Javed Ullah Raja
The Saudi Arabian government is actively working to provide facilities for pilgrims from around the world for Hajj and Umrah. Muslim pilgrims travel from all corners of the world with great devotion for Hajj and Umrah. Previously, Umrah visas were issued for a period of thirty days, but now have been significantly extended, which is very welcoming. Now, besides the Umrah pilgrimage, visitors can stay and travel within Saudi Arabia as they wish during the visa period. There are ample facilities available for travelers at the Hajj terminal of the Jeddah airport. Transportation facilities from Jeddah to Mecca and Medina for coming and going are much improved in every respect. The Saudi government has also started a free bus services in both the Holy cities i.e.; Mecca and Medina with designated routes that are beneficial for both pilgrims and regular residents. Additionally, hotels for accommodation in Mecca and Medina are also improving. While facilities are being provided for pilgrims undertaking Hajj and Umrah, there are also some challenges that need to be addressed. Some issues that have been noticeable for some time would greatly improve if attention is paid to them. During the journey between Mecca and Medina, when hundreds of vehicles stop at once for a while, there is very limited provision for a small mosque and ablution, which is completely inadequate for the large number of pilgrims and causes a lot of difficulties. Drinking water is not available in any hotel or place in Mecca, like water dispensers or no other arrangements. Besides the Haram Mosque in Mecca, there are no facilities like filtration plants anywhere, which is causing severe difficulties for pilgrims of all ages. Remember, that Muslims undertake the journey to the two Holy sanctuaries for a special and very significant purpose. The visit to the House of Allah, the Kaaba, and the presence at the Roza Rasool Prophet (peace be upon him) are blessings for every Muslim aspires for in their lifetime. These pilgrims are remembered in the Haram as” Zufur Rahman”. Tawaf-e- Kaaba is the greatest form of worship. Readers may recall that there was a time when the caretakers of the Haram used to advise pilgrims during other rituals that they could perform those rituals at home, but they could not Tawaf-e- Kaaba anywhere else. It was emphasized that Tawaf-e- Kaaba is the greatest act of worship. They said perform the Tawaf-e- Kaaba as much as possible. However, it is now apparent that if you are in the Ihram, you can descend into the courtyard of the Haram, known as the Mataaf, for the purpose of seeing the Kaaba and Tawaf. If you are not in Ihram, one cannot enter the Mataaf. Thus, it seems as if descending into the Mataaf and Tawaf-e-Kaaba have become restricted by Ihram, making it difficult for those individuals who are elderly and cannot repeatedly go to place of Meqaat during their stay in Mecca. Consequently, they are deprived of performing the great act of worship, Tawaf. The reason behind this obstacle now seems to be that people from all over the world are repeatedly entering with Ihram and staying in the Haram without going to Meqaats. When some people were asked why they were doing this, they responded that they have come from far away for a certain purpose. We will not wear Ihram and will not be allowed to enter the Haram, so we are doing this. It is worth considering why pilgrims are compelled to perform this action. At present, if anyone wants to Tawaf-e- Kaaba without Ihram, there are only the upper floors of the Haram available. However, the situation is such that from the top floor, the Kaaba is not visible due to obstacles, and from the second, i.e., the middle floor, due to obstacles, is difficult to see beside from a few places. The distance of the Tawaf loops from these two upper floors becomes quite far, which becomes a difficulty for elderly male and female pilgrims. We also know that the majority of travelers around the world are elderly people. The truth is this, and if it is said that now the guests of Allah are being deprived of the great worship and the longing to see the Kaaba from their hearts. That Kaaba, for which a person kept saying all his life, “I turn my face towards the Khana Kaaba,” is now present in the Haram, but the Kaaba is not visible, what should one do? Furthermore, the news is circulating that in the 365 days of the year, presence at the Blessed Chamber of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) will only be allowed once. A permit will have to be taken for praying in Riaz -al-Jannah. That is, first visitors have to take the time on mobile, through the app. If the number comes from the mobile app, then visitors will be able to enter for Salam, the shrine of Rasoolullah (peace be upon him). Visitors will have to get a permit first for praying in Riyadh-al-Jannah. Remember that pilgrims travel according to a schedule. They cannot travel by their own will. The purpose of saying is that it is possible that when the number comes from the mobile app and the pilgrims have returned from Madinah, then how will they be able to attend the shrine of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), and pray in Riyadh-al-Jannah? Readers will remember that earlier, taking pictures in the Haramain and even using cameras was strictly prohibited, and later, restrictions were imposed on using mobile phones as well. But now, attention is being drawn to mobile phones itself. In other words, to go on Hajj and Umrah, it is necessary for everyone to have a good quality mobile phone and its use; otherwise there are difficulties for Hajj and Umrah. Wi-Fi in hotels, cars, shops, airports and markets is free. Therefore, people are busier in mobile and less in worship in the Haramain. It is evident that there is a disruption in worship. Another thing that is understood more profoundly and intensely is that people in the Haramain are freely walking around, even walking with shoes in between the rows of prayers is not considered defective. As time passes, restrictions are imposed; blessed places are being pushed away. There was a time when people used to pray nawafil at the Kaaba and Maqam Ibrahim, many people must have also seen the blessed Chamber of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the water of well of Zamzam must have also been seen, and the remains of the Companions (r.a) must have also been seen, and who knows what else. Now, even nawafil inside the Kaaba’s premises, i.e., in the Hateem, is difficult. Please: It is a humble request to the Saudi government and the administration of the Haramain Sharifain that they should not distance the pilgrims of the world from the Kaaba and the Blessed Chamber of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by paying attention to the adornment and arrangements of the Haramain Sharifain.
