Scores of pilgrims stream into Medina after Haj

After performing Haj, thousands of pilgrims, including Indians, have arrived in this holy city in Saudi Arabia to pray in the Prophet's Mosque before ending their journey of faith.
"The pilgrims are being transported to Medina in phases, 10 days before their departure to India so that they can get at least 40 prayers there before leaving," Indian Consul General B S Mubarak told PTI.
Of the 1,36,020 Indian pilgrims who performed Haj this year, 100,020 came through the Haj Committee of India, while others were sent by private tour operators.
About 51,000 Indian pilgrims have already prayed in the Prophet's Mosque before Haj started. About 49,000 of those who arrived through the Haj Committee are currently in the city.

"The accommodation arrangements are ready. A total of 49,000 pilgrims will return from Medina," Mubarak said.
The 36,000 pilgrims who came through private tour operators will go according to the programme set by the operators from Medina or Jeddah.

Over 700,000 pilgrims from across the world had arrived in Medina after performing Haj.
Various government sectors operating the Haj tours have bolstered arrangements and services configured for reception of such a large number of pilgrims.
Officials and staffers of the Private Haj Guides Organisation in Medina received the pilgrims who started arriving on Monday.
A total of 2,085,238 pilgrims, including 1,389,053 foreigners, performed this year's Haj which was by large hassle-free.

The pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam that should be performed at least once in lifetime by every Muslim who is financially and physically capable.
Medina, considered to be the second holiest city in Islam after Mecca, is believed to be the burial place of the Prophet.