TAIF – The Supreme Judicial Council said here on Wednesday that the Kingdom's decision to reduce the number of pilgrims was legitimate, and made to ensure safety of the Guests of Allah while work was carried out to allow more worshippers. Secretary General and Spokesman of the Supreme Judicial Council Sheikh Salman Muhammad Al-Nashwan in a statement to SPA said: “The Kingdom took into consideration the safety of Muslims so as to prevent any hazards if the numbers of Haj and Umrah pilgrims increase.” He called on Muslims to cooperate with the government. Earlier this month Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar announced the decision to reduce by half the number of pilgrims coming from within Saudi Arabia, and by about 20 percent those from abroad. “This is an exceptional and temporary decision,” the minister said, quoted by SPA. – SG
