Muslims from all around Saudi Arabia gather in great numbers during Ramadan to do Umrah and offer prayers in the Grand Mosque of Makkah, making this holy month the time for the lesser pilgrimage.
In contrast to Hajj, pilgrims can do Umrah as many times as necessary during a single journey, depending on how long they want to remain.
The faithful in Makkah will only be able to undertake Umrah once, as the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially forbidden Muslims from repeating the journey during the month of Ramadan, according to Gulf News.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah tweeted the announcement on its official handle for news on the Haramain, the Grand Mosque of Makkah, and the Prophet’s (PBUH) Mosque.
The statement claims that in order to reduce crowds and congestion during Ramadan, it is forbidden to conduct Umrah more than once.
Additionally, the action will increase the number of persons who may perform Umrah.
The ministry advised the faithful to only make one small trip during the holy month of Ramadan, stating that no authorization has been granted for two or more Umrahs to be performed during that time.
In addition, Saudi Arabia authorities have taken a number of other steps to facilitate pilgrims’ seamless and comfortable performance of rituals while taking into account the anticipated inflow during Ramadan.
Among these precautions include designating the ground level of the mosque for Umrah pilgrims during Ramadan and the circumambulation courtyard surrounding the Holy Kaaba. In the meanwhile, certain gates within the vast mosques have been designated for pilgrims’ admission and departure in order to control crowds.
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