Pilgrims Are Reminded Not To Smoke In The Courtyard Of The Prophet's Mosque

Head of the Medina Working Area (Daker) Amin Handoyo. (ANTARA/HO.MCH)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Hajj pilgrims are reminded not to smoke in the Holy Land, especially the Prophet's Mosque area because of the smoking ban in the country.

"Smoking is prohibited in Saudi Arabia. So don't smoke in the courtyard of the mosque, you will be arrested," said Head of the Madinah Working Area (Daker) Amin Handoyo, quoted by Antara from the Hajj Media Center in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, June 6.

That's why he reminded the congregation to obey the smoking ban, but those who want to smoke should understand the situation and find a safe place.

"So when smoking, you have to be smart to find a place that is safe for yourself, safe for others and safe from security," said Amin.

In addition to the Prophet's Mosque, the smoking ban also applies in hotels where pilgrims are staying, which are equipped with fire alarms.

"In the inn there is also an alarm, if you smoke then another alarm sounds so you panic," he said.

The operation of the Hajj pilgrimage is currently entering the 3rd day of the congregation's departure phase. A total of 5,920 pilgrims and officers have been dispatched to Saudi Arabia. They are members of 15 flying groups (kloters).

While today there are 2,046 pilgrims and officers who will be dispatched to Medina. They are joined in five groups and will depart from four embarkations.