According to Arab media, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, the administrative head of the holy mosques in Saudi Arabia, has announced SOPs for Ramadan 1442 in view of the Corona epidemic, under which the Masjid al-Haram will be open to the builders who have a permit for Mutaf Umrah. However, prayers will not be allowed in Mataf.
According to the announcement the Iftar and I’tikaaf in Masjid-ul-Haram and Masjid-e-Nabawi is prohibited. The Saudi Government has issued the following SOPs for Ramadan 2021.
Umrah performers will not be allowed to touch the Kaaba.
* It has been declared mandatory to wear a mask when entering the mosques of the two holy shrines.
• Hand sanitizers will be available everywhere.
* Iftar tablecloths will be banned, but iftar packets will be offered.
Only dates will be allowed to enter the two holy shrines. Distribution of all other types of food will be prohibited.
Worshipers in Makkah will be allowed to worship only in the extended part, first floor and courtyard of King Abdullah.
* Mataf will be closed to ordinary worshipers.
* Itikaf will be banned in both mosques of the two holy shrines.
* Zamzam water will be provided individually in bottles.
* Only 10 rak’ats of Taraweeh and 3 rak’ats of Witr will be recited.
In conversation with media, Sheikh-ur-Rehman Al-Sudais further said that a part of the courtyard of Mataf will be special for Umrah pilgrims while there will be 5 mosques in Masjid-ul-Haram and rows for prayers will also be formed in the eastern courtyard.
Al-Rahman Al-Sudais, quoting the translators of Masjid Al-Haram, said that the facility of Haram Guide will be provided for the pilgrims and they will present the questions of the pilgrims to the Muftis in 23 languages and then summarize their answers in the language of the pilgrims. Will go Al-Rahman Al-Sudais has said that Umrah devotees should also be vaccinated against Corona virus before coming to Masjid-ul-Haram or Masjid-ul-Nabawi.
