Major Operational Plan Launched to Serve Worshippers at Mecca, Medina Mosques in Ramadan
Abdulrahman Al Sudais, president of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, announced the launch of the largest operational plan for the holy month yet.
It focuses on the worshippers’ journey, from their arrival in the outer courtyards of the Two Holy Mosques to circling the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque and walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa, as well as directions to prayer areas and spaces for itikaf, or reflection.
Al Sudais said that maintenance of the Kaaba's sound systems has been completed, and equipment for live broadcasts of the call to prayer is ready.
Ismail bin Abed Al Awaidi, assistant director general for digital awareness and director of Awareness Centers, said educational services and Ramadan programs were also ready.
Last week, Al Sudais published a list of the imams who will lead the Taraweeh, night prayers that take place during Ramadan.
Al Anoud Al Abboud, adviser and assistant president for Women's Development Affairs at the Grand Mosque, said services have been prepared for female pilgrims during Ramadan.
She said that the agency is responsible for the cleanliness, safety and comfort of prayer areas, the provision of Zamzam water and development plans for women's services at the Grand Mosque.
Amjad Al Hazmi, under secretary of the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Covering of the Holy Kaaba, said the kiswah will be inspected on a daily basis and maintenance carried out by Saudi specialists if required.
Umrah during Ramadan
Communal iftar tables and performing itikaf, when pilgrims spend long hours at mosques, will resume for the whole month. The charity-sponsored iftar tables were banned for two years during the coronavirus pandemic.
Pilgrims can take dry food to break their fasts but free iftar spreads are available.
Only those with a valid permit issued through the government’s Eatmarna app (now called Nusuk) will be allowed to perform Umrah.
Ramadan is expected to start this year on March 23, although the exact date is likely to be announced on the night of March 22 by the moon-sighting committee.
Source: thenationalnews.com
