MAKKAH — The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has announced designated times for entry to Hijr Ismail, adjacent to the Holy Kaaba, for men and women. According to the authority, women can enter Hijr Ismail daily from 6:00 to 9:00 in the morning, while entry for men is scheduled from 10:00 to 1:00 during the night. This time schedule is part of the authority’s ongoing efforts to regulate movement within the Grand Mosque and enhance services for worshipers. The authority said the designated timings aimed to facilitate worship, ensure smooth movement, and enhance the experience of visitors at the Grand Mosque. Hijr Ismail lies on the northern side of the Holy Kaaba occupying its distinctive position within the Grand Mosque. Though simple in appearance, this space holds within it a profound history of events and narratives tied to the construction of the Holy Kaaba and the succession of eras in Makkah. Hijr Ismail is considered an integral part of the Kaaba’s structure. Historical sources indicate that the foundations raised by the Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail included this area within the original building of the Ancient House. However, when the Quraysh tribe rebuilt the Kaaba prior to the mission of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), they excluded this section from the construction due to limited financial resources, confining the building to the portion that stands at present day.