Saudi Update: Authorities Open Kaaba Mataaf to All Pilgrims Without Ihram
By Faiza Musa Adamu
Pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise were on Tuesday granted unrestricted access to the Mataaf area surrounding the Holy Kaaba, regardless of their state of Ihram, as Muslims across the world observed the sacred Day of Arafah.
The development enabled thousands of worshippers currently in Makkah to freely enter the Tawaf area at the Grand Mosque and engage in various acts of worship, including voluntary Tawaf, prayers, recitation of the Holy Qur’an, and supplications.
The atmosphere within the Grand Mosque remained calm, spiritually uplifting, and heavily filled with devotion as streams of pilgrims gathered around the Holy Kaaba seeking Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and blessings on one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar.
Security personnel and mosque officials were also seen coordinating crowd movement to ensure smooth access and maintain order within the Mataaf area as worshippers continued their religious activities throughout the day.
The Day of Arafah, observed on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, is regarded as the peak of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
It commemorates the final sermon delivered by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and is considered a day of immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide.
While millions of pilgrims gathered at the plains of Arafah to perform the central rite of Hajj, many other worshippers in Makkah took advantage of the eased access to the Mataaf area to intensify prayers and acts of devotion.
This year’s Hajj has continued under extensive arrangements by Saudi authorities aimed at ensuring the safety, comfort, and spiritual fulfillment of pilgrims from across the globe.
