Welcomes pilgrims regardless of nationalities

Source: arabnews.com

Welcomes pilgrims regardless of nationalities

JEDDAH: The Ministry of Haj and Umrah launched a number of scheduled meetings with heads of delegations at Haj Affairs offices of more than 80 countries, including Iran, to discuss regulations and procedures related to pilgrims.

Minister of Haj and Umrah Mohammed Saleh bin Taher Bentin underlined that an invitation has been sent to the Iranian Haj delegation to attend those meetings.

He said that the meetings are held in line with King Salman’s directives to discuss the procedures for the arrival of pilgrims for the year, 2017, from Islamic and non-Muslims countries.

The meetings will also provide details of the implementation of regulations at Haj Affairs offices in order to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals easily and safely, building on the successes of previous years.

The minister said the Saudi government welcomes all pilgrims and umrah performers, and visitors, irrespective of their nationalities or sectarian affiliations, including Iranian pilgrims.

The Kingdom is keen on applying measures and regulations to ensure a successful pilgrimage season for all, he said.

The meetings, according to the minister, will discuss arrangements and services for pilgrims, in coordination with tawaf institutions, the General Syndicate of Cars, and the Adillah organization in Madinah.

He added that the strategy of the ministry is based on a plan and in coordination with all concerned parties and representatives of Haj Affairs.

He said the ministry is working hard to secure a safe environment that allows pilgrims to perform their rituals easily and in security

The minister prayed to God Almighty to accept the efforts of pilgrims and umrah visitors and facilitate their safe return to their homelands.

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Source: arabnews.com

Umrah fee does not affect inflow of pilgrims

Source: flickr

Umrah fee does not affect inflow of pilgrims

It seems the government’s recent decision to impose SR2,000 fee on pilgrims who perform Haj or Umrah more than once has not affected the inflow of visitors to the Two Holy Mosques at the start of this year’s Umrah season.

However, many pilgrims and Umrah operators requested the authorities to review the decision.

“It’s a big blow to Umrah operators,” said an agent of an Umrah service company from Kerala, which has sent thousands of pilgrims this season.

“We find it difficult to get pilgrims due to the new fee, which has increased the cost of an Umrah trip by Rs36,000,” said the agent.

He hoped that the Kingdom would withdraw the fee for the benefit of Umrah operators as well as Saudi businesses.

An elderly South African pilgrim, who introduced himself as Mohammed, said Saudi Arabia has every right to impose fee on pilgrims. However, he said the fee should be brought down to SR500.

“I have decided to come for Umrah every year irrespective of the cost it would incur. This is my 32nd Umrah,” Mohammed said while watching pilgrims circumambulate the Holy Kaaba.

“I manage to get the money required for visiting Makkah every year by the Grace of Allah.”

Zainul Abideen, a young Malaysian pilgrim who came for Umrah with his wife, was not happy with the fee, saying it would make Umrah unaffordable. “Many foreign pilgrims having low income like me wish to visit this holy place to pray to Allah and get His blessings,” he told Saudi Gazette.

He also agreed that Saudi Arabia has the right to impose fees for the services it offers.

“Even if it charges SR300 from every pilgrim it can make a good amount of money as more than seven million foreign pilgrims come for Umrah every year,” he pointed out.

Abideen has spent 14,000 ringgit (about SR11,700) for the Umrah trip of himself and his wife. “We came on a Saudia flight, which was full of pilgrims. This is our first Umrah and we are extremely delighted for getting an opportunity to make this wonderful spiritual journey,” he told Saudi Gazette sitting in the Grand Mosque.

Bangladeshi businessman Mohammed Shahidul Islam also expressed his hope that the Saudi government would lift the fee in order to encourage more faithful to visit Makkah and Madinah.

Asked about the response of Bangladeshi Muslims toward the Umrah fee, he said: “They are hopeful that Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman would revoke it for the benefit of all Muslims who dream to visit the holy places in Saudi Arabia.”

Saudi Gazette also met a group of young Indonesian pilgrims at the Grand Mosque, some of them have paid SR2,000 Umrah fee. They believe the fee would decrease the number of Indonesians going for Umrah.

“We hope King Salman would revoke the Umrah fee in response to the prayers and pleas of Muslims all over the world,” said Akbar, a member of the group.

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Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Haramain train only 10 km of tracks away from completion

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Haramain train only 10 km of tracks away from completion

MAKKAH — Haramain train Work on only 10 km of track has to be completed before the Haramain high-speed train will be ready for operation, according to the project’s supervisor Bassam Ghulam.

