SINGAPORE - Indian Muslim restaurant Singapore Zam Zam has closed for 10 days as all its employees have gone for umrah, or minor pilgrimage, to Mecca.
The restaurant, located at 697-699 North Bridge Road, said in a Facebook post on Monday (June 19) night that it would be closing from June 19 to June 28. The eatery is usually open seven days a week, from 7am to 11pm.
A photo taken on Tuesday (June 20) night, of a sign put up at the restaurant notifying diners of the closure, was sent to The Straits Times.
The holy month of Ramadan ends on Saturday (June 24) evening.
Mr Ahmad Syukri Ahmad, who had intended to go to Zam Zam on Tuesday but ended up at a restaurant next door, told The Straits Times that he thought it was great that Zam Zam had given its staff a break to go for umrah.
"Though they may not earn during the break, it will benefit the employees as they perform umrah and have a break which will help recharge them when they come back from umrah," said the 32-year-old tuition teacher.
The umrah differs from the haj - a Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca - in that it can be performed at any time of the year. Some pilgrims take the umrah as preparation for the haj.
Netizens wished the staff well, with one marvelling at how the entire company was going for umrah together.
Facebook user Khalid Ajmain shared the post and said it is "very risky" for food businesses to close during Ramadan as that is when business booms, especially on the last few days.
