RIYADH, 20 October 2006 — A study prepared by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Institute for Haj Studies has suggested that all meals — including iftar meals — be banned in the Grand Mosque in Makkah, except seedless dates.
Distribution of food packets by charities inside the Haram areas should also be banned, the study suggested adding that meals distribution should be confined to areas outside the Haram vicinity and pilgrims should be restricted from bringing foodstuffs inside.
Adel Noor, who conducted the study, suggested that charitable meals be distributed through coupons only. This would deter pilgrims from taking more food than they require and allow others to get their share.
The purpose of the study is to keep the areas of the Grand Mosque clean during Ramadan and Haj when the Grand Mosque is packed with hundreds of thousands of worshippers who come from inside the Kingdom and abroad.
Despite armies of cleaning persons working round the clock to keep the Grand Mosque areas clean, some pilgrims’ callousness cause problems for others. They throw date seeds and empty cartons on the floor inside and around the marble areas surrounding the Grand Mosque that even cause problems for those doing the tawaf or saie.
Dr. Muhammad Al-Zulfa, member of the Shoura Council, said the issue figured at the Council meeting earlier when Umrah regulations were discussed.
“I was among those who strongly supported this idea. Unfortunately the distribution of charitable meals is abused in the Grand Mosque. Tons and tons of garbage are accumulated from this and it really spoils the cleanness of the Haram,” he said.
“I strongly urge that charitable iftar meals or meals in general be forbidden in Haram.”
Al-Zulfa said that those who want to distribute iftar meals should do so outside the Grand Mosque area, as date seeds and empty packets cause problems for pilgrims who walk over them.
Luay Al-Sumailan, a teacher and resident of Makkah, said he believed the proposed ban on meals was a great idea.
“The Haram is not a place for eating. It is a place for worship. People who break their fast should do so by eating dates and water only. Even Arabic coffee is not required,” he said.
He said that many people in the Grand Mosque are bothered when they walk on date seeds thrown by careless people.
Kamal Fintiyana, another local resident, endorsed the idea. “It saddens me when I go to Haram and see how some careless people throw away remains of food on the floors surrounding the Haram. With thousands of people there, many often step on it which is haram,” he said.
“Banning meals from being distributed would keep the areas inside and around the Grand Mosque clean and preserve the sanctity it deserves,” he added.
