KBIHU Urged to Limit Optional Umrah and Postpone Trips Outside Mecca

Mecca (ANTARA) - Saudi Arabian Hajj and Umrah Service Officers (PPIH) have urged Hajj and Umrah Guidance Groups (KBIHU) to limit the performance of optional Umrah and postpone city tour activities outside Mecca to maintain the physical condition of prospective Hajj pilgrims ahead of the peak Hajj phase (Armuzna).

The Head of the Guidance Section for the Mecca Working Area (Daker) of Saudi PPIH, Erti Herlina, emphasised the important role of KBIHU leaders and guides in educating prospective Hajj pilgrims not to overexert themselves with additional worship activities that could drain their energy.

“Currently, PPIH only permits the performance of optional Umrah a maximum of three times before the Armuzna period (Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina). This policy is purely intended to protect the health, security, and safety of the prospective Hajj pilgrims,” said Erti in Mecca on Thursday.

In addition to regulating optional Umrah, Erti also reminded that city tour activities should not extend beyond the boundaries of Mecca City.

As a proactive protection and supervision measure, every KBIHU organising optional Umrah or tours within the Mecca City area is required to report and submit a statement letter copied to the respective sector heads.

Erti explained that the statement letter must detail the purpose of the activity up to the exact number of prospective Hajj pilgrims participating.

“This is very important so that the movements of prospective Hajj pilgrims continue to be well monitored. When prospective Hajj pilgrims depart and return, the number must be the same. KBIHU leaders must ensure that the safety, security, and health of prospective Hajj pilgrims remain well maintained,” said Erti.