"Makkah and Madinah News and Updates"

[Sargon of Akkad]

No luggage cabins in Haramain train

Saturday 30 July 2016

JEDDAH: There will be no separate cabins for luggage on Al-Haramain train, but special racks will be allocated for luggage.

Sources said the train is for passengers, and not for luggage, and only personal bags can be carried and stowed on the steel racks in each cabin or in the upper drawers of passenger seats.

Yousif Al-Abdan, deputy president of the Saudi Railway Organization, said there will no delay in implementing the Haramain train. He stressed that the organization is committed to operating of the train by the end of 2017.

Officials and journalists toured the train station in King Abdullah Economic City which has been completed. The Madinah station is also finished, while the Jeddah station is 96 percent complete.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/962131/saudi-arabia

Pokémon mania near Holy Kaaba slammed

Thursday 28 July 2016

MAKKAH: Even the holiest of all places is not spared by the Pokémon Go craze. The mobile game has taken the fight between its characters to the Holy Kaaba, and points of collection are being found on the gates of the Grand Mosque.

Opinions are rife about the game saying it is a violation of the sanctity of the Grand Mosque in particular and all other mosques, because some of its characters are inside mosques and the game spies on users.

Sheikh Abdullah Al-Munea, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars, said the game is a national security hazard as it aims to uncover secret locations, which is considered treason.

When the website team visited Makkah, it found that one of the fighting grounds of Pokémon was actually atop Kaaba. Around the new mataf, five players were found playing, and the number is growing. The points of gifts and the game’s characters were in front of gates of the mosque.

Appeals Court Judge and member of the Shoura Council Sheikh Issa Al-Ghaith said with regard to finding Pokémon characters on the Kaaba, hacking it and playing it without moving, “in general, I do not think there is anything ‘haram’ (forbidden) in it as it is.”

Nawaf Shaheen, a gaming expert, said: “Pokémon Go has also used a data bank from another game called Ingress. It wants the players to determine important locations in their cities. Among these places are hospitals, mosques and markets.”

He said that some people do not even know the content of the game and its subject.

Some people believe that it was targeting Muslims and Islam. Pokémon Go is a normal entertainment game; in each update, it changes its security settings and adds guidelines for players. For example, if a player is driving his car above 20 km per hour, the Pokémon characters do not appear.

Suhaib Khairallah, a technology expert and partner member in Microsoft Saudia, said Pokémon Go is not available in Saudi or other Arab countries. How can it target Muslims? He said the characters are largely found in mosques, markets and restaurants because the game covers areas where lots of people are found. The users join each other through Google maps.

Mashable website says that the designer of Pokémon Go, the executive president and founder of Niantic, was one of the workers of Google and has used data from an old game called Ingress which demands players to point out major features of their cities. The players presented 15 million such locations, of which 5 million are being used by Pokémon Go. Among these locations are holy sites.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/960951/saudi-arabia

Umrah arrivals projected to reach 8 million next year

Thursday 21 July 2016

JEDDAH: Ahmad Sheikh Bafaqih, who specializes in Haj and Umrah economics, said the number of Umrah pilgrims registered an increase compared to last year’s numbers despite the political situation in many countries of the region, as well as the expansion works in the holy sites.

He expected the arrival of 8 million Umrah pilgrims next year once most of the expansion works at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque are completed, an increase of 2 million Umrah pilgrims compared to this year’s 6 million pilgrims, an estimated 30 percent increase.

He stressed on the concerted efforts of the Ministries of the Interior, Haj and Umrah, and the relevant authorities to meet the needs and wishes of most of the pilgrims who performed umrah during this last Ramadan in Makkah.

Meanwhile, well-informed sources said the Ministry of Haj and Umrah halted the issuance of Umrah visas indefinitely for the season since the 16th of Ramadan. The sources said that the Umrah season this year saw an increase of 6.99 percent from last year with 6,393,464 visas issued, an increase of 444,252 visas, while the number of pilgrims stood at 5,949,212 Umrah pilgrims.

According to statistics, Egypt came first with 1,303,067 Umrah visas, up 17 percent from the last Umrah season; Pakistan with 991,337 Umrah visas and Indonesia in third place with 699,612 Umrah visas.

The number of pilgrims coming from Turkey increased this year by 18,875 compared to last year, with total number of visas issued to Turkish pilgrims amounting to 473,672, making the country fourth on the list of countries in terms of the number of Umrah pilgrims.

Jordan came in fifth place with a total estimated visas of 434,479, while India this season added 77,077 Umrah pilgrims over last season, totaling about 409,639 Umrah visas.

Algeria came seventh on the list with 371,949 Umrah visas, but second only to Pakistan in terms of the increase in the numbers of pilgrims, where the increase amounted to 28.51 percent.

