The Supreme Council of Saudi Arabia has announced that the pilgrims will stop at Arafat on Thursday, July 30, while Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on Friday, July 31. A statement issued on Saudi Arabia’s state broadcaster said that a meeting was held on the 29th of Dhul-Qa’dah. The meeting decided to observe the moon of Dhi Al-Hajj. After which Eid-ul-Adha has been declared in the country on Friday, July 31.
The statement said that 30 days of Zul-Qaeda have been completed on Tuesday and Dhul-Hijjah will begin on Wednesday. Pilgrims will offer sacrifices on the same day. It is to be noted that the health protocol is being strictly enforced by the health department for performing the ritual Hajj this year in view of the risk of coronavirus.
Meanwhile, the Saudi government has decided to open the largest gate of the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, the Bab Malik Abdulaziz, during the Hajj season this year. The decision was taken by Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, the head of affairs of Masjid-e-Haram and Masjid-e-Nabawi while reviewing the work of Bab Abdul Aziz. He clarified that the General Presidency of the Affairs of the Holy Shrines is taking all precautionary measures and security measures to prevent the spread of Karuna and to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.
He said that we are keen to ensure the comfort, tranquility, and comfort of the pilgrims so that they can perform their rites with complete satisfaction and ease. The General Presidency wishes them to perform the best service to the guests of Allah. Fulfilled the hopes and expectations of the wise leadership of the kingdom. It may be recalled that the marble used in the interior and exterior of Bab Malik Abdul Aziz has a volume of more than 3000 square meters. Upon completion of the minarets, its total height will be 137 meters. The height of Bab Malik Abdul Aziz is 51 meters and its width is 39 meters. There are also three arched arches to enter the gate, each 20 meters high and 5 meters wide. 500 workers are engaged in completing the final stages of the door work.