Avoid Density At The Grand Mosque, Prospective Hajj Pilgrims Are Urged To Carry Out Umrah In The Morning Or Night

Muslims face the Kaaba during the Rashdul Qibla event or the sun time right above the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Monday (27/5/2024). Sigid Kurniawan/MCH 2024

JAKARTA - The Makkah Working Area Hajj Organizing Officer (PPIH) appealed to pilgrims to carry out Umrah at 09.00 WAS or 22.00 WAS to maintain their health and avoid congestion at the Grand Mosque. "We urge the pilgrims to arrive at the Makkah hotel at 06.00 – 17.00 WAS to be able to carry out mandatory Umrah at 22.00 WAS," said Head of Daker Makkah Khalilurrahman in Makkah, as reported by Antara, Tuesday, May 27. Khalil said that for pilgrims who arrive at the Makkah hotel from 18.00 to 05.00 WAS, they can carry out mandatory Umrah at 09.00 WAS. "We once again convey this appeal in order to maintain the health of the congregation and avoid congestion at the Grand Mosque," Khalil said. With this schedule arrangement, he hopes that the congregation will have enough time to rest before carrying out the mandatory Umrah. Thus, their condition will be fit both when Umrah is mandatory and after that. "At least there is a gap of at least four to five hours after the congregation arrives to rest first. There is no need to rush to perform Umrah when they arrive in Makkah, but make sure the body condition is fit and ready to carry out the worship," said Khalil. The choice of time also aims to prevent pilgrims from hot weather conditions that often occur in Makkah. Especially during the day, the temperature can reach 43 degrees Celsius. "This is quite extreme when compared to the daily weather in Indonesia. Even later when the peak of the Hajj period is expected to penetrate 50 degrees Celsius," said Khalil. Therefore, Khalil requested that this appeal be used as a guideline for all officers and pilgrims for Indonesian Hajj candidates.

"For quarantine officers and sector officers, I ask to help to monitor so that this appeal can be obeyed. Please remember, congregational safety is our common priority," he said.