He said during a presentation at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday that work has to be completed on seven kilometers of track from the side of Al-Iskan neighborhood in Makkah and three in Jeddah’s Al-Harazat district.

During the first phase of its operation, which will continue for 12 years, the train is expected to transport about 1.2 billion passengers at the rate of 100 million every year, said Ghulam.

“At the outset of its operation, the train is expected to transport between 11,400-12,400 passengers an hour,” he said.

When it becomes fully operational, the train will transport 19,100 passengers an hour between Jeddah and Makkah, 3,800 between Makkah and Madinah and 8,000 between Rabigh and Madinah.

“The train will serve more than two million pilgrims every year,” he added.
“As many as 127 out of 138 bridges have been built and 845 crossings completed to drain rainwater,” said Ghulam.

The supervisor said the train will cover the distance between Jeddah and Makkah in less than 21 minutes, between Makkah and Rabigh in an hour and between Makkah and Madinah in two hours.

Due to safety measures, the maximum speed of the train per hour will not exceed 300 km.

Ghulam said the Jeddah part of the project was the most difficult because of the Jeddah-Makkah Expressway which is the most crowded.

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Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Why we follow the Sunnah

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Why we follow the Sunnah

Have you ever sat back and asked yourself, “Why should we follow the Sunnah?”

Perhaps you have gave it some though, and perhaps you have not.

Many people follow the way of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or Islam for that matter without knowing why. To truly appreciate the religion and the Sunnah one should understand the reason behind such strict adherence.

Firstly, we follow the Sunnah because Allah has commanded us to do so. We comply with the orders of Allah without questioning it, since we have accepted Him to be our Lord. Thus He is Most Knowledgeable about our affairs and what would benefit us, and would only instruct us with what is best for us. Thus to follow the Sunnah is to observe Allah’s command and respect His authority.

Allah says in the Holy Qur’an, {He who obeys the messenger has indeed obeyed Allah…} (Chapter 4, verse 80)

Allah also says, {O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger…} (Chapter 4, verse 59)

Secondly, as Muslims we are obligated to love Allah. Thus, out of love for Allah, we love His Messenger and follow him.

“Say, [O Muhammad], “If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Chapter 3, verse 31)

Thirdly, Allah sent the messenger as a guide, to lead us to what is good and beneficial for us in this world and in the afterlife. Therefore, to gain the guidance one must follow the Sunnah.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a mercy for mankind. He reminded the people of Allah’s commands, gave them glad tidings of Paradise, and warned against the prohibitions of Allah and Allah’s wrath. Hence, it is only natural that we adhere to his Sunnah.

The Messenger was also a role model. Not only did he guide us to what was right and good in his Sunnah, but his actions and life is a role model for us, he set the standards which we must strive to attain.

{There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.} (Chapter 33, verse 21)

To follow the Sunnah is to uphold the deen. It is a form of preservation of our religion. To protect the Sunnah today, by adhering to it, is almost equivalent to protecting the person and body of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Lastly, Allah issues a stern warning against those who oppose the Sunnah.
{So let those beware who dissent from the Prophet’s order, lest fitnah [trials, afflictions, dissension] strike them or a painful punishment.} (Chapter 24, verse 63)

To conclude, following the Messenger and his Sunnah is an obligation upon us, and brings benefits to us in this life and the hereafter. The reasons behind following the Sunnah make it more beautiful and help us to appreciate the importance of the Sunnah. We need to give greater preference to the Sunnah in our daily lives, in everything we do and say.

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Source:  saudigazette.com.sa

The female legacy

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The female legacy

The female legacy around the messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) have left a profound impact upon us as well as an ever lasting impression.

Times have passed, the era has changed, people have gone and come, but what leaves an impression on our hearts is the imprints of the footsteps of our pious predecessors.

They stand out as outstanding models in the history of humanity in a way that made them unrivalled in the history of humanity from the time of Adam (peace be upon him) until the end of time.

Reflecting on their stories, we see their faith, their constancy, their heroism and loyalty to Allah and his Messenger (peace be upon him). We see the effort they exerted, the calamities they endured, and the victory they achieved. We also see the eminent role they played in liberating all of humanity from the paganism of conscience and the loss of destiny.

They embraced Islam not in blind compliance with their husband’s will or out of tribal solidarity or in obedience to their father’s command. Rather, they embraced Islam independently, out of conviction and in demonstration of their right of choice.

