By MD RASOOLDEEN | ARAB NEWS

RIYADH: Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar said Wednesday that around 80 countries have requested an increased quota of Haj pilgrims, but the ministry has to restrict the number of Hajis according to the availability of accommodation in Mina.

The Haj minister was discussing such a request with Sri Lankan Senior Minister for Urban Development Abdul Hameed Mohamed Fowzie at his office in Jeddah on Wednesday. Hajjar said according to the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) teachings, the sacred area of Mina cannot be extended and the pilgrims have to be housed in the demarcated area during their stay.

Sri Lankan Consul General Athambawa Uthumalebbe also took part in the talks between the two ministers.

Speaking to Arab News from Jeddah following the talks, Fowzie, who is also in charge of Sri Lankan Haj Affairs, described the talks as useful to help prepare for the next pilgrimage.

read more here: http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article568026.ece

Minister of Haj Bandar Hajjar, left, meets with Sri Lankan Senior Minister for Urban Development Abdul Hameed Mohamed Fowzie at his office in Jeddah on Wednesday. (SPA)