Many people might have heard of the name and even searched for information from the Internet but with no luck. Its weird that the “Ministry” which manages the Haramain Affairs has very little information on the internet. However we managed to get some Information about the GPH and are now sharing with you all.
The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques (GPH), is actually a “Ministry”, which manages all the Affairs of the Haramain Sharifain. Same like other ministries, the Government of Saudi Arabia provides a budget for the GPH and the amount is spend on the Facilities of the Mosques.
The President of the GPH, Sheikh Abdul Rehman Al Sudais, who also is the Chief Imam and Khateeb in Masjid Al Haram is actually at a rank of “Minister”. The Current Expansion at Masjid Al Haram and Masjid Al Nabawi is also closely monitored by the GPH and the updates are regularly provided to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
For the Security of the Haramain, the Saudi Police, Saudi Army and the GPH work in collaborations. The Members from the Army are only summoned during peak times such as during the month of Rabi Al Awwal, Ramadan and Dhul Hijjah.
The Government has kept the GPH its top priority in its funding, and according to sources, the budget is never calculated and the funds can vary each year
Many Scholars who work in Masjid Al Haram and Masjid Al Nabawi are also employees of the GPH.
During the Hajj Season, the GPH employs thousands of people and calls for volunteers to make the Hajj season pass smoothly by helping the pilgrims, medically assist them and transport them from origin to destination.
The GPH also holds a Yearly Quran Recitation Competitions where Huffaz and Quran Recitors from all over the world attend. The Competition is held in Masjid Al Haram in Makkah
