1,000 Riyal Fine Imposed for Feeding Pigeons near Masjid al Haram
The Secretariat of the Holy Capital has implemented a strict ban on feeding pigeons in Mecca and Medina, with violators facing fines of 1,000 Saudi riyals.
The new regulation, announced to protect public health and maintain environmental cleanliness in Islam’s two holiest cities.
The secretariat has established continuous monitoring programs to enforce the ban and is encouraging citizens and visitors to participate in reporting violations.
Individuals can photograph offenders and submit evidence to local police, creating a community-based enforcement system.
Officials cite concerns about disease transmission, property damage, and environmental pollution as primary reasons for the prohibition.
The initiative represents the latest in a series of measures to enhance urban quality and public health standards in the holy cities, which host millions of pilgrims annually.
Previous regulations have addressed street vending, waste management, and public behavior to preserve the sanctity and cleanliness of the religious sites.
Municipal officials emphasized that the ban particularly targets areas around the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque, where large pigeon populations have historically gathered due to public feeding.
Hateem Praying Timings at Masjid al-Haram (Male and Female)
Hateem is also known as Hajr Ismail, it has separate prayer timings for both male and female pilgrims.
The Hateem (also known as Hajr Ismail), a sacred area within Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, is considered part of the original Kaaba structure, making it one of the most sought-after spots for worshipers.
Access to this sacred area is carefully regulated to ensure orderly conduct and provide equal opportunities for both men and women to offer prayers.
Men’s Prayer Timings
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10:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Men can perform their prayers in the Hateem during the evening hours, from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM. This time frame allows worshipers to engage in their spiritual practices without the heavy crowds that often gather later in the day.
Women’s Prayer Timings
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7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Women have their designated prayer time in the morning, from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM.
It is important to note that these timings can vary slightly due to various operational reasons, such as cleaning, maintenance, or other unforeseen circumstance
Duration
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10 minutes
Entrance
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Western Side
For instance, there have been instances where the Hateem was opened later than the scheduled time, as seen when it opened at 7:30 AM instead of 8:00 AM due to cleaning activities.
The Hateem is believed to be a part of the original Kaaba built by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). Praying in the Hateem is considered highly meritorious, and many pilgrims make it a point to include this in their pilgrimage rituals.
For those planning to visit the Hateem, it is advisable to check for any updates on timings to ensure a smooth and fulfilling experience.