The data showed that Malaysia obtained 26,005 Umrah visas, an increase of 10 percent, and in ninth position came the United Arab Emirates with 187,289 Umrah visas, an increase of 12,919 pilgrims.

Iraq recorded a drop in the number of Umrah pilgrims by about 10.22 percent compared to last season, with 168,406 Umrah visas issued.

The remaining countries recorded a drop of 26.91 percent in the number of Umrah visas issued.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/957191/saudi-arabia

 

[Sargon of Akkad]

Jabal Omar starts commercial ops at « Conrad Makkah »​

Jabal Omar Development Co. on Wednesday started commercial operations at Hotel Conrad Makkah after obtaining the required regulatory approvals, the real estate developer said in a statement to Tadawul.

The company expects the new project—a five-star hotel comprising 438 rooms over 20 floors--to boost revenues and shareholders’ equity.

In May 2011, the company signed an agreement to operate 12 hotels as part of its project near the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

http://www.argaam.com/en/article/art...tail/id/429363

« Conrad Makkah » promises guests efficient access to Holy City

New property offers a number of perks to visiting pilgrims​

19th July, 2016

Conrad Makkah recently opened its doors, offering pilgrims easy access to the Holy City.

It is one of the few hotels in Makkah to offer direct access to the Al Haram via 12 elevators to the religious site, enabling pilgrims to seamlessly reach the Sacred Mosque during peak prayer times. The hotel also offers an on-site Masjid for up to 1,000 guests with audio connection to Al-Haram.

Guests staying at the stunning 438-room facility can receive luxury service the moment they land at the airport, with a private car equipped with Wi-Fi, food, and refreshments, available upon request to transport them to the Holy City.

Located in the Jabal Omar development, the hotel also offers private access via a route that is exclusive to guests staying in the district, circumventing roads congested by traffic, and enabling effortless access to and from the property.

The hotel’s full time concierge will assist guests in planning a variety of local activities through the Conrad 1/3/5 programme, a curated collection of inspired experiences in art, shopping, adventure, and gastronomy, where guests can discover local culture from an insider’s perspective.

Guests booking a stay at the hotel can also utilise the popular Conrad Concierge mobile app, which gives travellers the ability to customise details of their hotel stay before, during, and after each visit via a smartphone or tablet.

Whether it’s pre-selecting bath amenities or checking-in while in-transit from the airport, guests can access a variety of features by using the app.

Makkah is poised to become one of the world’s leading religious hospitality and tourism destinations as Saudi Arabia invests in infrastructure and makes steps towards enhancing the Umrah and Hajj experience for pilgrims, according to industry experts.

The Holy City is expected to witness a growing hotel supply through 2018, according to Colliers International’s Q1 2016 Saudi Arabia Report, driven in part by a growing demand from affluent religious travellers for world-class service.

“The sacred city’s momentous historical sites, such as the Grand Mosque and the Kaaba, as well as significant pipeline projects in Islamic arts and culture, including the recently announced 5,600 square meter Makkah Museum, will offer visitors a host of rich experiences,” said Ismail Sirry, general manager of Conrad Makkah.

“The objective for the majority of travellers to Makkah is to take part in Umrah or Hajj, and because the Holy City receives millions of pilgrims every year, ease of access, convenience, safety, and comfort are top concerns for visitors. This is driving a transformation in Makkah’s tourism industry, one characterided by an overhaul of the traditional approach to hospitality.”

Figures from Saudi Vision 2030 show that in the last decade, the number of Umrah visitors entering the country from abroad tripled, reaching 8 million people. And with ambitious plans by to increase the number of Umrah pilgrims to 15 million by 2020, and 30 million by 2030, the Kingdom is focused on redefining tourism and hospitality in the Holy City.

“Developing intuitive services and a supportive infrastructure at both hotel and city levels is central to this effort,” says Sirry. “The biggest challenges visitors face in Makkah are related to access and capacity, but significant government projects, such as the expansion of the Grand Mosque, and the development of the Haramain High Speed Railway and the Makkah Mass Rail Transit System, will soon resolve many of these issues. However, that same seamless traveler experience then needs to be carried through at a hotel level.”

http://www.traveldailymedia.com/2389...-to-holy-city/

 

[Sargon of Akkad]

Arrival of pilgrims at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah

Arrival of pilgrims at Madinah airport

First group of non-Arab African pilgrims arrives from South Africa​

Aug 8, 2016

MAKKAH — The first batch of pilgrims from non-Arab African countries arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on Saturday from South Africa.

Tariq Alawi, second deputy chairman of the Tawafa Establishment for the Non-Arab African Countries, Walid Khaled Alawi, chairman of the field office No. 21, and other officials of the establishment received the pilgrims on arrival.

