Saudi Arabia has urged Umrah pilgrims to better plan their prayers to prevent the rush at Masjid Al Haram. The latest guidance comes at a time when the number of pilgrims coming from abroad has increased significantly in the new Umrah season.
According to Saudi authorities, the pressure of pilgrims at Haram Sharif varies at different times of the day. Hence, it is easier to arrange transportation if the time for Tawaf and Sa’ee is fixed in advance.
A recent report indicates that the rush in Masjid Al Haram is relatively less during the period of 10 pm to 4 am and 9 am to 4 pm. Moderate pressure of pilgrims from 5 am to 8 am.
The Haram is likely to be crowded between 5 pm and 9 pm. Prayer times and the arrival of pilgrims may also impact the overall crowd during this period.
Many people come to the Grand Mosque daily for worship. In this kind of atmosphere, the timing of Tawaf or Sa’ee can minimise physical fatigue and crowding.
In the present weather, it is even more crucial to select the right time. The heat in Makkah in August is also a practical challenge. Therefore, pilgrims should also take into account their health and the weather.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is offering a range of facilities to the pilgrims of Umrah via its online services. The official portal offers services for Umrah permits and more.
In the first few days of the new 1448 Hijri Umrah season, the number of pilgrims who arrived in Saudi Arabia with Umrah visas was recorded at 931,500. According to Saudi official statistics, this number is 22.5 percent more than the same period last year.
The total number of foreign pilgrims who arrived in Saudi Arabia for Umrah during the same period was more than 1.27 million. According to the Saudi Press Agency, 75 percent of the pilgrims arrived in the kingdom by air.
There are also a large number of Pakistani pilgrims. As per the official information, approximately 200,000 Pakistani pilgrims came to Saudi Arabia during this period for Umrah.
Saudi Arabia has also prioritised the digital system in the arrangements for Umrah. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah website offers facilities to get Umrah permits, programme details and information about authorized companies.
The Nasik platform is also an important resource for pilgrims. Through this, relevant services and essential information related to Umrah can be accessed.
It is evident from the current situation that the Umrah experience is not just about travel and accommodation arrangements. The rush at the Haram, weather and the availability of digital facilities should also be taken into account in the travel schedule.
It is better to plan ahead of time, particularly with the number of Pakistani pilgrims. It is advisable to choose off-peak hours to move around in the Haram.
But pilgrims should take into account the latest instructions issued by the Saudi authorities regarding the possible changes in the timings. The crowd at the Haram may vary depending on the prayers, special events, and the number of pilgrims.
The main objective of the current guidance from the Saudi authorities is to help pilgrims plan their worship in a better way. With the rising demand for Umrah, organised travel and a responsible attitude can be of great help to keep the Haram convenient.
