ummtaalib

A true friend is one who shares your joy And one who is with you in times of uncertainty. It is one who wipes your tears away in grief And who cares for you sincerely. It is one who never turns away from you, And bears all your faults patiently. It is one who reveals to others what is favourable to you, And conceals your bad side protectively. It is one who is extremely generous and kind, But will rebuke you gently when necessary. It is one who helps you up when you slip and fall, and holds on to you till you walk steadily. A friend you could rely on for everything, On whom, night and day, you could turn to trustingly. Can anyone be such a friend, One who, despite your faults, always looks on lovingly and compassionately? We search for such a friend far and wide, constantly and endlessly, But if only we look carefully, we would find one closer to us than our jugular vein, One who will be there for us eternally!

Masjid Ambariyah It is situated across the Madinah Railway Station The station partially visible to the left. Masjid Anbariyah as it is now, enclosed within a circular island completely surrounded by a constant flow of traffic. Alhumdulillah for the addition of palms and a touch of green. The triple white domed building to the right is the government’s Amaarah. The railway station is to the right of this photo, and Haram to the left. (From Al- Miskeenah) Short YouTube Clip showing The Madinah Railway Station and Masjid Ambariyyah

Mada'in Saleh Station Pictures from Al-Miskeenah of the old train station at Mada'in Saleh Station which was a couple of stops after Madinah on the Hijaz Rail Line. Here is where used to be the Hijaz Railway Museum (one of two in Saudi Arabia dedicated to the Hijaz Railway, the second one being at the Madinah Station). After much restoration work at Madinah Station, where the museum was open to the public for a few years, it is now closed. I'm not sure if the Mada'in Saleh Museum is still open however these are pictures taken at the Mada'in Saleh Museum of the locomotives which used to bring in pilgrims from as far as Syria and Palestine making their journey shorter, safer and easier. These are what remains of the tracks with the barracks in the distance at the Madain Saleh station.

Masjid Suqya (& Well) is situated within the boundary wall of the Hijaz Railway complex. Suqya was land belonging to Sa’ad bin Abi Waqqas RadhiAllahu anhu. This place is now commemorated by a small three domed mosque also built during the Turkish Era. Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam set off for the Battle of Badr from here, where he inspected and paraded the troops and returned the young and infirm. Water was drawn for the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to drink and to perform Wudhu at the Suqya Well, also belonging to Sa’ad bin Abi Waqqas RadhiAllahu anhu which was just to the south of the position of the Masjid. He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam also prayed here, and this is where he made Du’a for Barakah for Madinah. Source Below is a picture of a model of the railway station and barracks with the Ottoman Masjid and Masjid Suqya which is inside the railway complex (in the private museum of Abdul Aziz Kaki, a local historian and author of several voluminous volumes illuminating a wealth of information about this City of Illumination - Al-Miskeenah)