The pilgrims were welcomed to holy land by the officials with flowers, Zamzam water and other token gifts.

The establishment’s staff assured the pilgrims that they would devote themselves to the service of the guests of God to help them perform their Haj rites in ease, peace and comfort.

Rami Bin Saleh Labni, chairman of the Tawafa establishment’s board of directors, said they have completed all arrangements and deployed all their human and technological resources to serve the pilgrims.

“Through our field offices scattered all over Makkah and the holy sites we will provide excellent services to our pilgrims from the time of their arrival until they depart for their respective countries,” he said.

1,000 guest pilgrims from Palestine​

As many as 1,000 Palestinian pilgrims will perform Haj this year as the guests of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman.

They represent the families of the martyrs in the occupied lands, said an official with the guest pilgrim program.

The King invites thousands of Muslims from several countries every year to perform Haj and Umrah as his personal guests under two separate programs.

Zaid Ali Al-Dukan, deputy head of the program, said the Palestinian pilgrims will be issued Haj visas from the Saudi Consulate in Cairo and will be flown to the Kingdom by Saudi Arabian Airlines.

As many as 13,000 relatives of Palestinian martyrs performed Haj as the guests of the King in the past seven years.

http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-ara...-south-africa/

 

[Sargon of Akkad]

Over 600,000 pilgrims to visit Madinah before Haj

Aug 8, 2016

MAKKAH — More than 600,000 pilgrims are expected to visit Madinah to pay homage to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and pray at his mosque, according to Hatim Qadi, spokesman for the Ministry of Haj and Umrah.

He said the pilgrims started arriving in Madinah on Thursday. “On that day, 60 Haj flights landed at Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah,” he added.

The spokesman said 14 lounges have been prepared at the airport to receive the pilgrims who will be served by 42 passport counters.

Qadi said all government and private establishments are geared to receive the pilgrims and provide them with the best services that will help them perform their acts of worship in peace and comfort.

He explained that nine establishments are providing services to the pilgrims. Representatives of six Tawafa establishments, the Unified Zamzam Office in Makkah, the Unified Office of Agents receive them on arrival at the entry points, in addition to the Establishment of Guides in Madinah.

Qadi said the number of pilgrims this year is expected to be similar to last year as the cut in the quota system is still being applied.

Since the 2013 Haj, the Saudi government has decided to enforce a reduction in the number of pilgrims permitted for each country under a quota system approved by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to allow expansion work at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

The request to reduce the number of pilgrims from abroad by a fifth and from inside the country by half was approved by the OIC and the country’s religious leadership. The Supreme Judicial Council said the reduction in pilgrim numbers was legitimate to ensure safety while work was carried out to allow more pilgrims in future.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah announced on Sunday that the electronic registration of domestic pilgrims is continuing smoothly after a delay of two days during which many pilgrims were not able to access the service.

The ministry said the fault in the system resulted from heavy pressure because a large number of people attempted to register at the same time.
The ministry said more than 30,000 pilgrims have registered so far.

http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-ara...t-madinah-haj/

Arrival of pilgrims at Madinah airport

KSA welcomes guests of God as Iran continues with its lies ​

Sunday 7 August 2016

JEDDAH: Iran continues its attempts to mislead the world with its continued claims of Saudi Arabia preventing Iranian pilgrims from performing Haj this year.

A well-informed source said the Iranian delegation refrained from signing the Haj agreement three months ago.

Meanwhile, the Kingdom’s actions clearly show that the country is welcoming and receiving pilgrims from all over of the world.

Regarding the latest statement made by Tehran prayer leader Mohammad Ali Kermani, claiming that Saudi Arabia had obstructed Iranian pilgrims from performing Haj, an official source said: “The ministry has already issued two statements in this regard responding to Iran’s lies.”

The Iranian escalations contradict the minutes of the meeting held in Jeddah three months ago during which the Kingdom was keen on enabling Iranian pilgrims to perform their Haj rituals, but the Iranian delegation missed the next working session, and then left without providing reasons or signing the minutes of the meetings.

The Ministry of Haj said in an earlier statement: “Each year, in compliance with the directions of the government of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah sends invitations to all officials responsible for pilgrim affairs in the Arab and Islamic countries, and other countries with Muslim minorities around the world, to come to the Kingdom and discus and arrange the measures and procedures for their pilgrims. The number of these countries stands at 78 including Iran.”

The statement of the ministry explained that on the 20th of Shaban the Iranian delegation expressed its wish to leave the Kingdom for Iran, without signing any of the minutes of the meetings to arrange measures and procedures to receive the pilgrims from their country.

