ISLAMABAD: The recent move by Saudi authorities to shift the Mihrab (prayerniche showing direction of qibla) at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah to theProphet’s Mihrab, located behind the present one, has facilitated movementof faithful who want to pay homage to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Abdul Wahid Ali Al-Hattab, adviser at the Presidency for the Affairs of theTwo Holy Mosques talking to Saudi Gazette said Islamic scholars andprominent personalities as well as pilgrims from around the world havehailed the idea to ease difficulties of pilgrims and worshipers who intendto greet the Prophet (PBUH).

“The shifting process was carried out in phases,” the adviser told whileattending its programme named “From the vicinity of Taiba” conducted byWael Rafeek. The Prophet’s Mihrab was used first on Friday, last month.

The Mihrab was also used for Maghreb and Isha prayers on several days.“When we found that the idea was good and effective we decided to use thismihrab for all prayers,” he explained.

Al-Hattab said the number of visitors at the Prophet’s grave inside themosque rose from 50,000 to more than 80,000 daily as a result of shiftingthe Mihrab. The previous Mihrab was in the Ruwaq area which was congestedas a result of the presence of a large number of worshipers and visitorswho wanted to visit the Prophet’s grave.

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency and imam and khateebof the Grand Mosque in Makkah, had previously announced the plan to shiftthe Mihrab.

The move reduced the time taken by an individual to visit the Prophet’sgrave and pay him homage from 15 minutes to 20 seconds. The faithful cannow enter Al-Ruwaq area to reach the graves of the Prophet and his twocompanions and get out through Baqie Gate within no time.

Al-Hattab commended the Saudi leadership for approving the measure that wastaken for the benefit of visitors of the Prophet’s Mosque and help themperform their religious duties with comfort.

“Saudi Arabia has been doing a great job over the past several decades toensure the security and safety of pilgrims who come to perform Haj andUmrah,” the adviser said.