Indians selected for free accommodation

JEDDAH: A draw selected 608 Indian pilgrims for accommodation free of cost in the Nizam’s Rubat (residential buildings) in Makkah.
Hussain Mohammed Mudar Hussain Al-Shareef, caretaker of the Rubat, said that an online application and draw system was introduced this year to bring in more transparency in the allotment of accommodation to the Haj pilgrims.
The buildings near the Holy Mosque have 263 pilgrims in Al-Misfalah district and 345 in Al-Azeeziah district. Both buildings are fully managed by Al-Shareef to ensure the smooth reception of all the guests and ensure the pilgrims a comfortable stay.
He added, “There is a dedicated staff working around the clock in service of the pilgrims.”
The Rubat is offering free services to the guests of Allah so that they are at ease while performing the rituals.
Al-Shareef was appointed as custodian of the Rubat through a court in Saudi Arabia and he has since been serving in that capacity for 16 years after the demise of his father, who earlier got the position in 1980 and served until his death in 1996.
These buildings have an average of 5,000 guests registered with them every year, which makes a rough saving of more than SR 150 million for the Muslims coming from the former princely state of Hyderabad, ruled by the Nizam.
During Ramadan this year, a total of 1,800 Umrah pilgrims benefited from the Rubat and its services.
As it is difficult to find accommodation during the peak pilgrimage season, those coming from Hyderabad find the exclusive Rubat accommodation a God’s gift.
Al-Shareef said, “The place is completely air-conditioned, has telephone facilities and the rooms are very comfortable.” The washrooms are fitted with water heaters. Cleaning services are available day and night. Each floor is equipped with drinking water and a refrigerator for storing medicines. A kitchen with a gas cooker is available for every four rooms. Also, each room is fitted with a compass, which shows the direction of the Kaaba. Wheel chairs and washing machines are also available.