Jordanian pilgrims leave to Haj

Jordanian pilgrims left Amman for Saudi Arabia where they will perform pilgrimage to Mecca and other holy sites.

Chief Islamic Justice Sheikh Izuddin al-Khateeb, representing Crown Prince Hassan of Jordan, urged in remarks at the farewell ceremony, that the pilgrims present a good image of the country during the Haj.

"The government coordinates all necessary efforts with Saudi Arabia to secure housing and the facilities required for pilgrims," Jordanian Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Minister Abdul-Salam al-Abbadi said.

The rest of Jordan's pilgrims are expected to leave the country to Saudi Arabia in two days.

The rituals are to start early next month and culminate when the pilgrims stand on Mount Arafat near the holy city of Mecca just one day before the Adha Feast. Millions of Moslems around the world perform pilgrimage each year.