King Abdullah bin Abdelaziz ordered on Sunday the hosting of 1,400 pilgrims from around the globe so they can take part in this year’s hajj pilgrimage.
The decree was announced by Sheikh Saleh Bin Abdulaziz al-Sheikh, the minister of Islamic affairs, endowments, call and guidance, who is also the general supervisor of the hosting program.
“The King’s order embodies his permanent concern over the interests of Muslims across the world,” said Sheikh Saleh in the announcement.
The pilgrims that the Saudi kingdom will be hosting this year come from Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Turkey, Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Russia, China, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Singapore, Myanmar, Japan, Laos, Bhutan, New Guinea, Taiwan, South Korea, the Maldives, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, South Sudan and many other African countries.
The total number of pilgrims who have performed hajj under the program is 22,000 people worldwide. Last year 100 pilgrims from the newly formed country of South Sudan participated.
Also Read
-
‘They were innocent:’ Saudis react to religious police car-chase death
The head of the Saudi religious police, Sheikh Abdul Latif Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh, was pictured on Sunday consoling the father of a man who was ... Middle East -
The Unusual Suspect: Saudi woman accused of robbing 5 U.S. banks
Pulling off the perfect bank heist isn’t as easy as the movies make it seem, especially when the robber takes aim at five banks – in the ... Variety -
Driving affects ovaries and pelvis, Saudi sheikh warns women
Saudi women seeking to challenge a de facto ban on driving should realize that this could affect their ovaries and pelvises, Sheikh Saleh bin Saad ... Variety