“According to these developments, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah emphasizes and confirms that the Iranian Haj mission, and the visit of the delegation, by not signing the minutes of the meetings to prepare for receiving Iranian pilgrims to perform Haj in Saudi Arabia, Iran will bear the responsibility for preventing its nationals from performing the holy rituals,” said the statement from the ministry, stressing the importance of not politicizing Haj, or using religion as a means to make political gains.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/966071/saudi-arabia

 

[Sargon of Akkad]

Streets to be named after Madinah martyrs ​

Monday 18 July 2016

MADINAH: The Municipal Council of Madinah has approved a recommendation to name streets after the martyrs of the Madinah attacks, in recognition of their sacrifices for protecting the homeland and its citizens.

This comes within an integrated program implemented by the council in condemnation of the painful incident witnessed in Madinah on the 29th day of Ramadan.

It also comes to express the council’s solidarity with the homeland that lost four of its dedicated sons and in recognition for the key role being played by the security services in this regard.

Council members visited families of the martyrs and those who were injured in the criminal terrorist act, and delivered banquets of flowers on the occasion of Eid-Al-Fitr.

In the same manner, members of the council, together with their children, visited Emergency Forces and expressed their appreciation for their sacrifices in protecting the homeland.

President of the Municipal Council Eisa bin Salim Al-Sihaimi said taking the side of the homeland and the citizens has succeeded, thanks to Allah and the security men who were always living up to their responsibilities and doing their duties dedicatedly and faithfully. “We have always felt the big effort being exerted by our brave security men in all fields where we have witnessed great interaction with them following the heinous incident,” he said.

He said the visit made by the council members comes as a religious, national and social duty dictated by sincere citizenship and brotherhood, and standing united behind the wise leadership which is giving utmost care for all categories of the community, notably the security men and their families, and the injured during their holy mission toward the religion and homeland.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/955521/saudi-arabia

New Madinah airport ready to serve over 750,000 pilgrims ​

MADINAH: Work is undergoing at Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah to ensure preparedness with the arrival of a large number of pilgrims and visitors to perform Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque.

Airport officials have reached out to operating parties to ensure preparedness of the plan to facilitate arrivals and departures of more than 750,000 travelers during Ramadan and beyond, which is being overseen by the operating company, TIBAH.

Senior Airport Authority Director Engineer Waled Abu Anaq said comprehensive plans for the heavy travel period during the month of Ramadan include preparation of arrival and departure halls, provision of all equipment necessary, and operation of all banking equipment at the airport to dispense foreign currencies from official banks in the arrivals hall.

All service counters for Umrah passengers have been operated at Haj halls specializing in the arrivals and departures of Umrah passengers on international flights, in coordination with the Passports and Customs Departments, Umrah company offices, and under the supervision of the branch of the Ministry of Haj and Umrah in Madinah.

All airline offices in the departure halls have also been prepared to facilitate services, as have all security and inspection points. Umrah flights have been rescheduled as well to ensure facilitated and organized movement inside the departure halls and air space.

General Director of Airport Authority Engineer Mohammed Al-Fadel said the operational plan for Ramadan is being implemented in coordination with the operations company and specialized government authorities. The plan takes into account the safety, security, and comfort of passengers by taking specific measures to increase the level of coordination and follow-up by all authorities working at the airport.

The aim, he said, is to reduce the time needed to complete departure and arrival procedures for Umrah passengers and visitors, while guaranteeing the best maintenance and safety environment at the airport.

“The operational plan for the month of Ramadan includes coordination in movement of passengers around the clock, as per the operational plan, in order to facilitate the arrival and departure of more than 750,000 passengers on 1,600 international Umrah flights on various airlines, in addition to receiving regularly scheduled international and domestic flights,” he said.

He said all counters at the Haj plaza halls have been prepared to service passengers throughout the month, noting that the airport’s staff has been well prepared and trained to complete all procedures for the arrival and departure of passengers in record time.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/943176/saudi-arabia#

Seven historical mosques in Madinah remain closed

NO ACCESS: The Al-Fatah Mosque is one of the ''seven mosques''
wich are frequently visited by many pilgrims.​

Friday 8 July 2016

MADINAH: The closure of seven mosques in Madinah with a lock and key was clearly not enough for the authorities, as they have now closed them with brick and mortar, indicating that the decision is final. Religious visitors are dismayed at the closures and say that these mosques must be opened because they carry the trappings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and his companions.

The Tourism Commission said it had no part in the decision and its now calling for them to be opened because they are an important part of Madinah’s tourism sector.

The seven mosques are part of the historical heritage of Madinah and are visited by many pilgrims.

While only six mosques are present in reality, the group of mosques that were closed are referred to as the “seven mosques.” Historians have said that the “Qiblatyyan Mosque”, which is a kilometer away from them, is the additional mosque because the people who visit the six mosques inevitably visit the seventh “Qiblatyyan Mosque” as well. However others still say that there were seven originally and that one disappeared.

