Muslim devotees from across the world are going to Saudi Arabia in large numbers taking advantage of the holy month of Ramadan contributing to huge crowds at the two holiest cities- Makkah and Madinah.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is witnessing a growing number of Umrah pilgrims from countries around the world, including Bangladesh, since the beginning of Ramadan.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, offers the best weather, and this holy month, dedicated to prayer, self-reflection, and religious devotion, also traditionally marks the peak season to perform Umrah.

Though Makkah is well-known for its excessively hot days, surprisingly, this March offers pleasant weather.
Thousands of Muslim devotees offered their Jummah prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah on Friday, the first Jummah of Ramadan.
All the floors of the Grand Mosque and its adjacent courtyards were full of devotees, and the rows of devotees spilled over to the streets of the Central Haram area.

Many of the Muslims offered Jummah from their respective hotels, which are connected to the Grand Mosque through audio transmission.
Meanwhile, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman approved hosting 1,000 Umrah pilgrims from countries around the world during the year 2024.

The guests representing the fourth and final batch of 2024, which includes 250 prominent Islamic Umrah pilgrims, male and female, representing 16 countries from the continents of Europe and Asia, are visiting the kingdom to perform Umrah.

Islamic scholars, journalists, students, and influencers like the founder and CEO of 10 Minute School, Ayman Sadiq; and author, speaker, and English teacher Munzereen Shahid are among the Bangladesh delegation members.

“To be honest, I feel so lucky. I knew about the stories of these historical places. Now I had the opportunity to see with my own eyes,” said Munzereen Shahid.
She said there is no language barrier or cultural divide here.

“I see an extraordinary unity among people. I have a desire to come again,” said Munzereen who performed her first Umrah together with her husband Ayman Sadiq.

“Had the honour of visiting the King Fahd Quran Printing Complex in Madinah, where millions of copies of the Holy Quran are printed every year. Madinah is peaceful,” Ayman shared his experience of visiting the historic place in Madinah before performing Umrah.

Talking to UNB, Musa Takai from New Zealand said, “It is quite unimaginable. I am grateful to Almighty Allah first and then to the Royal family for giving us this opportunity to perform Umrah.”
Musa expressed his sincere thanks and great appreciation to the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques and the crown prince for graciously hosting him to perform Umrah.

He added that the kingdom always provides care and attention to the guests of Allah providing integrated services and stressed that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Umrah and Visitation Program is a wonderful model.

Apart from the guests, many Bangladeshis are coming to Saudi Arabia this Ramadan on their personal arrangements to perform Umrah.

“My mother, mother-in-law and my younger sister, are travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. This journey is not only important for us personally, but it’s also a beautiful testament to our faith and devotion to Allah,” said Ferdous Ahmed, MP.

He said they are looking forward to spending time in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, praying, fasting, and reconnecting with their faith.
“It would mean the world to us if you could keep us in your prayers. We will be carrying your love and support with us as we embark on this special journey. Please pray for us,” said the popular actor-turned-parliamentarian.