Saudi Arabia Asks Umrah Pilgrims Not to Bring Cash and Jewelry

Dream - The Saudi Arabian government has asked Umrah pilgrims not to bring large amounts of cash and luxury items, including jewelry, during their worship.

Quoted from Al Arabiya, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has asked Umrah pilgrims not to bring gold bars, gemstones, and other types of jewelry.

In addition, pilgrims are advised to bring a maximum of 60,000 Saudi riyals or around Rp239 million in cash.

The Saudi government also asks pilgrims to download banking applications from official websites, not to share detailed bank account information, or transfer money to unknown parties, and to ignore SMS messages from unknown sources.

Umrah pilgrims are also asked to report to the ministry or relevant authorities if they suspect any fraudulent attempts or become victims of fraud.

Previously, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also asked Muslims around the world to perform Umrah only once during the holy month of Ramadan.

This is to reduce congestion in the Holy Land and to ensure that Umrah worship runs smoothly and easily.

Learn the New Rules of Saudi Arabia for the 1444 H Ramadan: Prohibit Bringing Children to the Mosque and Breaking the Fast Anywhere

Dream - The holy month of Ramadan 1444 H is just around the corner and a number of mosque managers have started preparing to welcome the bustling activities that will be carried out for a full month. The same preparations have also been made by the Saudi Arabian authorities.

In this year's Ramadan, which will be different from the past two years, the Saudi government has issued new rules for mosques and pilgrims.

Through the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Dr. Abdullatif Al Sheikh, a circular has been sent to all relevant ministry branches to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims during the month of Ramadan.

According to the circular, as reported by Liputan6 from Gulf News, one of the issues discussed is the provision of iftar locations for pilgrims. Saudi Arabia regulates that iftar activities must be held in designated areas such as the mosque courtyard and under the responsibility of the imam and muadhin.

Here are 11 new rules for worshiping in Ramadan 1444 H in Saudi Arabia:

Rules for Breaking the Fast

1. Breaking the fast is done in designated areas, in the mosque courtyard and under the responsibility of the imam and muadhin

2. The person in charge of managing the group iftar must ensure that the area is cleaned immediately after breaking the fast.

3. No temporary rooms or tents may be erected for the purpose of breaking the fast.

Rules for Imams and Muadhins

4. The circular also calls on imams and muadhins to comply with strict guidelines and prioritize the needs of worshipers during Ramadan.

The rules emphasize the importance of regularity in the work of imams and muadhins, highlighting their need to be present during the month of Ramadan unless there are extreme or urgent circumstances.

If someone is assigned to perform duties during a period of absence, their replacement must obtain approval from the relevant Ministry branch in the area, and the replacement must not violate their responsibilities.

Prohibition of Installing Cameras in Mosques

5. The circular also urges adherence to the adhan times according to the Um Al Qura calendar.

6. The circular also urges imams to pay attention to the conditions of those who perform Tarawih prayers; to follow the Prophet's guidance in the Qunut prayer during Tarawih prayers, and to avoid prolonged prayers, and to read some beneficial books for mosque worshipers.

7. It also emphasizes the importance of not installing cameras in mosques.

Prohibition of Collecting Donations for Breaking the Fast

8. It is not allowed to collect financial donations for iftar projects and others.

9. In addition, the circular directs mosque servants and maintenance institutions to double their efforts and work to clean and prepare mosques, ensuring the cleanliness of women's prayer areas in mosques.

10. Mosque servants are also directed to follow up on the implementation of these instructions, submit their daily travel reports to their references, and show any observations, if any, for immediate handling.

11. The circular also urges worshipers not to bring children to the mosque during prayer, as it causes confusion and leads to a loss of piety.