As Saudi Arabia prepares for the annual Islamic pilgrimage, amid the pandemic situation, the Saudi security forces stress that the safety of pilgrims had been the top priority in preparing for this year’s Haj.
Announcing the completion of the first stage of planning for the annual religious gathering, the commander of the forces responsible for security at the Grand Mosque in Makkah stressed that protecting worshippers was paramount.
“We have mainly focused on the health aspect this year for its extreme importance in the current unique situation (the coronavirus disease pandemic). The remaining stages will be implemented in the coming days,” said Maj. Gen. Muhammad Al-Ahmadi, reports Arab News.
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Defined pathways for the performance of walking rituals around the Kaaba and between the hills of Safa and Marwah had been established, and entrance to the Grand Mosque area would only be allowed to those with official permission.
Due to the virus outbreak, the Grand Mosque will be closed to worshippers for Arafa day and Eid Al-Adha. “The decision to suspend prayers in the Grand Mosque including its outdoor arenas will continue. We invite people of Makkah to break their fast on the day of Arafat in their homes,” added Al-Ahmadi.
The Ministry of Health is still on the run to put in in place the preparations for Haj season. It has also enhanced the readiness of its facilities to provide care for pilgrims.
The Ministry has prepared several health facilities, including; Mina Al Wadi Hospital, 29 Health Centers in Arafat, Field Hospital, Mobile Clinic, six highly equipped ambulances, and three clinics at pilgrims’ residences.
Also Read: Saudi Set for a Secure Pilgrimage
Considering the mass absence of devotees, authorities have decided to provide the translation Arafa day sermon in 10 languages. President General of the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque Affairs Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais has to increase the number of languages used in translating Arafat Day Sermon from 5 to 10.
Dr. Al-Sudais clarified that the sermon will be available in English, Malay, Urdu, Persian, French, Chinese, Turkish, Russian, Hausa and Bengali. It can be reached through the Arafat Sermon application as well as on Manarat Al-Haramain platform.
He also indicated that this project is the largest of its kind in the world.
Also Read: Saudi restricts entry to holy sites from Sunday