The Hijaz Railway Line Hijaz Train in operation During the Ottoman (Turkish) rule, a railway line had been built starting from Madinah Munawwarah stretching as far as Damascus. This was known as the Hijaaz Railway and linked the blessed city with the world and more importantly, Istanbul. The work was completed in 1326 AH (1908 AD). For nine years it operated between Damascus and Madinah Munawwarah bringing pilgrims from Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Iraq, Turkey and Europe to the Holy Lands. Originally it was planned to extend it to Makkatul Mukarramah and South Yemen. (Chapters from the History of Madinah, 20) "Women's Guide in Madinah Munawwarah" by Mufti Muhammad Faruq From Al-Miskeenah ‘Wildly improbable’ were words describing the mammoth task of constructing a 1000 mile railway across pitiless, wadi-fissured deserts, a barren wilderness strewn with unforgiving mountains and hard volcanic rock. Yet this monumental engineering feat is what was achieved in the declining years of the great Ottoman Empire. Sultan Abdulhamid II supported the project for many reasons, primarily, his position as Caliph was to ensure the safety of the Hajj, in particular for those travelling from the northern areas. Prior to the railway the overland journey from Damascus would average 40 days with incredible suffering. Extreme temperatures, disease, dysentery, shortage of drinking water and the constant threat of attack from the local Bedouins accompanied them throughout their ordeal. Hundreds died along the way. Once the railway was operative it reduced the travel time to four days, was cheaper and thus more were able to contemplate performing Hajj, and thus increase trade and business in the Haramain. Madinah Station Inside the Station The plan to extend the rail line to Makkah never materialised while the rail track between Ma'aan and Madinah was put out of operation during the Arab revolt against Turkish rule. Below are details from britannica.com Hejaz Railway, Turkish Hicaz Demiryolu, railroad between Damascus and Madinah, one of the principal railroads of the Ottoman Turkish Empire. The main line, built by a multiracial labour force mainly under the supervision of a German engineer, traversed 820 miles (1,320 km) of difficult country and was completed in only eight years. It ran from Damascus southward to Darʿā (Deraa) and thence over Transjordan via Az-Zarqāʾ, Al-Qaṭrānah, and Maʿān into northwestern Arabia, and inland via Dhāt al-Ḥajj and Al-ʿUlā to Medina. The major branch line, 100 miles (160 km) long, from Darʿā to Haifa on the Mediterranean coast of Palestine, was completed in 1905. When the Arabs of the Hejaz revolted against Turkish rule in 1916, the track between Maʿān and Medina was put out of operation by Arab raids, largely inspired by the British military strategist T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). After the war the operative sections of the track were taken over by the Syrian, Palestinian, and Transjordanian governments. The section of the railway running from Maʿān, Jordan, to Medina was heavily damaged and was abandoned after 1917; plans to restore the line in the 1960s were not fulfilled. Damascus Station From Wikipedia Hejaz Train Station (Arabic: محطة الحجاز‎) is a main train station located in central Damascus, Syria close to the Marjeh Square. It was built by the Ottomans 1908 as the northern terminus of the Hejaz railway. The railway was intended to ferry pilgrims to Medina. The station's interior has a beautiful decorated ceiling. The actual platforms of the station are closed - a much-delayed project was to see the station expanded to include a high-rise hotel, shopping mall and underground railway - and all trains now leave from Qaddam station Following information from here The Hijaz Railway, conceived as a convenient route to the holy cities of Medina and Makkah for Muslim pilgrims from the Turkish Ottoman Empire, had a short but eventful existence in the early years of this century. The railway was founded by subscriptions raised throughout the Islamic world, and work began in May 1900, to build the single track line almost 1,100 miles long from Damascus to Medina. Eight years later, a work force of 5,500 Turks, Syrians and Iraqis had completed the railway, under the supervision of a German engineer. The Hijaz Railway was built with fortifications at regular intervals along its route, manned by Turkish garrisons to protect this vital link of the far flung Ottoman Empire. Along the route lie relics of the famous Hijaz railway, with stations, track and rolling stock still standing as Lawrence of Arabia and his Arab guerrillas left them after their First World War raids against the Turkish garrisons. Its strategic importance was recognized by the British in the First World War, and a sabotage campaign was launched by Lawrence of Arabia and his Arab guerrillas. So successful were these raids on the railway that when the war ended in 1918 the Hijaz Railway was effectively destroyed, just 10 years after it opened. Today, the scenes of these skirmishes and the remains of the Hijaz Railway can be seen virtually untouched along the route to Mada'in Saleh, which was itself an important station on the railway. Hijaz Rail Line Destruction Saudi Arabia and Turkey have reaffirmed their desire to restore and rebuild the historic Hejaz Railway that linked Damascus with the holy city of Madinah by a narrow-gauge rail line however there are no plans to use the old station. Full history and details of the Hijaz Railway with pictures available at Nabataea while Al-miskeenah recommends reading The Hejaz Railway by James Nicholson. A scholarly and absorbing account, initially describing the painstaking processes associated with the project and then moving onto its sad demise during the wartime attacks.

