MAKKAH RECEIVED 26 M PILGRIMS IN RAMADAN

he number of pilgrims represented a 15 percent increase compared to last year. (On Islam)

Cairo, 17 Shawwal 1436/3 August 2015 (MINA) – Makkah governor has revealed that the Grand mosque has received more than 26 million worshippers and pilgrims during the holy fasting month of Ramadan and `Eid Al-Fitr.

“The total number of passengers was 26,729,709, an increase of more than 4.6 percent against last year,” Hisham Al-Faleh, adviser to the Makkah governor and general supervisor of the urban development of Makkah, was quoted as saying by local media, Arab News reported on Sunday, August 2, as quoted on Islam reported by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA).

The huge number of visitors enjoyed easy access to the mosque thanks to a smooth transport arrangement under the guidance of Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.

Al-Faleh said 1.7 million vehicles used the parking lots at the entrances of Makkah and the central area while 6.6 million vehicles were pressed into service for pick-up and drop of pilgrims and worshippers.

The number represented a 15 percent increase compared to last year.

Al-Faleh said that five transport firms assumed the task of transportation.

A huge number of pilgrims is also expected to visit the mosque for the annual hajj pilgrimage near the end of September.

Saudi authorities are spending more than $20bn upgrading and expanding Islam’s holiest site to accommodate more pilgrims.

As one of the five pillars of Islam, Hajj is incumbent upon those who can afford it, once in a lifetime. (T/P007/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)