Playing major roles in the annals of history, Khadijah was the first woman to accept Islam. Sumayyah was the first martyr in Islam. Aisha, the hub of knowledge and wisdom, has reported considerable amount of pure and blessed knowledge. She memorized and transmitted over 2,000 sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) Fatimah, the Prophet’s youngest daughter and one of the four great women of paradise, is an epitome of patience, devotion, and generosity.

These are but a few of the many great women, who played a crucial role in the history of Islam. They are women of the best human examples, the most graceful and the most virtuous, the real diamonds of this ummah. But what do we know of the legacy they left behind?

Let us learn in awe and delight about those righteous women. They were great and wise women, true leaders.  

We do not need so-called feminists, and liberators to rally our stance. We, as Muslim women, have had our standard-bearers in the Mothers of the Believers and the women living in the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). We just need to look back, and follow their footsteps.

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

370,000 Umrah visas issued in 18 days

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370,000 Umrah visas issued in 18 days

MAKKAH – The Ministry of Haj and Umrah has issued 370,000 Umrah visas until Friday since the start of the current season on Nov. 1 (Safar 1), according to a senior ministry official.

Isa Rowas, undersecretary for Umrah affairs at the ministry, said this figure posts an increase of 30,000 compared with the same period last year.

A total of 115,000 Umrah pilgrims have so far arrived in Makkah and Madinah. This is more than double of the number of pilgrims who arrived in the same period in 2015 when it stood at 57,000.

Rowas attributed the increase in the number of pilgrims mainly to the excellent facilities and services being extended in the two holy cities.

“There has been a qualitative leap in the operational efficiency in the fields of the pilgrims’ accommodation, transportation and food supply. The ministry has streamlined its monitoring mechanism so as to ensure that the best quality services are being offered to the pilgrims by the concerned agencies and service providers,” he added.

It is anticipated that there would be an increase in the number of Umrah pilgrims in the wake of the completion of the mataf (circumambulation area around the Holy Kaaba) expansion project. The capacity of mataf was increased from 52,000 pilgrims to 130,000 pilgrims per hour after the expansion work, which took three years to complete before the 2016 Haj season. The ministry had started preparations for the Umrah season immediately after this year’s Haj, with the departure of the last Haj flight on Oct. 15.

The ministry unveiled an ambitious plan to receive about 8 million Umrah pilgrims in the new Umrah season.

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Source: saudigazette.com.sa

15m Umrah pilgrims expected

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15m Umrah pilgrims expected

MAKKAH — As many as 1,511 hotels in Makkah with a total of 219,350 rooms have completed preparations to receive up to 15 million pilgrims expected to arrive during the current Umrah season, which began in mid-November. The Umrah season will continue until July 7, 2017.

Sources in the hospitality sector expects the number of Umrah pilgrims this year to increase by 3 million over the past season.

In addition to the hotels, there are 852 licensed buildings and furnished apartments in Makkah with a total of 36,456 rooms to accommodate the pilgrims.

The sources said hotel reservations during the first days of the season reached about 85 percent especially in the central area around the Grand Mosque as well as in the districts of Jarwal, Kudai, Al-Aziziyah and Al-Rawdah, which are not far from the mosque.

Riza Shalabi, a reservation clerk in one of the hotels in the central area, said the bookings of the internal rooms reached about 90 percent while they were about 80 percent for rooms overlooking the plazas of the Grand Mosque.

He said the price for single rooms stood at SR350-SR450 per night, almost unchanged from last year. The prices per night for royal suites overlooking the Grand Mosque ranged from SR1,100 to SR1,300, breakfast and dinner included.

Abdul Rahman Al-Amri, a reservation clerk in another hotel, said the pilgrims start making bookings online about 45 days before the advent of the Umrah season.

He said the early reservations were made by Umrah pilgrims from the Kingdom and the GCC countries, who represent about 35 to 45 percent of all pilgrims.

Amri said the occupancy rate in his hotel has reached about 95 percent and added that the price of a room per night is SR650-SR700, including breakfast.

Hussain Salem, a reservation clerk in one of the five-star hotels in the central area, said their price of a royal suite per night is SR2,500 while the price of a single room is SR1,000.

He said the occupancy in his hotel has reached 100 percent and 75 percent of the bills have been paid in advance.