Hospitals In Madinah Munawwarah The Ministry of Health has established 21 hospitals with 7,000-bed capacity to serve and provide health care to pilgrims. There are hospitals, ambulances and other centers specializing in the treatment of sunstrokes and heat exhaustion in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah and the Holy Shrines. Makkah Al-Mukarramah has seven hospitals with a total capacity of 3,173 beds. The following hospitals serve pilgrims in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah: 1- King Fahd Hospital (500 beds). 2- The Obstetrics and Paediatrics Hospital (500 beds). 3- Badr Charitable Hospital (216 beds). 4- Chest Diseases Hospital (120 beds). 5- Isolation Hospital (57 beds). 6- Common Diseases Hospital (200 beds). 7- Al Ansar Hospital (130 beds). 8- Al-Migat Hospital (120 beds). 9- Ohud Hospital (239 beds). 10- Madinatul Hujjaj Hospital (36 beds) 11- Al-Hanakiyah Hospital (68 beds). 12- Khaiber General Hospital (50beds). (Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia) King Fahad Hospital Al-Ansar Hospital

Hospitals Providing Health Care for Pilgrims The Ministry of Health has established 21 hospitals with 7,000-bed capacity to serve and provide health care to pilgrims There are hospitals, ambulances and other centers specializing in the treatment of sunstrokes and heat exhaustion in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah and the Holy Shrines. Makkah Al-Mukarramah has seven hospitals with a total capacity of 3,173 beds. There are several hospitals in the Holy Shrines containing specialized outpatient clinics, ambulance units and operations and admittance rooms in addition to special arrangements for treating sunstroke and heat exhaustion. These hospitals include: 1- The 800-bed Arafat General Hospital, 24 beds for sunstroke patients, 130 beds for heat exhaustion patients. 2- The 30-bed Jabal Al Rahmah Hospital, 4 beds for sunstroke patients, 150 beds for heat exhaustion patients. 3- Arafat's Mobile Hospital (100) beds at the heat exhaustion center, 8 cooling units, 50 beds for admittance. 4- Mina General Hospital (350 beds). 5- King Abdul Aziz Bridge Hospital in Mina (120 beds). 6- The 370- beds Namera Hospital, 8 beds for sunstroke and 71 beds for heat exhaustion. 7- The 130-beds Mina Al Wadi Hospital, 10 beds for Intensive Care Unit. (Ministry of Hajj, Saudi Arabia) Hospital in Arafat Jabal al- Rahmah Hospital

The Beautiful Illuminated City of the Beloved of Allah Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam! Found this beautiful picture here From Another Angle

The following hospitals serve pilgrims in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah: 1- King Fahd Hospital (500 beds). 2- The Obstetrics and Paediatrics Hospital (500 beds). 3- Badr Charitable Hospital (216 beds). 4- Chest Diseases Hospital (120 beds). 5- Isolation Hospital (57 beds). 6- Common Diseases Hospital (200 beds). 7- Al Ansar Hospital (130 beds). 8- Al-Migat Hospital (120 beds). 9- Ohud Hospital (239 beds). 10- Madinatul Hujjaj Hospital (36 beds) 11- Al-Hanakiyah Hospital (68 beds). 12- Khaiber General Hospital (50beds).

Hospitals in holy sites (7/8): 1- The 800-bed Arafat General Hospital, 24 beds for sunstroke patients, 130 beds for heat exhaustion patients. 2- The 30-bed Jabal Al Rahmah Hospital, 4 beds for sunstroke patients, 150 beds for heat exhaustion patients. 3- Arafat's Mobile Hospital (100) beds at the heat exhaustion center, 8 cooling units, 50 beds for admittance. 4- Mina General Hospital (350 beds). 5- King Abdul Aziz Bridge Hospital in Mina (120 beds). 6- The 370- beds Namera Hospital, 8 beds for sunstroke and 71 beds for heat exhaustion. 7- The 130-beds Mina Al Wadi Hospital, 10 beds for Intensive Care Unit. http://www.hajinformation.com/main/u402.htm

wa'alaykumus salaam ww sis I've posted this link in three topics. I tried all of them and they work. Please try from this topic and let me know if that does not work either http://www.islamicteachings.org/forum/topic/21003-hajj-practicalities/

