MAKKAH – It has been nearly five years since the Imams of the Ka’bah last led Salah directly in front of the Kabah.
The final prayer conducted in this deeply revered position was Fajr Salah on the 5th of March 2020, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
After COVID-19, a lot of precautionary measures were introduced at Al-Masjid Al-Haram to ensure the safety of worshipers and staff.
New Place To Lead Prayer after COVID
Among the changes made during the pendemic, was the relocation of the Imams’ prayer position to a dedicated place inside the Mataf area instead of directly in front of the Kabah.
This adjustment, initially introduced as a temporary protocol during the pandemic, has since become the new norm.
The Reason
- Following the pandemic, Saudi Arabia witnessed a remarkable 100% surge in pilgrims visiting the holy sites. This unprecedented increase in the number of worshipers created logistical challenges, especially during Salah times.
Allowing the Imam to lead prayers directly in front of the Kabah amidst such large crowds would require clearing a path through the worshipers performing Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kabah), disrupting their sacred acts of devotion.
To address this, the authorities designated a special place inside the Mataf from where the Imams can lead prayers without causing interruptions to the flow of Tawaf or the worshipers’ experience.
This change ensures that the spiritual tranquility of the pilgrims remains intact while facilitating the smooth management of the enormous crowds now visiting the Grand Mosque.
For Muslims worldwide, the Ka’bah remains the spiritual heart of Salah, and while the Imam’s position does not lessen its significance, many still cherish the sight of prayers being led directly in front of the Ka’bah.
As the five-year mark approaches, this adjustment reflects how the pandemic reshaped even the most time-honored traditions in the Islamic world, aligning them with modern needs for crowd management and safety.
Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Google News, Facebook and Instagram.Support independent Islamic website.
Support our mission to spread Islamic knowledge. Your donation helps our volunteer writers and infrastructure. Contribute now.
