Anyone know why the imam no longer (i know its been for few years) leads from near the kaaba but at the back that too with only selected few people. It makes sense for taraweeh but don't understand the need for it for the five daily salah.
Please see the attachment to see how only selected handful are allowed to pray behind the imam. This is not from covid days but only few days ago.
The new imam enclosure seems a permanent structure as well.
I don't think it's permanent. Looks like its on wheels.
From what I recall, during the expansion of the mataf, the location was changed. The works continued for many years and then Covid came along. Since then, they've stayed in various locations and kept their distances. And Allah knows best
Remarkable surge seen in number of Umrah pilgrims August 31, 2023
Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH — Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Abdelfattah Mashat has said that a remarkable increase has been witnessed in the capacity of the holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah.
Dr. Abdelfattah Mashat made the remarks while speaking to Asharq al-Awsat. He added that there has also been a remarkable surge in the number of Umrah pilgrims coming from outside Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Mashat said that there was a noticeable increase in the number of pilgrims from all countries, but the largest numbers came from Pakistan, Indonesia, India, Iraq, Yemen and Bangladesh. "The coming period will witness an increase in the number of pilgrims from various other countries of the world", he said.
His remarks came after a month and a half from the start of the Umrah season at the beginning of the new Hijri year, The influx of pilgrims to the Grand Mosque and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque indicates that the current season will record an increase that will exceed the previous seasons, especially since Saudi Arabia's government worked to facilitate Muslims from all over the world to visit the two Holy Mosques.
Dr. Mashat pointed out that this increase in numbers and capacity resulted from several factors, foremost of which is the Kingdom's efforts to simplify visa procedures.
Among the factors that contributed to this increase are the facilities provided by the Nusuk platform for people to be able to obtain a visa and communicate with service providers, as well as the increase in the number of companies operating in Umrah services, and those specialized in the fields of hospitality that compete to provide the best services with high quality.
The new regulations also had a role in enabling those coming from outside Saudi Arabia who hold various types of visas to perform Umrah, in addition to extending the validity period of the Umrah visa to 90 days and canceling the requirement of mahram (blood relative) to accompany a woman pilgrim, Dr. Mashat said.
The surge in the number of Umrah pilgrims is attributed also to the facility allowing direct application for the Umrah visa through the Nusuk platform, as well as the decision to reduce the value of medical insurance without compromising the quality of services provided, and allowing visa holders to move throughout all regions of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking of Nusuk, Dr. Mashat said it is the most prominent platform in digital and technical transformations in serving the pilgrims, as it is a comprehensive portal through which the user can plan the entire Umrah trip.
One of the things that contributed to ensuring the quality of services provided to pilgrims throughout their journey is the establishment of the Guest Care Centers (Enaya) by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, which are characterized by working around the clock to receive complaints of Umrah performers in all languages, as well as working to address them in the shortest period of time.
Dr. Mashat said that the ministry is also keen to monitor the work of Umrah service providers through a number of follow-up mechanisms, stressing that there is a clear regulation in this regard to determine violations and penalties.
He expects the numbers to reach 30 million Umrah pilgrims, especially after the facilities provided to those wishing to visit the two Holy Mosques and perform Umrah rituals, which included several initiatives, such as extending the Umrah season, reducing the period for issuing a visa, facilitating procedures for coming to the Kingdom, developing the registration of vital features service, in addition to uploading travel documents before arriving via the Saudi Visa Bio app.
Dr. Mashat said that these are some of the steps taken by Saudi Arabia to contribute to reducing the time of verification procedures upon arrival for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, noting that the procedures have been implemented so far with the countries of UK, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Tunisia, and Kuwait.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah issues guidelines on female dress code
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah issues guidelines on female dress code
Saudi Arabia has announced a dress code for women performing the Umrah pilgrimage.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah outlined suitable clothing for female pilgrims visiting holy sites.
The Ministry said women are entitled to wear clothing of their choosing, considering they adhere to certain guidelines.
Saudi ministry defines Umrah dress code
In a statement on social media, the Ministry said: “Females are permitted to wear any clothing of their choice for pilgrimage or Umrah, as long as the following conditions are met:
MAKKAH: Sheikh Yasir Ad Dawsary has been excused from his position as Imam and Khateeb of Masjid Al Haram following the expiration of his 4-year contract with the General Presidency.
The Imam was appointed as a guest Imam for Taraweeh Prayers of Masjid Al Haram back in 2015.
Sheikh Yasir Ad Dawsary's role as Imam and Khateeb of Masjid Al Haram has come to an end as his 4-year contract with the General Presidency has concluded, resulting in his departure from the position.
Saudi Hajj minister expects surge in number of Indian Umrah Pilgrims December 08, 2023
Saudi Gazette report
MAKKAH — Concluding his official visit to India, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah has said he anticipates a significant increase in the number of Umrah pilgrims from the country in the near future.
The minister highlighted the qualitative initiatives launched by the Kingdom to facilitate the arrival procedures for individuals wishing to visit the Two Holy Mosques, the Islamic historic sites, and various tourist destinations in the Kingdom, regardless of the visa type.
He extended a warm welcome to all guests from India who are eager to visit the Two Holy Mosques.
During his visit, Al-Rabiah held meetings with top officials, including the Minister of External Affairs and the Minister of Minority Affairs, as well as the CEOs of several Indian Umrah companies.
The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of pilgrims from India, as well as leveraging the significant progress in services provided by Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and other visitors. The objective of this cooperation is to create an unforgettable spiritual experience.
Al-Rabiah underscored the efforts made to remove obstacles faced by Indian Umrah pilgrims throughout their journey to the Kingdom, enabling them to visit the Two Holy Mosques and perform their rituals with ease.
These efforts include increasing the number of flights and seat capacity, and facilitating e-visas through the Tasheer centers spread across India. The minister also highlighted the services of the Nusuk platform, which contribute to efficient planning for Umrah.
On the sidelines of his visit, Al-Rabiah announced the inauguration of three visa centers and the exhibition of the Nusuk platform, in the presence of heads of Umrah companies. During the exhibition, participants praised the facilities and electronic services provided by the Nusuk platform for pilgrims. They noted information provided Nusuk about the historic and Islamic sites in Makkah and Madinah.
Nusuk’s efforts in this regard amplify the impact of the spiritual journey for pilgrims and visitors of the Two Holy Mosques. This reflects the progress made in services provided to serve the guests and the commitment of the Hajj and Umrah Ministry to continue facilitating the pilgrims’ journey.
Entry to mataaf for tawaf and salah with Ihraam dress only. This condition is dampening umrah pilgrims from India. Spending one lakh is not to visit tourist places in Saudia. We like to do tawaf. There are better tourist places like Lakshwadeep, malaysia, mauritius, srilanka, etc. These tourist places are cheap.
Also there is not so much demand for Haj in India. Earlier pilgrims were selected through lots.
This cannot be undone and I am sure it will be greatly appreciated.
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