MAKKAH: Umrah pilgrims have hailed the mataf expansion in Makkah as “distinguished” and “amazing,” saying that the achievement speaks a lot about the attention the Saudi government pays to the holy places.
The visitors told a local newspaper that they would tell everyone about the mataf expansion and other projects the Kingdom has undertaken for the convenience of pilgrims once they return home. All this, they said, helps in performing the rituals comfortably.
Mohammad Alam, a pilgrim from Pakistani, said he did not expect the expansion in such a “beautiful way” and he did not know that the Umrah rituals would be so easy, especially during the tawaaf (circumambulation) of the Holy Kaaba. “My old mother did not at all get tired because of the facilities at the Haram,” he said.
“I will tell everyone in my country about our experience and the Kingdom’s message to serve Muslims,” he added.
Hussein Maloub, a Yemeni, echoed the same views. “The services provided by the Kingdom are exemplary.
We thank the Saudi leadership and government for providing such facilities to the pilgrims,” he said.
The temporary mataf was completely dismantled and removed recently, providing much more space for worshippers to perform the congregational prayers near the Kaaba. Up to 30,000 worshippers can perform tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba) per hour, which is an increase of over 20,000 per hour compared to previous times. The area can now accommodate 105,000 worshippers per hour.
Mataf expansion speaks volumes about Kingdom’s efforts, say pilgrims
Mataf expansion speaks volumes about Kingdom’s efforts, say pilgrims
