Indonesian Ulema Council proposes special schedule for kissing Hajar Aswad

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has urged Saudi Arabian authorities to implement a more orderly system for pilgrims seeking to kiss the Hajar Aswad, a sacred stone embedded in the Kaaba's wall in Mecca. Anwar Abbas, the MUI's Vice Chairman, believes a structured approach is crucial for maintaining the safety, comfort, and spiritual concentration of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

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If the Prophet did not kiss you (Hajar Aswad), then I would not kiss you either. But because the Prophet kissed you, I do it!

Abbas emphasized that kissing the Hajar Aswad is a practice recommended by Prophet Muhammad. However, he pointed out that the current situation, with millions of Muslims converging on the holy sites annually, differs vastly from the eras of the Prophet and his companions. The sheer volume of pilgrims eager to touch or kiss the stone frequently results in long queues and intense crowding.

This overcrowding, Abbas observed, often leads to behavior that is contrary to the spirit of worship. He described scenes of jostling, pushing, and even elbowing among pilgrims, including women finding themselves caught in crowds of men. Such situations detract from the reverence expected in the vicinity of the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site.

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Generally, pilgrims want to kiss the Hajar Aswad. As a result, we see pilgrims, both men and women, not only scrambling but also jostling. It is not uncommon to see elbowing and pushing.

To address these issues, the MUI official proposed that Saudi Arabia consider a special schedule or designated time slots for pilgrims, particularly women, to access and kiss the Hajar Aswad. He suggested that such access could be managed through a pre-registration system, ensuring a more dignified and less chaotic experience for all.

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Therefore, we urge the Saudi Arabian government to properly regulate and organize the method of kissing the Hajar Aswad. This is important, especially for female pilgrims.