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Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Honesty The Characteristic of A Muslim

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Honesty The Characteristic of A Muslim

Honesty is the greatest moral virtue. From honesty springs forth many of the most noble of human qualities and characteristics.

Truthfulness and honesty are two characteristics without which a man can not claim himself to be a true Muslim.

Honesty is an extensive term that covers a wide range of meanings. It covers telling the truth, sincerity in work, carrying out duties, fulfilling one’s word, and making fair and objective judgments and decisions. Honesty also means doing the right thing in the right way at the right time.

Honesty means saying and acting truthfully in all times, matters, and conditions. Honesty means giving the right guidance to the person who needs it.

Islam orders us as Muslims to be honest to others and ourselves. A Muslim is ordered by Allah to be honest in his words and deeds, in private and public.

Being honest and truthful to oneself is implied by obeying Allah’s law. Being truthful with others means saying the truth and being honest in all dealings including the realm of trade and business, purchasing, education, learning, communication, and marriage. A true Muslim is the one who could be distinguished by his essential characteristics of honesty and truthfulness.

Honesty in Islam consolidates the notions of truthfulness and dependability, and it lives in all human words, thoughts, relations, and actions.

“O you who have believed fear Allah and be with those who are true.” [Chapter 9 verse119]

Ibn Katheer, the renowned scholar of the meanings of the Holy Qur’an illustrated the significance of this verse. He was reported to have said, “Being truthful and sticking to truthfulness implies you will be among the people of the truth and be safeguarded from calamity and that it will make a way out for you from your tribulations.”

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example for all Muslims at all times and in all situations. He was a flawless case of honesty in Islam and before his prophethood, people of Makkah named the Prophet (peace be upon him) as the honest and truthful (Al-Amin and As-Sadiq).

Even Abu Sufyan, an adversary of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in the beginning of the Prophet’s call, admitted the prophet’s honesty. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) sent a letter to Heraclius the Emperor of Byzantium welcoming him to Islam, Heraclius sent for Abu Sufyan to ask about Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) and what this prophet was calling the people to.

Aby Sufyan said, “He never tells lies or deceives others. He invites the people to love Allah Alone and he advises us to fear Allah, and he calls the people to honesty and abstinence”.

It is of the mannerism of the high path of Islam to be honest when one speaks. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Honesty certainly leads to goodness, and goodness leads to paradise. Truly, a man keeps speaking the truth until he is inscribed as being true through and through. And lying leads to going wrong, and going wrong leads to hell. Truly, a man lies and lies until he is inscribed as being a liar through and through” (Bukhari and Muslim).

Fasting is one way that Muslims practice their honesty with their Lord and with themselves. A fasting Muslim does not allow a drop of water to go into his mouth because he has learned to be honest.

It is also obligatory for us to be honest in making and keeping promises. Being punctual and not to waste is another instance of honesty. Punctuality at school, at work, or at an agreed meeting is part of our honesty with ourselves and other people. Honesty fosters constructive courage, which is doing what you know you want or need to do, despite your fear.

Being honest with yourself and with others shows how much you really care and demonstrates self-respect and respect for others.

 Honesty fosters a connection and can bring people closer in their interactions.

Honesty attracts honesty. If honesty becomes an unconscious habit, one becomes magnetized to other honest people.

One can dig himself deeper into a hole with lies and deceit, however being honest keeps you out of trouble, guides one always in the right track especially when one fears the anticipated consequences.

 Honesty, is an essential characteristic of a Muslim, includes being truthful towards Allah by worshipping Him sincerely; being truthful to oneself, by adhering to Allah’s laws; and being truthful with others by speaking the truth and being honest in all dealings. Thus, a person should be the same on the inside as he is on the outside.

A true Islamic society is based upon honesty and justice, and is intolerant of dishonesty in all its various forms. 

A Muslim seeking to please Allah and follow the path of righteousness should be aware of the dangers of deceit and dishonesty.  However, equally he should know that Allah is all Merciful, willing to forgive even the gravest sins for those who strive for His sake.  Honesty is very important in the life of a believer.

“Honesty descended from the Heavens and settled in the roots of the hearts of men (faithful believers), and then the Quran was revealed and the people read the Quran, (and learnt it from it) and also learnt from the sayings and traditions.  Both the Qur’an and the traditions strengthened their honesty.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

So, Islam instructs the Muslim to be honest and trains him to be so. The outcome is a healthy self and a healthy social atmosphere that leads to the happiness of both the individual and the community.

