Grand Mosque authorities ready Ramadan plan

Jul 24, 2010

JEDDAH: More than 5,700 employees will serve the pilgrims to the Grand Mosque in Makkah this Ramadan, according to the authority that governs the Haram.

Deputy Chairman of the Presidency of the Holy Mosques Affairs Nasser bin Muhammad Al-Khuzaim told Arab News that there will be more scholars this year to give religious advice and answer queries from pilgrims.

“The presidency has approved its Ramadan plan, which begins at the end of Shaaban and continues up to mid Shawwal. The plan is aimed at providing serenity and tranquility for worshippers to perform their rituals,” he said.

Final touches are being put on the Grand Mosque expansion project initiated by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, said Al-Khuzaim.

He said the five-level Masaa, where pilgrims perform the ritual walk between the mounts of Safa and Marwah, is ready to receive pilgrims. The structure includes an underground level and the roof.

Al-Khuzaim said glass barriers are being installed around Al-Safa at ground and underground levels, adding that certain areas of the mountain have been repaired and coated with translucent film to prevent people from scribbling on them.

He said the width of the Masaa on the ground floor has been increased substantially, while the width of the passage for the disabled has been increased from two meters to four meters to make it easier for wheelchairs to move.

Al-Khuzaim said 110 marble fountains dispensing Zamzam water have been installed in four different locations in the Haram, while 50 Zamzam water taps have been built in the marble barrier overlooking the Tawaf area.

The Masaa now have more than 340 Zamzam water taps at its different levels, he said. He added that 72 numbered marble shoe racks have also been built.

Al-Khuzaim said 62 temporary bathrooms are being built near Al-Fatah Gate to compensate for those being knocked down at Al-Shamiya for the expansion of the northern courtyard.

He asked pilgrims and visitors to keep the Grand Mosque clean and not to take food or briefcases inside. “They should also refrain from smoking in the mosque’s courtyards,” Al-Khuzaim said.