Istiqlal Mosque to Be Secured for Saudi King`s Visit

King Salman bin Abdulaziz. Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia.

Jakarta, 01 Jumadil Akhir 1438/28 February 2017 (MINA) – Jakarta’s Istiqlal Grand Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, will be secured for a visit by King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud of Saudi Arabia on Thursday.

“The mosque will be closed to the public after midday prayers for King Salman’s visit,” Abu Hurairah, the head of protocol and documentation of the mosque, said on Monday.

He stated that worshipers are requested to leave the mosque after performing the midday prayers to prepare for the king’s visit.

“The king’s visit to the mosque will last only for about 30 minutes. Worshipers can visit the mosque later,” Hurairah remarked, adding that he had coordinated with the presidential security guards and the kings security guards to secure the mosque.

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The number one person in the Saudi Arabia will only perform tahiyatul masjid prayer, or ‘greeting the mosque’.

“According to plan the King will head to the VIP room, sign the guest book and write an impression message for Istiqlal. Then while the King Salman is walking, the receptionist will tell the history of the Istiqlal Mosque,” Abu said, as quoted by Antara.

The Takhiyatul Masjid Shalat is a highly recommended prayer consisting of two Raka’ahs and performed when first entering a mosque. It is considered to be a way of greeting the place of worship in order to draw nearer to Allah. (T/RS05/RS01)

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Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)