The water level of the Zamzam Well at the Grand Mosque has increased, according to Dr. Yousif Al-Wabil, Assistant Deputy President for Affairs of the Grand Mosque. He said this has happened because many private wells dug by citizens are no longer draining water from the Zamzam Well. Al-Wabil said the previous homeowners in Al-Shamyia neighborhood had dug these wells in their houses and linked them to their water tanks. Al-Wabil said Muslims all over the world can be assured that there will not be a shortage of Zamzam water. He said all the distribution points in Makkah are provided with a sufficient quantity of Zamzam water. He said the presidency provides the Prophet's Mosque in Madina with tankers of Zamzam water on a daily basis. In addition to this, he said there are arrangements with the Ministry of Water, to fill containers and cups, to provide the water safely. Meanwhile, Al-Wabil rejected accusations that women are only given small areas to pray in the Grand Mosque. He said that more than 50 percent of the area on the first and second floors has been allocated for women. He said the presidency draws up its plans for the Umrah and Haj seasons several months beforehand, to ensure a high standard of services to worshippers. The presidency mobilizes more than 5,702 employees, supported by thousands of cleaners and maintenance workers, to serve and care for pilgrims around-the-clock. He said the presidency also assigns scholars, who speak a variety of languages, to enlighten pilgrims and help them perform the rituals properly. Al-Wabil said the presidency allows Umrah pilgrims, visitors and worshippers to bring small amounts of dates and coffee into the Grand Mosque. He said, however, that the mosque's police and the presidency's staff strictly monitor worshippers to make sure they do not bring large amounts of food with them. He said there are about 20,000 women and men who go into I'tikaf, or seclusion, to worship Allah during this time in the Grand Mosque. The presidency has set aside room in the allocated basement areas for the Motakifeen. Space in these areas is also set aside for men. He said there is a list indicting the items the Motakifeen can take with them, such as a light cover and one pillow. Gate 81 and 59 are devoted to them to enable them to carry in their personal effects. “We also ask them not to keep their personal effects, such as clothes, on the stairs as a sign of respect for the sacred place.” Al-Wabil said the presidency does not allow volunteer muftis at the Grand Mosque. “We tighten control over everything to enable the worshippers to worship and supplicate Allah in peace and comfort.” There are more than 50 guides to help Umrah pilgrims on questions regarding rituals, I'tikaf and fasting. Additionally, there are 100 cabins for men and women where guides can answer questions. The guides are available around-the-clock. He said there are also members from the Board of Senior Ulema (scholars) to give fatwas, or religious edicts, and answer any questions. Religious lessons also take place in different parts of the Grand Mosque for men and women. In addition, two million enlightenment publications and bulletins are distributed among pilgrims in various languages. About the phenomenon of the reservation of places at the Grand Mosque, he said this illegal activity becomes more prevalent in the last 10 days of Ramadan. Most of those who resort to this method are foreigners, who do so for purely financial gain, said Al-Wabil. These people reserve places overlooking the Holy Ka'ba. He warned that those who do so will be arrested. Many were arrested last Ramadan and referred to the responsible authorities for punishment, he said. He said work on the King's expansion project in the Mass'a is nearing completion. So far the presidency has installed more than 110 Zamzam water taps on the ground floor, as well as 415 Zamzam water taps on the first and second floors. The presidency has also constructed an integrated sanitary drainage network in other parts of the holy mosque. The new network is fully operational, said Al
