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Now that the Covid-19 outbreak has ended, the barrier around the Holy Kaaba has been taken down, allowing pilgrims to once again touch and kiss Hajar al Aswad, one of Islam"s most venerated relics (the Black Stone).

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has developed a detailed strategy to organise the pilgrims" and worshipers" prayers in the Hijr Ismail and their kissing of AlHajar al Aswad (the Black Stone) in a secure, pious, and healthy environment.

It continued, "This is under the direction and supervision of Sheikh Abdul Rahman al Sudais, leader of the presidency."

The presidency endeavours to give the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims and worshipers the finest services possible so that they can carry out their rites in convenience and comfort, with the help of the relevant authorities.

The Saudi rulers" desire to offer the best services to pilgrims and guests of the Grand Mosque was realised through the development of an advanced organisational strategy.

Notably, Hijr Ismail is regarded as a component of the Holy Kaaba. It is a portion of the Hateem, the crescent-shaped region directly surrounding the Holy Kaaba.

Prophet Ibrahim (May God Be Pleased With Him) built a shelter at Hijr Ismail for his son Ismail and his wife Hajrah. It should be noted that just a three-meter-square section next to the wall on the side of the Hateem genuinely belongs to the Kaaba; the remainder is outside of Islam"s holiest site. To offer volunteer prayer inside Hijr Ismail is Sunnah.

Prior to this, the Yemeni Corner (Al-Rukn Al-Yamaani), the Black Stone, and Hijr Ismail prayer rituals could all be scheduled through the Eatmarna and Tawakkalna applications. This was stated by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The government later confirmed, however, that no service for scheduling an appointment for these ceremonies had been added to the Eatmarna programme.

For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began, the Hajj pilgrimage last month was almost back to normal after Saudi Arabia earlier this year lifted the majority of its tight Covid-19 restrictions.

Only 1,000 persons were permitted to participate in the Hajj in 2020, which is the most important pilgrimage for Muslims. International pilgrims were not permitted; only Saudi Arabian worshipers were permitted.

In 2021, attendance grew to 60,000, and in July of this year, more over a million pilgrims visited Makkah to worship.