Many believe that the Prophet prayed in some of these mosques and used to call on God in these places. They believe also that the rest of the mosques were frequented by the Prophet’s companions in the Trench Battle. Each one of them was in the mosque that was named after them.

These mosques lie in one of the trenches built by the Muslims during Prophet’s era to protect Madinah from the armies of the Quraish which sought to overtake them in the so-called “Battle of the Parties.”

Some historians also suggest these locations were places of monitoring in the battles and the mosques were named after those who stayed there to fight and protect Madinah from its south to its north. These names include Salman Alfarisi, Abu Bakar Al-Sadeeq, Omar bin Alkhattab, Ali bin Abi Taleb and Fatima Alzahra.

Shiekh Saleh Almaghamisi said that visits to these mosques by pilgrims are symbolic and serve as a form of remembrance of the Prophet and his Companions.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/950601/saudi-arabia

Al-Fatah Mosque

Area of the ''Seven Mosques''/Al-Khandaq battle site​

Madinah 2016

 

[Sargon of Akkad]

Makkah from a different angle

​

This year during Ramadan

 

[Zarvan]

 

[Al-Andalus]

Makkah Gateway Cultural Oasis
(Construction has begun)

​

The Makkah Gateway Cultural Oasis is one of the key developments within the Makkah Gateway Master Plan in Saudi Arabia. The challenge was to come up with an overall concept for a one million sqm plot of land that is strategically located outside of the Haram boundary line, over half of which will be developed for a large conventional centre, educational facilities, hotels and cultural attractions for the citizens of the Makkah region and religious tourism. This Business and Cultural District is situated in a valley between three large hills of rock and built on a podium to allow vehicular traffic to pass below, making the entire district pedestrian-friendly. The perimetre of the district is surrounded by planned communities and tall apartment blocks, which protect the Cultural Oasis from high winds and sandstorms. The 26,000sqm Makkah Gateway Cultural Oasis includes a craft village and a civic centre, with innovative business, educational and cultural amenities, is strategically located, taking pride of place within the Makkah Gateway mega development. The key attractions include exhibition halls, convention centres, this arts & crafts village, a sustainable research centre, a visitor centre, Calligraphy Gallery, The History of Haj Museum, an amphitheatre, an observatory, communities, hotels, shopping and mosques. The central exhibit hall is enclosed under an iconic crescent-shaped dome made of polished bronze. Other special features include high-security VIP entrances, on the lower, level and executive lounges, overlooking the main exhibition halls, while auditoriums are to be equipped with the latest A/V and acoustic technology. The entire development is designed on a podium to reduce traffic and locate all parking below the main level of the civic centre. All attractions can be accessed by a tram system or shaded walkways.

​

@Decisive Storm @alarabi

@Zarvan bro, that's a very old photo. Al-Masjid al-Haram and nearby areas look very different today. For the better if you ask me.

 

[Al-Andalus]

Sayyid Al-Shuhada Mosque (under construction) in Madinah:​

The area around Al-Masjid an-Nabawi

Haj Metro a boon for pilgrim transport

Wednesday 7 September 2016

MAKKAH: The Mashaer Railway at the holy sites (Haj Metro) is a quantum leap in the history of transporting Haj pilgrims and one of the largest projects achieved by the government over the past years.

The metro has reduced the travel time from hours to minutes and plays an important role in the movement of Haj pilgrims between the holy sites in general and from their camps to Al-Jamarat bridge in particular.

Haj pilgrims used to suffer because of the nature of the place and their huge number. Thousands of vehicles were required previously, some drivers violated traffic laws, not to mention breakdowns of vehicles which worsened congestion, forcing pilgrims to stay inside their vehicles for as long as six to seven hours. The Haj Metro has solved all these problems.

The 18.2-km railway project was launched during the Haj season in 2010, with each site having thee stations equipped with escalators and seven paths to offer services to pilgrims, in addition to a number of gates for groupings. These gates have sensors to recognize ticket holders. The stations have a waiting area that is equipped with safety means and air conditioning and can take more than 3,000 pilgrims.

Hao Koi Lin, the director general of the Chinese company that completed the metro, said the project integrated various specifications in the world, including the US specification in skeletal engineering, the local Saudi specification in road and residential buildings and the European specification in the operating system.

The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs received the Fidic award for implementing the train project; the project was chosen from the best 24 projects in the world during the past 100 years for its distinction and contribution to improving life’s circumstances. The southern line of the Holy Sites Train project also won the Franz Edelman Award for the best applied and operational research.

The Haj Metro connects nine major stations — three in Arafat, three in Mina and three in Muzdalifa, with the final station at the fourth floor of the Al-Jamarat bridge.

