Pilgrims told to avoid crowding into Haram

JEDDAH. November 4. KAZINFORM Prominent Islamic scholars including Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh have urged worshippers including pilgrims to avoid performing all the compulsory prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah in order to reduce overcrowding at the mosque.

"The whole Makkah is considered haram (sacred place) and the prayer at any Makkah mosque is equal in reward to praying at the Haram (Grand) Mosque," the scholars said.

"The reward for prayer at all mosques inside the haram area is greater than the prayers outside the haram," Al-Asheikh told Okaz daily. He also opposed repeated performance of Umrah, saying it would cause harm to other pilgrims due to overcrowding, Arab News reports.

Sheikh Yousuf Al-Qaradawi, president of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, has endorsed the proposal. He pointed out the Qur'an has mentioned the Haram Mosque to refer to the Holy Kaaba. "According to Hanafi, Maliki and some Shafie scholars, the Haram Mosque covers the whole haram area," he added.

Fouad Muhammad Omar Tawfik, a former Makkah mayor, has proposed the construction of seven big mosques in prime locations within the Haram area in order to avoid overcrowding at the Grand Mosque.

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