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Source: saudigazette.com.sa

No backing off on Umrah fee, says Saudi Ministry of Haj

arabnews.com

No backing off on Umrah fee, says Saudi Ministry of Haj

JEDDAH: The Ministry of Haj and Umrah have denied rumors published in the Pakistani media and spread on social media that the ministry removed Umrah fees that were placed by the Kingdom on the second or additional Umrah visits.

New amendments were introduced to visa fees in Saudi Arabia at the beginning of 1438, when the government announced that the fees are fully paid by the Saudi government for all first-time pilgrims coming for either Haj or Umrah. The first entry of Haj and Umrah pilgrims will be free, but for the second and subsequent entries, they will be charged SR2,000.

Usama Khan, from the Ministry of Haj, Call and Guidance information center, confirmed to Arab News that no such information or announcement was made by the Ministry of Haj and Umrah that they removed the SR2,000 fee, and that whatever was published in the Pakistani media and on social media is false news or rumors.

Tahir Mahmood, chief executive of Global Haj and Umrah Private Service Ltd. from Pakistan also confirmed to Arab News that there has been no such instruction or announcement made by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah that the Umrah fees have been abolished.

On inquiry of the news published in the Pakistani media and spread on social media about the removal of Umrah fees, he said that it was not from an authentic source and was a rumor. However the Pakistani public are requesting that the Kingdom and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman remove the extra charges, because a number of Pakistani families and people who want to come for Umrah would not be able to make it because of the fee.

“Many people from Pakistan will not be able to make their Umrah trip because they don’t have enough funds to pay this extra charges of SR2,000. It’s a request from the Pakistani people to the Kingdom to remove these charges so they can make their journey to perform Umrah,” he said.

The Pakistan Umrah Agent Association urged people not to spread rumors on social media, since there has been no announcement made by the Ministry of Haj and Umrah on the removal of Umrah fees.

According to the information, the news was published in Pakistani media and rumors were spread on social media that after boycott of Egypt on Umrah fees, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah removed the extra SR2,000 fees from the second or additional Umrah visits, and that the Saudi government informed their embassies in all countries about this, which was totally false, confirmed the Pakistan Umrah Agent Association.

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Source: arabnews.com

The Robert Davila story: “My journey to embracing Islam”

The Robert Davila story: “My journey to embracing Islam”

Robert Davila is one of those people who inspire us with their ability to overcome adversity. Robert was born in September 1980 in Bridgeport, Texas.  He grew up and graduated from Bridgeport High school in 2000. Growing up, Robert was not religious, leading a life of instability and loss.

At just 20 years old, Robert’s life changed forever.   In 2001, in Decatur Texas, Robert was involved in a car accident.  When he woke up at the hospital, he found himself unable to move. The accident left Robert paralyzed from the neck down.  The doctors’ diagnosed him as quadriplegic, and was told he will never eat, drink, breathe on his own, or walk again. 

At first, Robert was only able to eat and drink through a tube in his nose.  Soon he started training himself to chew food, and was finally successful.  He regained his ability to chew his food and swallow.

Robert has since resided at The Longmeadow Care Center in Justin, Texas.  He became best friends with his roommate, Mark.  Robert and Mark talked about many things including religion. In 2004, Mark died due to complications in his condition.  That was devastating to Robert.

When Mark died, Mark’s sister gave Robert his big cross and Robert asked for the cross to be hung above his bed as a reminder of his best friend and God.  Being paralyzed for several years, and with the loss of his best friend, Robert decided to seek help from God. He didn’t know which way to turn. All his family members are devout Christians, and so was Mark.

Robert started reading about different religions; Christianity, Buddhism, and more, until he read about Islam.  Islam was the only religion that made sense to him.  He read the story of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), read the Qur’an translation, and Hadeeth, sayings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

In September 2011, 10 years after the accident, Robert had a dream that changed his life. 

Robert said, “I went to sleep and it was so real.  I was in the middle of the dessert; I saw hills and winds blowing the sand in all directions.  At a distance, I saw a man, about 5’ 11” surrounded by other men listening to his speech. He was doing hand gestures.  The moment I looked at the man, I knew it was Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).  The Prophet pointed at my cross and said, “Look at the Prophet Jesus, he eats food like us, he walks like us, he even uses the restroom like us. He’s human not God.”

Robert suddenly woke up from his dream, and unconsciously said, “I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger.”

At that time in his life, Robert had never seen or been to a mosque, had never communicated with Muslims, and had never held the Qur’an.

