A TOTAL of 4,625 pilgrims are set to travel across the border for the annual Haj season next week after Bahrain’s original pre-pandemic quota was reinstated by the Saudi authorities.
It is an increase from the reduced quota of 2,094 pilgrims offered to Bahrain last year following two years of closure due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Haj is a sacred pilgrimage that is required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime – it is one of the fifth pillars of Islam. In normal times, millions of Muslims from across the world annually travel to and perform Haj in Mecca.
Pilgrims are divided between 61 Haj operators licensed by the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry.
Dhu al-Hijjah is expected to start on June 19 depending, of course, on moonsighting.
Bahrain’s Haj Mission head Shaikh Adnan Al Qattan told the GDN yesterday that preparations for the season were underway and that all teams under its direction were ‘ready to start the pilgrimage’.
“Some personnel out of a 120-strong Haj mission team have already left to make the necessary arrangements with Saudi Arabian officials and contractors discussing safety, security, transportation and health matters,” he said.
“Our mission headquarters in An Naseem, Mecca, has a medical clinic and administrative offices to provide all the necessary services to the pilgrims.
“We also have inspection and security committees on hand to monitor the caravans to ensure services are fully provided and regular checks are carried out.”
Any violation spotted is dealt with according to the mission’s jurisdiction and any related to Saudi-imposed rules are handled by the host authorities directly. In the past, most issues have proven to be of minor concern and ‘corrected on the spot’.
The main team led by Shaikh Al Qattan is set to leave on Saturday via Bahrain International Airport.
“We reach Mecca before any pilgrim so when they start arriving next week, things are already in place,” said Shaikh Al Qattan. “It is an experience of a lifetime and we intend to make it the best.
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