Makkah’s Grand Mosque Prepares for 3 Million Worshippers in Ramadan

Preparing for a huge influx of worshippers during the holy month of fasting, the General Presidency of the Grand Mosque in Makkah has unveiled a massive plan to serve around 3 million worshippers at Islam’s holiest sites.

Manned by 12,000 employees, the operation scheme was announced by Abdul Rrahman Al Sudais, the chief of the General Presidency for Affairs of the Two Holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah, Gulf News reported.

The plan, themed “from arrival to access”, is designed to serve worshippers during their journey to the holy sites from arrival till when they are done with Umrah rituals.

“Besides, the plan takes care of monitoring and governance of all services to ensure their highest standards in the two Holy Haramein,” Al Sudais said.

The scheme will facilitate the circumambulation rite around the Holy Ka’bah for around 107,000 Umrah pilgrims per hour.

Peak Season

This plan comes a few days before the holy month of Ramadan which is usually the peak season for Umrah.

“The Ramadan operation plan is centered on field presence, holding laxity to account, providing a safe, healthy environment in the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, diversifying initiatives, optimal utilization of artificial intelligence and use of apps in different fields for serving the highest numbers of Umrah pilgrims and visitors,” he added.

The blessed month of Ramadan, a time of reflection, will start on Thursday, March 23, according to the astronomical calculations.

Muslims from around the world pour into Makkah every year to perform hajj and umrah.

Umrah is called the minor or lesser pilgrimage because unlike Hajj it’s not compulsory. Although they share common rites, Umrah can be performed in a few hours and involves fewer rituals.

SOURCE: https://aboutislam.net/muslim-issues/world/makkahs-grand-mosque-prepares-for-3-million-worshippers-in-ramadan/