JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has urged pilgrims to abide by crowd-control schedules and rules to avoid dangers that could result in congestion and stampedes.
In a message, the ministry urged “brother and sister pilgrims” to adhere to the scheduling program for performing various rituals.
“Brother Hajj, Sister Hajjah.. The messenger (peace be upon him) said ‘take from me your Manasik’,” read the message, referring to the Arabic word for rituals.
It said on the 8th day of the Islamic month of Dhu Al-Hijjah, which falls on Sunday, pilgrims headed to Mina to perform the rituals of the first day of Hajj, called the day of Tarwiya. It said on this day pilgrims perform the Dhuhr, Asr, Maghreb and Isha prayers shortened but not joined.
The day, which means the day of quenching thirst, comes a day before pilgrims head to Mount Arafat on Monday to mark the main ritual of Hajj.
On the 9th day of Dhu Al-Hijjah, pilgrims stay until sunset in Arafat, then head to Muzdalifah to spend the night, as per Hajj obligations.
Muzadlifda is the area for performing the Jamarat, the symbolic stoning of the devil. Worshippers are also urged to comply with agreed schedules for the stoning ritual.
The Civil defense forces said they have completed their preparations at the Muzdalifa site. They said they set plans for all possible dangers that could encounter pilgrims in the area.
Hajj ministry urges pilgrims to comply with scheduling programs to avoid crowd disasters
Hajj ministry urges pilgrims to comply with scheduling programs to avoid crowd disasters
Hajj minister inspects Makkah development projects
MAKKAH: Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah has inspected several development projects currently underway at the holy sites in Makkah in preparation for this year’s pilgrimage.
The tour covered several key projects being implemented by the Kidana Development Co., the executive arm of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites.
The minister also reviewed progress on the construction of the 400-bed Emergency Hospital Project, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The developments also focus on creating a more spacious and flexible urban environment, and providing comfortable public spaces for pilgrims.
The minister’s tour included pilgrim rest areas that provide facilities along pedestrian routes. Improvements will include seating, shade, cooling fans, and improvements to pathways and services across 36,000 sq. meters.
The minister also reviewed a cooling project surrounding Jabal Al-Rahmah (Mount Arafat), which aims to reduce the impact of high temperatures.
During the tour, the minister visited several sites offering cultural content highlighting the history of the holy sites.
