HAJ PILGRIMS IN AWE OF MASJIDIL HARAM

MAKKAH, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- Masjidil Haram or Grand Mosque is a sight to behold
for Malaysian pilgrims, especially those coming here to perform haj for the
first time.

The world's largest mosque, Masjidil Haram which surrounds the Kaabah covers
356,800 sq metres and can accommodate up to four million pilgrims.

Teacher Zainol Abidin Hamzah, 50, from Paroi, Seremban is awestruck by the sheer
size of the mosque and its unique features.

"The large number of Muslims who come from all over the world to pray and be
close to Allah is beyond imagination," he told Malaysian pressmen here to cover
haj on the invitation of Tabung Haji (Pilgrims Fund/TH) on Sunday.

Mohd Zaini Nasri, 56, praised the Saudi Arabian government for the
development and conservation of Masjidil Haram.

"Lots of changes have been done around Masjidil Haram since my last
pilgrimage with wife Samsukinah Saad, 53, in 2007," said the Universiti Utara
Malaysia (UUM) staff.

Zaini said the washroom, escalator and other facilities for pilgrims praying in
Masjidil Haram are world class.

He added the Royal Watchtower which changes from green at night to white during
the day is something unique.

Faridah Mohd Yatim, 55, agreed that facilities at Masjidil Haram have improved a
lot since five years ago.

"Masjidil Haram was not like this in 2005. Pilgrims can now perform sai'e (jog)
or rest in the mosque area while reading the Quran," said Faridah who is here
with husband Mohd Jaafar Omar, 57.

The mosque's third phase development (1988–2005) saw construction of more
minarets, three domes, 18 doors, expansion of praying area, installation of air
conditioning and a modern drainage system.

Development was done in tandem with that at Arafat, Mina and Muzdalifah while
phase four which began in 2007 is scheduled for completion by 2020.