The project has 17 trains, with each train having 12 carriages and 60 doors on each side for boarding. Each carriage takes 250 Haj pilgrims, of which 50 are seated and 200 standing in addition to two front and rear cabins for operations.

The Mashaer train is among the longest in the world with each cabin standing at 25 meters and transporting 72,000 passengers per hour, at a speed of 80 and 120 km per hour.

The train is operated by remote control and transports more than 3,500 pilgrims in a single trip. Its path is elevated from the floor between nine and 45 meters in Al-Jamarat.

Around 27 Saudis were trained to drive the train for six months.

The crowd management project has been implemented by CIDIC Company, which has a contract from the Malaysian company Brazarana, under the supervision of Makkah Development Authority.

________________________________________________________________________________________

800 women nominated to educate pilgrims in Haj

Sunday 4 September 2016

MAKKAH: At least 800 women preachers have been nominated from various regions in the Kingdom to accompany the pilgrims during the current Haj season, said Islamic Awareness General Secretariat at the Ministry of Haj and Umrah (Taweia).

Taweia Secretary-General Sheikh Hassan Al-Qurashi has confirmed his full supervision of all the educational programs during Haj and Umrah.

Nomination of preachers accompanying domestic campaigns will be subject to specific and precise criteria, he said. Such campaigns “should submit a request to Taweia for approval of a preacher to accompany it,” Al-Qurashi said.

The campaign may select one of the previously nominated members from Taweia, he said and added: “Preachers and companions will be from university professors and some government employees.”

The preacher’s role is to accompany the pilgrims during Haj rituals and answer their inquiries concerning the Haj matters only. He will guide them, and ifta will be at the mufti’s office,” he added. Al-Qurashi said all awareness programs within the Haj campaigns are under the secretariat’s supervision.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance earlier confirmed that the preachers’ nominations will be according to members’ opinion after reviewing.

Nomination will be considered according to several criteria, the most important is the scientific level, candidate’s major and their relevance, and wisdom of the candidate in preaching discourse, in addition to his general and scientific activities.

Preachers and students from other relevant government agencies, other than the ministry, were recruited, such as universities and the education sector.

Over 1.3m arrive for Haj​

Sep 9, 2016

MAKKAH — As many as 1,323,520 pilgrims have arrived from various parts of the world to perform this year’s Haj, which climaxes on Sunday with the Standing on Arafat.

According to Director General of the Passports Department (Jawazat) Maj. Gen. Solaiman Al-Yahya, 1,245,203 pilgrims have arrived by air through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah.

He said 65,594 pilgrims have arrived by land from neighboring countries and the rest by sea through various seaports, mainly the Jeddah Islamic Seaport.

Al-Yahya said that 216 foreign pilgrims who did not observe Haj instructions were sent back to their respective countries. The violations included forging of 52 passports.

Under the instructions of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, deputy premier, interior minister and the chairman of the Supreme Haj committee, any external pilgrim with valid Haj permit who arrives late for valid reasons such as flight delay will be received and rushed to Makkah.

Meanwhile, Hashim Al-Falih, chairman of the Haj Preparation Committee at the Makkah Governorate, said that 189,000 people who attempted to enter Makkah and the Holy Sites were sent back from checkpoints since the beginning of the Haj season until Thursday.

He said the violating Saudi pilgrims will face imprisonment and fines while expatriates will face the same punishment and deportation.

Falih, who is adviser to Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, said 48,000 vehicles transporting illegal pilgrims were confiscated and 22 fake Haj companies sealed.

The Ministry of Haj and Umrah has warned that those domestic pilgrims who have registered for Haj and paid the fees but did not go for the pilgrimage will not get their money back.

“There will not be any reimbursement of fees for domestic pilgrims who are not in Makkah or the Holy Sites for Haj by Friday,” the ministry said in a statement.

However, those intending pilgrims who informed the ministry about their change of mind by Dhul Hijjah 3 (Sept. 5) will be reimbursed with a 40 percent deduction. But those who informed on Dhul Hijjah 6 (Sept. 8) that they won’t be performing Haj will be reimbursed with a deduction of 70 percent.

Security forces doing their job:

 

[monitor]

 

[alarabi]

Al Kaabah got its new Kiswah today.​

 

[Al-Andalus]

SRCA taps 1,400 volunteers

​

Saturday 10 September 2016

RIYADH: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) has enlisted the services of 1,400 volunteers to help pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah and other holy sites during Haj this year.

Mohammed Al-Qasim, acting chairman of the authority, said the SRCA has adopted a mechanism for the volunteers. “The volunteers have been told to comply with all instructions that should be followed in rendering services so that the pilgrims could perform Haj conveniently and successfully.”

He said that 750 volunteers are deployed in Makkah and 650 in Madinah and that they include doctors.

