By TCN News,
Makkah: Last Friday, Masjid-e-Haram that houses Kaba started giving simultaneous translations of Friday khutba in Masjid-e-Haram in Makkah in Urdu.
English translation was already available but this the first time that khutba will be made available in Urdu as well. According to the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques , the simultaneous translation will be provided through an intra-FM service though headphones. Translations booths were set up and worshippers were given headphones. Currently service is available only near King Fahad Gate area.
A large number of immigrant workers from India and Pakistan speak Urdu but no estimate is available on total number of Urdu speakers in the Kingdom.
The translation service is in trial period with plan to expand to Masjid-e-Nabvi in Madinah.