A Fleeting EnjoymentBy Imaam Ibn Kathir . "Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. (It is) like a rain (Ghayth), thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment, and (there is) forgiveness from Allah and (His) pleasure. And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment." [57:20] Allah the Exalted degrades the significance of this life and belittles it by saying "that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children." Meaning, this is the significance of this life to its people, just as He said in another Ayah, "Beautified for men is the love of things they covet; women, children, much of gold and silver (wealth), branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world's life; but Allah has the excellent return with Him." (3:14) Allah the Exalted also sets a parable for this life, declaring that its joys are fading and its delights are perishable, saying that life is, "Like a rain (Ghayth)," which is the rain that comes down to mankind, after they had felt despair. Allah the Exalted said in another Ayah, "And He is it Who sends down the Ghayth (rain) after they have despaired." (42:28) Allah's statement, "thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller" meaning that farmers admire the vegetation that grows in the aftermath of rain. And just as farmers admire vegetation, the disbelievers admire this life; they are the most eager to acquire the traits of life, and life is most dear to them, "afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw." Meaning, that vegetation soon turns yellow in color, after being fresh and green. After that, the green fades away and becomes scattered pieces of dust. This is the parable of this worldly life, it starts young, then matures and then turns old and feeble. This is also the parable of mankind in this life; they are young and strong in the beginning. In this stage of life, they look youthful and handsome. Slowly, they begin growing older, their mannerism changes and their strength weakens. They then grow old and feeble; moving becomes difficult for them, while doing easy things becomes beyond their ability. Allah the Exalted said, "Allah is He Who created you in (a state of) weakness, then gave you strength after weakness, then after strength gave (you) weakness and gray hair. He creates what He wills. And He is the All-Knowing, the All-Powerful." (30:54) This parable indicates the near demise of this life and the imminent end of it, while in contrast, the Hereafter is surely coming. Those who hear this parable should, therefore, be aware of the significance of the Hereafter and feel eagerness in the goodness that it contains, "But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment, and (there is) forgiveness from Allah and (His) pleasure. And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment." Meaning, surely, the Hereafter that will certainly come contains two things either severe punishment or forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure Allah the Exalted said, "And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment." Meaning, this life is only a form of enjoyment that deceives those who incline to it. Surely, those who recline to this life will admire it and feel that it is dear to them, so much so, that they might think that this is the only life, no life or dwelling after it. Yet, in reality, this life is insignificant as compared to the Hereafter. www.islaaminfo.co.za

Al-Musalla & Al Munakha Al-Musalla is a ground located South West of Masjid Nabawi. At different places of this ground, Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam led the 'Eid prayers, the funeral prayer of Negus and at times the Istisqaa (Prayer for rain during period of drought) prayer too. This ground was also the business place of the Muslims. Trade caravans of camels would stop here thus this place was known as "Manakha". Historical narrations suggest that during the government of 'Umar bin 'Abdul 'Aziz (87AH to 93AH) he built masjids at these places to preserve their history. The Masaajid which were built at this place were Masjid Ghamamah, Masjid Abu Bakr, Masjid Umar, Masjid Ali. From "Pictorial History of Madinah Munawwarah" Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Ghani Walking from the south western corner of Masjid Nabawi, we pass Musalla and Munakha (green circled area) (Map from Al-Miskeenah) In this picture (from skyscrapercity.com) its Masjid Ghamamah, Abu Bakr and Ali Click to enlarge

wa'alaykumus salaam http://www.hajjpracticalities.heliohost.org/in_makkah.html i'm posting it again. I just accessed it from the first post

yes I can now but yesterday I couldn't though I've visited it often in the last week.

Islamic University of Madinah Munawwarah Established in 1381 A.H. It provides courses in five different areas; Faculty of Qur'an, Faculty of Hadith, Faculty of Shariah, Faculty of Da'wah & Usool ud Deen and faculty of Arabic Language. Students with high pass grades are given a chance to enter the M.A. and PhD. degree programs. Entrance Libarary Hostel