Al-Qasim said there are also medical students who have been given the necessary training to handle emergency cases. Such courses were conducted before the beginning of the Haj season, he said.

Apart from field supervision of emergency cases, the volunteers would also help in every possible way they can such as bringing medical equipment in emergency centers, he said.

“Volunteers also drive motorcycles in Muzdalifah to clear the pedestrian lanes for fast movement if and when a pilgrim is wounded or not feeling well and has to be rushed to the emergency center for treatment,” said Al-Qasim.

For the fourth consecutive year, the SRCA volunteers have been working from 4 p.m. until 4 a.m. of Eid Al-Fitr, he said, thanking the volunteers for their selfless services.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/982701/saudi-arabia

Grand Mufti not giving Haj sermon this year

​

Saturday 10 September 2016

MAKKAH: For the first time in 35 years Saudi Arabia's top cleric will not give a traditional hajj sermon to pilgrims from around the world, a newspaper reported on Saturday.

Grand Mufti Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh has annually addressed the faithful from the Namira mosque in Mount Arafat for the peak of hajj, which this year falls on Sunday.

Okaz newspaper, citing anonymous sources, said Al-Asheikh, "will step down from delivering the sermon on the day of Arafat, due to health reasons."

He was appointed Grand Mufti in 1999 after the death of his predecessor Sheikh Abdel Aziz bin Baz.

But Okaz said Al-Asheikh had for about two decades prior to that given the annual address to the hajj throng at the site where Prophet Mohammed (p.b.u.h) is said to have delivered his final sermon.

Okaz said the mufti spent about two months preparing for each address.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/982756/saudi-arabia

Namirah mosque

Unite ranks: Al-Sudais exhorts Muslims to solve problems with dialogue

Monday 12 September 2016

ARAFAT: Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, chief of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques, urged Muslims of the world to unite their ranks.

Delivering the Haj sermon from Namirah Mosque on Sunday, he exhorted Muslim leaders to shoulder responsibilities and solve problems through dialogue.

“The Muslim Ummah is experiencing difficult conditions which necessitate solidarity and coordination in our stances in order to address our problems and issues,” he said.

He specifically mentioned Palestine and Al-Aqsa Mosque as well as “the tragedies of our Muslim brothers in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.”

Referring to Muslim youth, he called upon them to fear Allah, equip themselves with the weapons of science and knowledge and consult and benefit from Islamic scholars who possess clear learning. They should also reflect tolerance, mercy and the ethics of Islam in their lives, he said.

Addressing Islamic scholars, he called on them to speak rightly and guide the people with the teachings of Allah in a moderate way as Allah said, “And thus we have made you a just community.”

Al-Sudais beseeched Allah to glorify Islam and Muslims, protect Islam, forgive Muslims, guide them to the way of peace, and make them victorious over their enemies.

He called on Islamic preachers to give calls in line with proper approaches based on Islamic teachings and dedication as Allah said, “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in the way that is best.”

In a similar manner, he urged the media men and all journalists to be honest in reporting and committed to truth and objectivity and, at the same time, to keep away from incitement, rumors and confusion. He advised Muslims to fear Allah in all matters.

Al-Sudais said Allah had honored man by making him Allah’s deputy on earth; Allah said, “Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority,” and that authority, he said, was based on the promotion of virtue and the prevention of vice.

He said Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, had stood in Arafat more than 1,400 years ago and gave a great address in which he laid down the pillars of Islam, demolished the principles of ignorance (“jahiliyyah”) and bid his people farewell upon the completion of Islam for Allah.

Al-Sudais said Islam is very clear in saying that humans are equal in rights and duties and that there is no difference between Arabs and non-Arabs, except in piety.

He said Islam forbade usury and using people’s money unlawfully and mischievously, adding that Islamic solidarity had a prominent position in the Muslim community. Al-Sudais said that Islam had come with a moderate approach based on preserving interests and warding off evils.
He called for combining tradition with modernity.

In a special reference to security personnel, Al-Sudais appreciated their efforts in safeguarding the security of the Two Holy Mosques and their many visitors.

Al-Sudais also called on the pilgrims to abide by regulations and directives set by the authorities concerning grouping and movement between the holy sites in order to avoid any possible harm and, further, to seek tranquility and piety through their words and deeds.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/983496/saudi-arabia

Nearly 2 million pilgrims seek forgiveness at Arafat

Monday 12 September 2016

ARAFAT: Nearly two million pilgrims, from all corners of the world, converged on the plains of Arafat, 15 km from the holy city of Makkah, on Sunday to perform the most important ritual of Haj — Wuqoof-e-Arafat.

