MAKKAH – The Haj and Umrah Pilgrims' Charitable Society provides a number of free services and programs including Iftar and Suhoor meals in the courtyards of the Grand Mosque, gateways to the holy city and parking lots on the outskirts of Makkah. This year, in addition to free meals, pilgrims can also relax in plush massage chairs the society has placed in two separate halls near the Grand Mosque. Mansour Amer Al-Amer, Director General of the Haj and Umrah Pilgrims' Charitable Society, said the free services the society provides includes the distribution of over 3,000 Suhoor meals every day. “The nutritionally balanced meals are also suitable for diabetics and contain the necessary nutritional sustenance a fasting person needs,” said Al-Amer. Al-Amer said the society has dozens of massage chairs in two separate halls - one for women and the other for men - near the Grand Mosque. He said they hosted over 4,000 pilgrims during the first week of Ramadan. “The services provided in the program are in great demand by pilgrims, but priority is given to the elderly.” Pilgrim Muhammad Hassanein, 60, lauded the service and said he prayed to Allah to reward those providing the massage service. Pakistani pilgrim Muhammad Khan, was seen leaving a massage chair in high spirits. “This is a beautiful service that brings happiness to pilgrims because it reinvigorates them after a long, tiring day,” he said. Al-Amer said the society provides over 30,000 coffee thermos bottles placed in bags. The contents of each bag are sufficient for 15 people to break their fast. The bag also includes coffee cups, mats to sit on and a garbage bag. Al-Amer said the society has an office to care for lost children in cooperation with the Makkah Haram Security Force. The fully furnished office is operated and maintained by the society. Apart from this, the office has a section for people with special needs and another section is being used as a daycare center to provide a comfortable atmosphere for children.
