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Saudi Arabia Sees Rise in Ramadan Pilgrims

   VOA News 16 August 2010
   AP

Photo: AP

   Hundreds  of thousands of Muslims pilgrims circle the Kaaba inside and
   outside  the  Grand  Mosque  during the last week of Ramadan in Mecca,
   Saudi Arabia (File Photo - 16 Sep 2009)

   Officials  in  Saudi Arabia say the number of Ramadan visas issued for
   foreign pilgrims has jumped by 16 percent.

   Saudi  Arabia's  Ministry  of  Hajj said it initially planned to issue
   792,000 visas during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

   But  it says that number was raised to 911,000 due to high demand from
   abroad  and more space being available at hotels in the holy cities of
   Mecca and Medina.

   Thousands  of  Muslims from around the world make pilgrimages to Saudi
   Arabia's holy cities during Ramadan.

   The  month  of  Ramadan  marks the time more than 1,400 years ago when
   Muslims  believe  the  words  of  Islam's  holy  book, the Koran, were
   revealed to the Prophet Muhammad

   Muslims  celebrate  the  month  with  family visits and invitations to
   iftars,  shared  meals  that  break the fast. Ramadan will conclude in
   September with a celebration called Eid al-Fitr.

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