PILGRIMS PACK NABAWI MOSQUE AS 1429 HAJ SEASON STARTS

FROM ZULKEFLI SALLEH
MADINAH, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- The Saf (row) in the Nabawi mosque is packed with Muslims performing the five daily prayers as buses keep pouring into this holy city carrying pilgrims who fill up the hotels and lodging houses, signs that the 1429 haj season has started.

Other than offering prayers in Nabawi mosque, the second most sacred after
Masjidil Haram (Haram Mosque) in Makkah, the pilgrims also get to visit the
tombs of prophet
Muhammad and the three Islamic Caliphs; Saidina Abu Bakar, Omar Al Khatab and
Uthman Ibnu Affan.

Madinah is also home to Qubaa mosque, the first mosque built during prophet
Muhammad's reign, a destination for millions of pilgrims on their way to Wukuf
(the standing) at Arafah in early Dec.

"The sight of Turks, Indians and Indonesians at Nabawi mosque is an early
indication that the haj season has arrived," said a Malaysian who had lived in
Saudi Arabia for sometime.

Haj pilgrims from Malaysia began arriving here over the weekend, joining
thousands of pilgrims from all over the world here to conduct at least 40 times
of prayers in the sacred Nabawi mosque.

Tabung Haji (Malaysian Pilgrims Fund) contingent head Mohd Salleh Ab. Mubin
said it is trying to get some Malaysian pilgrims to visit religious sites here
like the tombs of prophet Muhammad and the three Caliphs.

"We hope the nine days spent in this holy city will make them appreciate
the
Muslim way of life here so that they can spread it in Malaysia."

Mohd Salleh who is also Tabung Haji senior general manager said the weather
in Madinah this year is cold especially at night and that Malaysian pilgrims are
advised to bring suitable clothings.

Madinah which rarely received rain was wet over the weekend with a
temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, clear skies and windy conditions.
--BERNAMA