Ministry Of Religion Urges Pilgrims Who Candidates For Hajj Not To Spread Banners In The Holy Land

The atmosphere is in the courtyard of the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia, Monday (13/5/2024). (ANTARA/Asep Firmansyah/aa.)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Religion appealed to Indonesian pilgrims not to unfurl banners or flags in the Holy Land, especially in the area of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque.

"The Saudi Authority (Arab) strongly prohibits the raising of banners, marking flags, including unfurling the Red and White flag," said Hajj Media Center (MCH) officer,Widi Dwinanda, as reported by ANTARA, Friday, May 17.

In addition to the ban on unfurling banners in the Nabawi Mosque Area, Widi emphasized the pilgrims for Hajj candidates not to smoke in mosque areas and certain places that have been determined by local authorities.

"Smoking in prohibited areas can be a serious problem for pilgrims, including being subject to a sizeable fine by the authorities," he said.

Pilgrims of Hajj candidates, said Widi, were also reminded not to crowd with a total of more than five people around the Prophet's Mosque and the Grand Mosque.

"The mosque's Askar (security officers) did not hesitate to disperse the crowd, because it has the potential to disrupt the movement of other worshipers. Saudi Arabia has implemented strict rules for pilgrims who have been caught crowding five people or more for a long time," he said.

Widi conveyed to the Hajj officers who are on standby to always educate the congregation well so that there are no Indonesian pilgrims who experience problems while undergoing the pilgrimage.

"To the heads of groups, groups, as well as the Hajj and Umrah Guidance Groups (KBIHU) to continue to provide education to their congregations regarding the provisions set by the Saudi Government (Arab) authorities," he said.