A white sea of the faithful surged from Mina to Arafat as dawn broke on the second day of the five-day pilgrimage. Waves of men in seamless white garments and veiled women in long dresses joined voices in a crescendo chant of “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik” (Here I am O Allah, answering your call). Standing at Mount Arafat in prayer before sunset on 9th Dul Hijjah is the high point of Haj.

The pilgrims were completely lost in their surroundings in a fervor of religious enthusiasm.

It was very hot, with temperatures often above 40 degrees Celsius. However, the harsh rays of the sun did not dampen the spirit of the pilgrims and they remained unperturbed and recited verses from the Holy Qur’an with even greater vigor.

Tears rolled down the cheeks of pilgrims as they climbed Jabal Al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, where Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, delivered his final sermon more than 14 centuries ago.

The mount was crowded by pilgrims who sat or stood there for hours contemplating and praying.

Under multicolored umbrellas as protection from the burning sun, the mass of people moved through the broad streets of Arafat.

Egyptian pilgrim Mahmoud Awny said the feeling of being in Arafat was “indescribable.” “All Muslims wish they could be here today. Thanks be to Allah for enabling me to be here,” he said.

“I have prayed to God to have mercy on us, give us relief and resolve Syria’s crisis,” said Umm Fadi, wearing a traditional long black embroidered dress and head scarf native to her home in southern Syria.

“From the bottom of my heart, I pray that Allah will lift this agony from Syria and its people,” she said.

“Muslims come here from everywhere and we are all the same,” said Khadem Ndyaye, 47, from Senegal.

Indian pilgrim Mohammed Arefin, 40, said he felt “chosen by Allah” for being able to perform Haj. “It is very moving to see the Muslims of the world pray together here,” he said. “It’s the most beautiful moment of my life,” said Ahmad Salman, an Egyptian pilgrim.

Soon after sunset, the pilgrims headed to nearby Muzdalifa where they will spend the night under the open skies and collect pea-sized pebbles to perform the symbolic ritual of stoning the devil on Monday in Mina.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/983501/saudi-arabia

 

[Vassnti]

Emirati man who walked 2000 km on foot to reach Makkah.

Walk To Makkah : Emirati walks 2000km To Makkah from Abu Dhabi - YouTube

Bosnian man who walked 5700 km on foot to reach Makkah for nearly 1 year.

http://www.frostymix.com/2012/10/senad-hadzic-walks-6000-kilometers-from_27.html

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Hope its not the wrong place to ask a question, but I see stories like this and think how amazing the devotion and perseverance of some people is then see the pics of the marble staircase 6 star limo driven "pilgrimage" others take and wonder does too much comfort devalue the purpose or am I just old fashioned?

 

[Al-Andalus]

Hope its not the wrong place to ask a question, but I see stories like this and think how amazing the devotion and perseverance of some people is then see the pics of the marble staircase 6 star limo driven "pilgrimage" others take and wonder does too much comfort devalue the purpose or am I just old fashioned?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking questions. May I ask which marble staircase you are referring to and which "6 star limo driven pilgrimage"? I am yet to see a "6 star limo driven pilgrimage".

Well, every Muslim and individual for that matter has his or her own priorities when performing Hajj or Umrah. Some prefer comfort while others seek hardship. However spirituality is an individual thing. Who are we to judge the pilgrim who prefers comfort? Is he less of a Muslim or less of a pilgrim? I do not think so. It's all about establishing a closer bond to God and purifying your soul.

In older times it was not unusual for almost 50% of all pilgrims, coming from abroad, to parish along the way due to various circumstances such as the dangers of long-distance traveling before the modern-era, diseases, geographical challenges etc. Luckily today this is not the case. Yet we could, if we wanted to, claim that Muslims who performed Hajj and Umrah back in the old days were more devout but that would IMO be a wrong conclusion.

Anyway here below you can see an example of Hajj pilgrimage 80 years ago:

 

[Al-Andalus]

@Vassnti

Here you can see photos from this very week during Hajj in comparison.

In 80 years time Makkah will look very different. Today not even 10% of the planned skyline and projects in Makkah are completed. Currently, in many ways, it is one big giant building site.

Moreover many people, Muslims included, do not understand that Makkah and Madinah (both cities being almost 3000 year old and thus among the oldest in the world) are living cities with several million big populations.

For instance comparing Makkah (the size of Rome) and Madinah with tiny Vatican (0,44 km2) makes no sense as certain critics tend to do. The Al-Masjid Al-Haram alone in comparison has the size of 356,800 square metres! Today even more due to the expansion work which will probably continue until the end of times at least every decade due to popular demand.

Anyway the society might change on all fronts, the geography (yes, several hills in Makkah and nearby areas have been removed in order to construct necessary infrastructure) and infrastructure etc. as well but the religious rituals have remained the same for 1400 years in a row and they will continue to remain the same. That is the key here IMO.