Muslims wait for the call to Maghreb prayer to break their Ramadan fast in the courtyard of the Prophet’s Mosque.

Temperatures in the courtyards of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah can reach up to 46 degrees Celsius but worshippers and those observing the fast are able to enjoy the spiritual atmosphere thanks to the efforts and services provided by the authorities there.

More than 500 giant fans equipped with sprinklers have been installed on the pillars of the umbrellas outside the mosque. The fans sprinkle water on the visitors providing welcome relief from the heat.

Abdulfatah Hafez Bakhesh, an Umrah pilgrim, said that although the temperatures in Madinah are very high these days, the fans with the sprinklers have greatly reduced the effect of the heat for visitors outside the mosque.

Saleh Saeed, another pilgrim, echoed similar sentiments when he said: “It is a known fact that Saudi Arabian summers are very hot, but this Ramadan is even hotter than usual. However, by introducing this new technology of cooling the premises of the Prophet’s Mosque with fans and sprinklers, the authorities have made it easier for the worshippers to perform prayers.” He added that “the giant fans and cold water from the sprinklers do miracles in reducing the heat.”

Abdulaziz Al-Saaidi, who is also in the Kingdom for Umrah, said that it is not only the worshippers who suffer from the high temperatures, but also the volunteers who serve the pilgrims breaking their fast. “But this technology has made it easier for everybody,” he concluded.

The technology of fans and sprinklers is part of the comprehensive plan included in the expansion projects of the two mosques in Makkah and Madinah and in line with the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to enable Haj and Umrah pilgrims to perform their rituals in ease and comfort.

[wpResize]