Worshippers congregate at the Grand Mosque on Friday, marking the start of the last 10 days of the month of Ramadan.
x.com/AlharamainSA
Cairo: Starting from today, 167 additional mosques will open their doors for the faithful to perform the Friday congregation and Eid prayers across the Saudi holy city of Mecca, bringing to 849 the total of such places of worship to cope with an influx of worshippers and ensure their comfort.
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs and Call Abdulatif Al Al Sheikh has endorsed the introduction of the latest group of mosques with an estimated capacity of more than 200,000 worshippers.
Mecca is home to the Grand Mosque, Islam’s holiest. With the latest addition, the overall capacity of mosques within the precincts of Mecca surpasses 1 million worshippers.
All mosques and their facilities are equipped to serve worshippers according to the highest standards of comfort.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has tasked a select group of preachers and imams with leading prayers and urged maintenance and operation companies to provide efficient services around the clock.
Saudi authorities have mobilised all sources to enrich the experience of worshippers flocking to Mecca during the current Islamic month of Ramadan when the Umrah or minor pilgrimage usually peaks in the Grand Mosque. The lunar month is expected to end on March 29, followed by the Islamic Eid Al Fitr festival.
Muslims perform a special group prayer on the early morning of the first day of the feast.
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