.5 years.
VIDEO: The moment access to the Hajar Al Aswad was restored to Pilgrims tonight pic.twitter.com/0xIsrItuqP
— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) August 2, 2022
The Ka’bah after barriers around it were removed today pic.twitter.com/u4Ttimg0Md
— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) August 2, 2022
News: Resumption of Prayers in the Hateem and Oraganized approach to the Black Stone through a devoloped plan following the removal of barrier around the Kabah by the General Presidency pic.twitter.com/AUAHhxrXDt
— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) August 2, 2022
The Mataaf will be shortly reopened for Pilgrims
— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) August 2, 2022
“News: Resumption of Prayers in the Hateem and Organized approach to the Black Stone through a developed plan following the removal of barrier around the Kabah by the General Presidency,” read another tweet on the official account of Haramain Sharifain.
PICTURES: The Ka’bah after protective barriers were removed last night pic.twitter.com/noBhh14M9I
— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) August 3, 2022
Earlier the video of changing Kiswa (a black cloth) on Holy Kaabah was shared online. Holy Kaabah in Makkah was draped with Kiswa on Sunday. The video of changing the cloth was shared online. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the annual process was undertaken by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque under the supervision of the President of the Presidency Sheikh Dr. Abdurrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais.