REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Saudi Arabian police have arrested two foreigners for posting ads on social media for false and misleading campaigns for worshippers at the annual Hajj observance due to be held in June.

Two of the men were Egyptian nationals who claimed to have advertised with the iming -- iming providing housing for pilgrims in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia. It aims to deceive worshippers who want to perform Hajj in both cities, according to police, as reported by GulfNews.

Legal procedures have been processed against the suspects and have been handed over to the Public Prosecutor. Saudi Arabia's government recently warned Muslims planning to perform the Hajj against fake campaigns and websites and has laid down legal pathways in relation to the case.

Saudi Arabia's Hajj Ministry said worshippers must follow instructions and information on official channels to guarantee access to Hajj worship and protect worshippers' rights during the holy journey. So that the Hajj journey can run smoothly without any obstacles from unwanted things.

The ministry also stressed that all worshippers must obtain an official Hajj permit. The announcement has also been made by the Ulema Council, the highest Islamic body in Saudi Arabia which states that performing Hajj without official permission is considered a sin.

Starting on June 2, Saudi Arabia's government will apply penalties against Muslims caught trying to perform the hajj illegally in and around Mecca. This year's Hajj observance is expected to start on June 14, depending on the sighting of the new moon (crescent moon).

Those who violate the Hajj rules, both Saudi citizens, foreign residents, and visitors, will be fined 10,000 Saudi riyals or the equivalent of 42 million rupiah. For offenders foreign nationals can also potentially be deported home and barred from re-entering the kingdom. In fact, the penalty will be doubled if it is caught repeating the offense.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika