Saudis ARREST pilgrim for dedicating Mecca journey to Queen & holding banner asking Allah to ‘grant her peace in heaven’

A WELL-WISHER has been arrested in Saudi Arabia after he claimed he dedicated his pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca to the late Queen Elizabeth II. The man, who is from Yemen, had posted a video of himself holding a banner dedicated to the monarch inside the Grand Mosque, among the holiest sites in Islam. A Yemeni man was arrested for holding a banner dedicating his pilgrimage to the Queen The man asked Allah tp accept the late Queen among the righteous Videos circulating online show the man holding up a banner written in English and Arabic that reads: “Umrah [pilgrimage] for the soul of Queen Elizabeth II, may Allah grant her peace in heaven and accept her among the righteous”. The footage shocked many devout Muslims after it was shared online. Saudi police later arrested the banner holder, who was not identified, for “violating the regulations and instructions” of the holy site. The Yemeni was referred to the public prosecutor to face charges. READ MORE IN WORLD NEWS TOO MUCH TO BEAR Sisters recognise dad in shallow grave after murder by Russian troops HORROR DEATH Boy, 5, plunges into septic tank and drowns while playing with pals A statement sent to Vice by the interior ministry of Saudi Arabia said: “The special forces of the security of the Grand Mosque arrested a resident of Yemeni nationality who appeared in a video clip carrying a banner inside the Grand Mosque, violating the regulations and guidelines for Umrah.” Non-Muslims may not enter or pass through the Grand Mosque in Mecca. If they do, they can face a fine or deportation. There is no place for political slogans and sectarianism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, or Mecca’s sacred courtyard. Visitors to Mecca are also prohibited from dedicating their pilgrimages to deceased non-Muslims – such as the late Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Most read in News SHOW OF UNITY Wills & Harry to walk together behind Queen's coffin but Meg and Kate in car VIPS FOR THE VIP From Obama to Trump, who is and isn't among 500 attending Queen's funeral UNITED IN SORROW Meg and Harry join royals to receive Queen's coffin at Buckingham Palace PIERS MORGAN Charles is a man wrestling with the weight of history and winning HAZZA SAY Harry hits out at uniform ban after being told he CAN'T wear military outfit HOME TO REST Queen's coffin arrives for final night at Palace before Westminster procession It is unknown what happened to the Yemeni man after he was arrested for going against the rules. The Umrah is a pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time during the year, in contract with Hajj, which only happens once a year according to the Islamic lunar calendar. AFPNon-Muslims may not enter or pass through the Grand Mosque in Mecca[/caption] ReutersIf non-Muslims enter or pass through the Grand Mosque, they can be fined or deported[/caption]