Saudi Arabia | Ibadat

Posts Tagged Saudi Arabia

Mataaf reopened but Umrah not yet allowed for any (even residents) | Corona Update

Updated: 1 April 2020 | Ibadat.pk | Umrah Desk: As the global fallout due to the disastrous coronavirus pandemic does not show any signs of easing, some parts of the world try and stagger back to normalcy by reducing the restrictions of lockdown. Following the royal order by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Mataf (open white area immediately around the Ka’bah where tawaf takes place) has been opened as of yesterday (Tuesday, 31 March). However, this will only be limited to Groups of 50 that will be allowed on to the Mataf to make just 1 Complete Tawaaf. Entrance will be restricted to Bab-e-Fahad (the King Fahad door).

Closing of Mataaf, completely disallowing Umrah for any one (locals and international Zaireen), imposing curfew, suspension of prayers at All Mosques (Except Masjid Al Haram in Makkah and Masjid Nabvi in Madinah), were all part of the many swift measures taken by the Saudi Government curb the spread of the virus by to adhering to the guidelines of social distancing.  Due to this spread of the virus in Saudi has been well controlled (To date: 1,536 confirmed cases, 10 fatal cases).

Updated Protocols for the Two Holy Mosques

According to sources in Saudi Arabia, provided below are the current restrictions in place for any one (only current residents allowed) planning to visit Masjid Al Haram (Makkah) and Masjid Al Nabwi (Madinah)

Restriction on worshiper visiting Masjid Al Haram (Mecca):

  1. Worshippers will not be allowed inside Masjid Al Haram for the duration of curfew (3 PM – 6 AM).
  2. Worshippers will not be allowed to pray on the roof, courtyards or the entire King Abdullah extension
  3. All prayers will continue as normal (Behind closed doors during curfew time)
  4. Tawaf will be limited to Groups of 50 that will be allowed on to the Mataf to make just 1 Complete Tawaaf.
  5. Umrah remains suspended until further notice for everyone.
  6. People wearing Ihram will not be allowed inside Masjid Al Haram
  7. All Zamzam Fountains and coolers are closed
  8. No one will be allowed to Sleep or perform Itikaf.

Restriction on worshipers visiting Masjid Al Nabawi (Madinah):

Masjid Al Nabawi will remain closed for all worshippers and visitors until further notice. – Prayers will continue to be led with small congregation behind closed doors.


Coronavirus Update from Minister of Hajj Saudi Arabia

Updates by Minister of Hajj (Saudi Arabia)

  1. The Minister of Hajj reported that they have completed the inspection of the Hotels in Makkah
  2. All the Pilgrims (Umrah Zaireen) that couldn’t go back to their countries because of the lockdown will be given the 5 Stars Hotels, Medical Assistance, Counselling Assistance etc. They will be also taken care of as long as it is necessary.
  3. Only a small number of people will be allowed to preform Tawaaf as precautionary measures.
  4. He also reported that all booked Umrah packages and visa have been refunded, and everyone got their money back.
  5. The Minister of Hajj has also called upon all the nations to delay confirmation on all work related to Hajj until the situation improves. It is too early to decide, so the decision will be made when the time comes closer to Hajj.

Read More | Coronavirus – Safety precautions as prescribed in the Quran and Sunnah

Read More | If Hajj goes ahead, what will be the impact Coronavirus

 

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Digital Distributor of Mobily Sims in Pakistan

Ibadat.pk is happy to announce that, it has now joined hands with Mobily Telecom (KSA) to distribute sims for Hujjaj and Umrah Zaireen traveling to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Keeping in line with our core aim to facilitate any / all religious travelers, Ibadat.pk has taken up this special corporate social responsibility (CSR) project in collaboration with the Telecom Giant, Mobily. Complementary SIMs for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims, is a deed done purely assist of pilgrims in an effort to ensure  that their traveling remain “tension free” even before they leave for pilgrimage.

In-order to get a sim, kindly fill the form below and our representative will get in-touch with you to guide you further. For individual travelers requesting a sim, proof of travel to Saudi Arabia will be required (which can be emailed or what-sapped to the representative who calls)

Request a Mobile Sim


Important Notes about the sim

Please note the following very important points:

  • Only one sim is permitted for one visitor – as per rules of Saudi Government
  • Mobile numbers are provided on the sticker at the back of the Sim card pack
  • The mobile sims can only be activated once the visitors reach Saudi Arabia
    • Sims will be activated by providing biometrics
    • Most convenient location to activate sims is the Hajj terminal at the Airport. Zain Teams will be there to take biometrics and help in activation of the sims
    • Hajj Organizers: If you have a group of over 10 passengers then let us know the hotel name and we will send Mobily activation team to the hotel
  • Children below the age of 16 cannot be provided a sim
  • Once the sim is activated – visitors cannot change their numbers or get a new sim
  • To recharge- it is necessary to note down your border ID. Border ID is written down by immigration officer near the visa page when entry is stamped.

Religious Tour Operators

All Hajj and Umrah operators are welcome to collect Sims for their groups from offices of Ibadat.pk, Karachi.

Individual Travellers

If you are an individual, going for Hajj or Umrah, you can come and collect your Sim from our designated partners offices. You can fill the form above and we will guide you to the nearest collection office.

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