Madinah Munawwarah Research and Study Centre This centre collects information perstaining to Madinah Munawwarah from various sources and centres. After evrification and research, it is prepared for publication and distribution. It is made available on the internet for people working with projects realated to Madinah Munawwarah. To date, the centre has prepared many programmes on CD and published books. This centre has built models of historic Madinah such as "Old Madinah enclosed in boundary wall" and "Model of old Madinah Munawwarah" (picture below) The following information is from their website. It is a charitable cultural authority concerned with the civilized heritage of Al Madinah in terms of: collecting it from the diverse languages, maintaining it, verifying its manuscripts, and publishing research and studies on Al Madinah Al Munawwarah. Since its beginning till the date of preparing such information, the Center has completed multiple works including: 1- Establishing a library on Al Madina Al Munawwarah combining books specialized in it, sources, and references containing information regarding it. 2- Establishing a database in computer on Al Madina Al Munawwarah. 3- Creating a website relevant to the information of Al Madina Al Munawwarah in the worldwide web in the two Arabic and English languages. 4- Issuing twenty three books on Al Madinah Al Munawwarah. 5- Issuing a judged seasonal magazine to publish the methodological researches on Al Madinah Al Munawwarah in all fields of knowledge. 6- Producing films and programs on Al Madina Al Munawwarah and to be recorded on video tapes and laser discs. 7- Preparing models representing diverse stages of the history of Al Madina Al Munawwarah. 8- Collecting photos of the manuscripts of Al Madinah Al Munawwarah from all over the world and entering them in computer. 9- Preparing an archive for the Ottoman documents on Al Madina Al Munawwarah, exceeding one hundred thousand documents and entering them the computer. 10- Holding scientific symposia and meetings on the history and issues of Al Madinah Al Munawwarah. 11- Holding fairs on the Prophet’s biography and the history of Al Madinah Al Munawwarah.

King Abdul Aziz Library in Madinah This library is regarded as one of the largest libraries. Besides many printed books, it stocks a large range of ancient manuscripts as well. It accommodates 1,878 old manuscripts of the Qur'an from which two date back to 488 A.H. and 549 A.H. A hall has been designated for rare books which number over 25,000. An important feature of this library is that a number of old and new libraries of Madinah have been merged into it i.e. the Arif Hikmet Library, Mahmoodiah Library and Madinah Public Library. It is situated to the West of Masjid Nabawi on Manakhah Road. It is open during the day and in the evening and offers photocopying facilities. It conducts a special evening session for female researchers under supervision of female librarians. "Pictorial History of Madinah Munawwarah" Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Ghani" Can be seen from Saqifah Bani Sa'edah (garden mentioned in post number 8 of this topic) Inside

Unfortunately even Makkatul Mukarramah & Madeenatul Munawwarah are not free of theft. Watch out for thieves even in the Masjids! A wallet belt is recommended for money and documents worn under the garment. HajjPracticalities advice: Be careful with your wallets/purses/money-belts, as these have been reported to have been snatched away or ripped open, even during Tawaaf/Sa'ee. Unfortunately, there are people who may try to con you with heartbreaking stories, especially in the Holy Places. Be wary of whom you may wish to give Lillah, or indeed, Zakaat. As for beggars, be careful not to pull out all your money as you will be surrounded by more beggars!

Wheelchair Service in the Haram Wheelchairs for the Disabled Certain doors in the Sacred Mosque have been assigned for wheelchair-bound pilgrims including King Abdul Aziz Gate, (Door No. 1), Al-Safa Gate, Hunain Gate, Al-Marwah Gate, Othman Gate, Al-Fath Gate, Al-Madinah Gate, Al-Nadwa Bridge, Al-Madinah Bridge, Al-Umrah Gate, Gate No. 64, King Fahd Gate, Gate No. 94, Al-Raguba Bridge, the New Gate of Ajyad. Door No. 11 is the main area for entering the Haram with a wheelchair. Other doors providing wheelchair ramps are Doors No. 10 & 43. Wheelchairs are available from inside the Haram near Safa Gate, Door No. 11. To the right of this door are elevators going to the first floor where you will also find wheelchairs directly in front of you. All these wheelchairs are free but some form of ID has to be deposited as security. There is no one to push these chairs. If you need someone to push then such wheelchairs are available from outside Door No. 13 area and cost about 50 Riyals. However, these are not recommended as the person doing the pushing does not stop at Safa or Marwa for you to perform the Sunnat Du'aa. In addition, he may not have the necessary permit, hence if he sees an official after him, he will tip you out of the wheelchair midway between either your Tawaaf or Sa’ee and you will have lost that money. Note that if you are going to make use of these wheelchairs then you will complete your Sa'ee much earlier than those doing it on foot, hence pre-arrange a meeting place. You need to obtain a permit from the office near Door No. 12 if you have your own wheelchair in order to enter the Haram with your own make and model! If you have your own wheelchair, you will not be allowed entry into the ground floor; you will have to go to the first floor or above. The access to the first floor is via the ramps between Babul Umrah & Babul Fatah and from the Marwa end from Gaza and via a ramp next to the Royal Palace between Bab Malik Abdul Aziz & Safa. There is also a lift access outside Babus Safa. Outside Door No. 1 a new outlet has been opened for free usage of wheelchairs. Ensure that the wheelchairs have a plastic band as a footrest, (as opposed to a metal pedal), since the latter can cause a painful injury to the person in front of you in the crowds. A specific track has now been assigned for the wheelchairs on the first floor of the Haram overlooking the Mataaf. Some of the toilets in the surrounding courtyard have been designed to meet the needs of people with a disability. Hajj Practicalities UPDATE: People using wheelchairs will be using the Temporary Mataaf (See Post number 2 of this topic) which has been in operation since Ramdhaan (2013). From information available online it appears that only one person is allowed to accompany the wheelchair user. Wheelchairs piled high Older style wheelchairs

