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By Muhammad Muniruddin
Those people who had the experience to visit Saudi Arabia
during recent Ramazan ul Mubarik they would have definitely
seen those buntings displayed at King Abdul Aziz International
airport Jeddah which mentioned that "Blessing season
from Jeddah airport".
No doubt Ramazan is the most holy and blessing month of Islamic
calendar. This is the month in which the Quran was revealed.
With the blessed of Almighty Allah from past many years I
have been visiting Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah and this
year also I had an opportunity to perform this religious ritual.
Every year in Ramazan thousands of Muslims from Pakistan visit
Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah but this year when I reached
the holy land I was surprised to see less numbers of Pakistanis
not only that but there was very low turnout of Umrah pilgrims
of Asian countries including India, Bangladesh, Iran, Malaysia
and Indonesia. Upon inquiry I came to know that the basic
reason of this situation is the ongoing expanding work of
both Harmain at Makkah and Madina. Due to which small hotels
and residential apartments are demolished in Makkah and Madina.
In Makkah alone over 1200 multi story buildings have been
demolished for the expansion of the compound of grand mosque.
This year every Umrah pilgrim has paid 60 to 70 percent extra
charges for hotel fair due to lack of accommodation facilities
in both holy cities. Regarding visit of Makkah & Madina
it is famous that no one can visit these holy sites without
approval and invitation of Allah and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Beside this fact Saudi Consul General in Karachi Dr. Hassan.
A. Attar personally obliged me and my wife and granted courtesy
Umrah visa before starting of holy month of Ramazan. Like
previous year we wanted to spend last 10 days of Ramazan in
Madina e Munawara but this desire could not be fulfilled due
to limited visa restriction. Saudi Consulate issued only 14
days Umrah visa to us. But we are extremely thankful to Almighty
Allah for inviting us during the holy month of Ramazan and
shower His blessings upon us. In Makkah our stay was at Pakistan
House. In this regard brother Taha Farooqui, senior officer
of interior ministry had made a booking in advance. Taha Farooqui
and my all
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