Sheikh Dr. Saleh Bin Humaid, Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, called upon Muslims to confront the global financial crisis with sound reason. In his Friday sermon at the Grand Mosque, Bin Humaid said among the benefits of Haj is contemplating the rules of the Islamic Shariah and the great principles of finance, its system and organization as outlined by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in his farewell pilgrimage. He said the economy should not be based on greed and disregarding the rights of others. It was wrong, he said, to lay off workers and increase unemployment. Meanwhile, Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhaifi, Imam and Khateeb of the Prophet's Mosque in Madina, called on Muslims to reflect on the alteration of day and night, the passing of years and sudden death. If people do some soul-searching and contemplate these matters, they will do good deeds and keep away from committing sins while preparing themselves for the Hereafter. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims performed Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. Both mosques were crowded and worshipers could be seen in courtyards and basements, on the roofs and on all the pathways leading to the Harams. In Makkah, where about a million people performed prayers, integrated services in different fields were mobilized for the service and comfort of the pilgrims. Among the numerous government and private agencies that provided their services was the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques. It provided cool Zamzam water, organized entry and exit, monitored and organized Tawaf and Sa'ee and oversaw the cleaning, operation and maintenance work. The presidency provided wheelchairs for Sa'ee and Tawaf free of charge to the needy and aged. It allocated special lanes for the disabled and operated escalators to carry the worshippers to the roof. The presidency ensured that there were enough copies of the Holy Qur'an on the shelves. Meanwhile, Makkah Mayoralty carried out cleaning work and intensified environmental protection measures and monitoring of markets and transportation of garbage promptly especially in the Central Area surrounding the Grand Mosque. Makkah Traffic Department organized the movement of pilgrims with officers stationed at different locations. Traffic flow was smooth and there were no traffic jams or accidents despite the large number of cars. In Madina, about half million pilgrims offered Friday prayers in the Prophet's Mosque. Government agencies provided integrated security, health, ambulatory and traffic services in the Central Area surrounding the Prophet's Mosque. Hundreds of traffic police and security patrol officers and scouts organized the movement of pilgrims. The Deputy Presidency for the Prophet's Mosque ensured that all available space inside and outside the mosque was covered with carpets. Over 13,000 carpets were added this Friday besides 12,000 carpets on the roof. Twelve recently constructed canopies were used to provide shade in the outer courtyards of the mosque. Hasan Bakri, Director General of the Ministry of Haj branch in Madina Region, asserted that the expansion project will not affect the accommodation facilities in the city. Bakri said pilgrims are provided accommodation according to contracts signed before their arrival in Madina in coordination with Tawafa Establishments. Hence, they were provided accommodation to avoid the any problems while focusing on the Central Area as the main center for the piulgrims' accommodation within walking distance from the Prophet's Mosque. He said that licensed residences can accommodate 370,000 pilgrims which is more than sufficient as the operational capacity for the daily program is 300,000 pilgrims. Meanwhile, the rents for residential units in the Central Area surrounding the Prophet's Mosque have registered a 400 percent increase.
