Sheikh Sudais Warns Against Rushing to Hajr al-Aswad Before Prayer Ends
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Imam of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Abdur Rahman Al Sudais, has cautioned pilgrims against rushing toward the Hajr al-Aswad (Black Stone) and the Multazam before the congregational prayer officially ends, warning that such actions invalidate their Salah.
Sheikh Al Sudais issued the warning during a religious lesson delivered on June 23, 2026, where he addressed a recurring practice among worshippers inside the Grand Mosque.
He noted that some pilgrims begin moving toward the Hajr al-Aswad and the Multazam as soon as the Imam starts the concluding salutation of the prayer, with some leaving their positions even before the closing words are completed.
According to the Grand Mosque Imam, worshippers must remain with the Imam until the prayer has fully concluded.
He explained that moving ahead of the Imam contradicts the principles of congregational prayer and renders the Salah invalid.
Sheikh Sudais Warns Against Rushing to Hajr al-Aswad Before Prayer Ends
Sheikh Al Sudais urged pilgrims to exercise patience and complete every stage of the prayer before attempting to reach the sacred sites, stressing that following the Imam through to the end is an essential requirement for a valid congregational Salah.
He also offered guidance to Imams leading prayers at the Grand Mosque to help curb the practice.
The cleric advised Imams not to prolong the concluding salutation unnecessarily, explaining that lengthy pauses at the end of the prayer may cause worshippers to anticipate its completion and move before the Imam finishes.
According to him, keeping the closing salutation concise can reduce confusion and prevent pilgrims from unintentionally preceding the Imam.
The guidance forms part of ongoing efforts to promote proper prayer etiquette and orderly worship at the Grand Mosque, particularly during periods of heavy pilgrim traffic when large crowds gather around the Hajr al-Aswad and the Multazam.
Religious authorities continue to encourage pilgrims to observe patience and comply with established guidelines to ensure their acts of worship remain valid while maintaining order within the Grand Mosque.
