AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has advised to Umrah pilgrims not to sleep at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Islam's holiest site.
The advisory aims to prevent overcrowding as an increasing number of Muslims are traveling to the kingdom to perform the lesser pilgrimage, known as Umrah.
The ministry emphasized that reclining and sleeping at the mosque, which houses the Holy Kaaba, is against the regulations of the sacred site. They specifically mentioned avoiding such practices in corridors, prayer areas, emergency cart pathways, and areas designated for the physically disabled.
In a statement posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), the minister urged worshippers to prioritize maintaining order and avoiding jostling and crowding at the Grand Mosque. They also encouraged giving priority to women and the elderly.
The ministry highlighted the importance of observing regulated lines and cooperating with security guards to ensure a smooth and organized experience for all. Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world visit the Grand Mosque to perform Umrah and offer prayers.
For the current Umrah season, Saudi Arabia expects approximately 10 million Muslims from abroad to participate. The season began a few weeks ago, coinciding with the start of the new Islamic Hijri year. This follows the completion of the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage, which saw 1.8 million Muslims attending for the first time in three years after pandemic-related restrictions were lifted.
Umrah Pilgrims Urged to Stick to Designated Appointments for Doing Rites
In recent months, Saudi Arabia has introduced various measures to facilitate the arrival of overseas Muslims for Umrah. Individuals holding different types of entry visas, including personal, visit, and tourist visas, are allowed to undertake Umrah and visit Al Rawda Al Sharifa, Prophet Mohammad's (Peace Be Upon Him) tomb at the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, after booking an e-appointment.
Furthermore, the Umrah visa has been extended from 30 to 90 days, and visa holders are permitted to enter the kingdom through all land, air, and sea ports and depart from any airport.
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