MAKKAH, 27 January 2004 — The authorities at the Grand Mosque have allowed women to pray on its terrace for the first time this year as part of their efforts to reduce congestion inside the mosque.
Several escalators have been installed to take the worshipers to the terrace. A light system has also been installed on the mosque’s 126 gates to let worshipers know in advance whether the mosque is crowded. If it is crowded, a red light is on; if not crowded, a green light will be on.
Ahmed ibn Ameen Abbas, an official at the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques Affairs, told Arab News that the organization had set aside three doors for emergency use. They are: Bab Al-Salam, Bab Arafa and Bab Bani Hashim.
Dr. Abdul Mohsen Humaid, director of the department of projects and studies at the presidency, said the expansion of the mataf (circumambulation area) on the mosque’s first floor and terrace had reduced the tawaf length from 662 to 572 meters. There are special areas for the handicapped and elderly to perform tawaf.
He said the shifting of the entrance to the Zamaam Well and Zamzam water drinking area from the mataf had created more space for circumambulation this year. The mataf will be crowded when the faithful come to perform tawaf al-ifada on the third day of Haj.