It is quite easy to become lost or separated from ones group during Hajj. On such occasions one can become confused and alarmed. There is no need to feel alarmed since the Hujjaaj are "guests" of Allah ta'ala and He will most certainly create means by which help will become available. Following is information from this Source which will inshaAllah be useful.(there is much more information at the source mentioned however we have posted here only essential information to keep in mind in case of becoming lost or sick) Doors of the Haram There are over a hundred doors to enter the Haram from. All of them look very similar but fortunately, are numbered both on the inside and outside, with most having a name also, the names and numbers being both in Arabic and English. These doors are numbered in an ascending order following an anticlockwise fashion with Bab Malik Abdul Aziz being Gate no. 1. Bab-us-Salaam is Door No. 24 and on many an occasion is closed because of people performing Sa’ee very near this door. Near Door No. 13 is a “Lost and Found Centre”, both for lost articles and lost people on the ground floor and Door 65 on the first floor! Ladies' area is generally to the left hand side of the entrance to the Masjid of most of the main entrances. Be warned that Door No. 1 is usually used for the Janaazaa being carried out after the Fardh Salaat. Thus be co-operative by not blocking this doorway. Disorientation If you do get lost anywhere in the city or its environs, locate the “Pilgrims Assistance Booths” which are set up all over to help the Hujjaajj locate their hotels, tents, Jamaraat, Masjids, etc. Alternatively, all of you could designate a noticeable landmark to meet at in case of getting lost Medical Facilities These are emergency facilities and are situated near Doors No. 5, 64 and 94. There is also an emergency clinic outside Door No. 45 (=Babul Fatha).

Current Work Area The green area is where they are currently working… as can be seen it is a fraction of the whole design… the pink is the area of the current Masjid Nabawi Most of these buildings will soon be gone palaces come and go… Insha’Allah our final Blissful Abode will be for ETERNITY… and even the expansion will be dust… More pictures & Info: here & here

Diagrams of the Expansion of Masjid Nabawi and Interior Details Diagrams showing the expansions made to Masjid Nabawi since the time of our Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhiw asallam. The diagrams showing the interior details gives us a better understanding of the layout. (click on pictures to enlarge) These diagrams shows the interior details Future mega plans!

The Kiswah Folded up for Hajj 2012 In the old days

Folding of the Kiswah September 2013 In Preparation of Hajj (1434) The black apparel (kiswah) covering the Holy Kaaba was folded three meters up off the ground on Wednesday to prevent pilgrims from touching and damaging it during the Haj season, the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques Affairs said in a statement. “The area has been covered by a white cloth, which is two meters high and 47 meters wide,” the statement said, adding that this is done just before the peak of the Haj season every year. We have done this as a precautionary measure to prevent people from tampering with the cover, as many people tend to touch the cover during tawaf (circumambulation around the Kaaba),” said Mohammed bin Abdullah Bajouda, director-general of the Kaaba Cover Factory arabnews.com More Pictures Showing Details of the Procedure 24 September 2013 (Pictures by Roukaya19) First the Kiswah itself is rolled up The covering with the white cloth begins Last side