After his dream, Robert Davila converted to Islam, and he dedicated much time to reading the Qur’an and studying the religion.  After three years of embracing Islam, Robert has become an inspiration to many Muslims living in America and across the globe.

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

30% of Mina tent floors covered with ceramic tiles

 

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30% of Mina tent floors covered with ceramic tiles

MAKKAH — The floors of the tents in Mina will be covered with ceramic tiles under a three-year project which began before the beginning of last year’s Haj season.

So far about 30 percent of the floors have been covered with ceramic tiles under contracts being financed by the Public Investment Fund of the Finance Ministry.

The first phase of the project covered locations specified for external pilgrims. The locations included the Jamarat area, the Wadi (valley), Al-Shuabateen and east of Mina sector.

Sources said the project has been assigned to two national companies responsible for the maintenance of the holy sites.

The two companies will install ceramic tiles in an area of 120,000 square meters.
Prior to last Haj season, 30% of the old air conditioners in the tents at Mina were upgraded.

The tents, which measure 8 meters by 8 meters, were permanently constructed by the Saudi government in the 1990 and were upgraded in 1997 to be fireproof.

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Shoura studies women-only timings to kiss Black Stone

Shoura studies women-only timings to kiss Black Stone

Riyadh — A Shoura Council member has proposed that specific timings should be allotted for women to kiss the Black Stone.
The Committee for Islamic Affairs in the Shoura Council is studying the proposal, a source told Okaz Arabic daily.
The proposal put forth by Modhi Aldeghaither includes setting three specific times during the day for a period of two hours each to allow women a chance to kiss the Black Stone.
The proposal is expected to undergo a vote within the committee prior to further discussions among Shoura members.
The Black Stone is the eastern cornerstone of the Kaaba.
Pilgrims circle the Kaaba as a part of the tawaf ritual and many try to stop and kiss the Black Stone, emulating the kiss that Islamic tradition records that it received from Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Today, the Black Stone consists of a number of fragments held together by a silver frame, which is fastened by silver nails to the Kaaba. The smaller fragments have been cemented together to form the seven or eight fragments visible today. The Stone’s exposed face measures about 20 centimetres (7.9 in) by 16 centimetres (6.3 in). Its original size is unclear and the recorded dimensions have changed considerably over time.

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The considerable advantage of Umrah and hajj

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The considerable advantage of Umrah and hajj

O Muslims: Allah has made the respected Ka^bah a goal for a huge number of Muslims who come each year from by a wide margin to visit this holy place. They all meet there in spite of their different foundations, nationalities, dialects and skin shading. Hajj is a yearly Islamic social affair went to by a huge number of Muslims who come joined under the flag of the certification of confidence "Nobody is God aside from Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah". They supplicate to Allah, present themselves and frame close bonds fortifying their fraternity and sisterhood with one another.Whether you are rich or poor, youthful or old and Arab or not has no bearing as far as devotion, rather, what does is one's level of acquiescence to Allah.

Dear siblings in Islam,

Satisfying the deeds of Hajj conveys numerous awesome advantages to the travelers and if just Muslims understand the centrality of these advantages they would positively race to perform Hajj.

The immense implications of fraternity and value among Muslims show up in its best picture, amid journey. In the wake of having evacuated all their adorned and common garments the travelers put on the garments of Ihram which resemble the covers of the dead. They submit themselves to their maker, Allah and say:

لبيك اللهم لبيك لا شريك لك لبيك إن الحمد والنعمة لك والملك لا شريك لك

Gracious Brothers in Islam, Hajj is a practice of tolerance in conquering hardships.

The call of the pioneer (talbeyah) serves as an indication of a period when Angel Israfil on the Day of Judgment blows the horn denoting the begin of Resurrection Day.

Performing sa^i between Mount As-Safa and Mount Al-Marwah is expressive of one's appreciation to Allah for making the city of Makkah a sheltered place. It is likewise reminiscent of what Lady Hajar did when hunting down water for her dear child Isma^il ^alayhis-Salam, while having a total dependence on Allah, Her Creator. Allah subhanahu wa-ta^ala assuaged her from her stresses and battle in furnishing her with the unadulterated and favored water, Zamzam.

There are extraordinary implications in being available in the place where there is ^Arafat. The traveler witnesses the mass measure of individuals congestion the pile of ^Arafat and hears their noisy supplicating voices to Allah subhanahu wa-ta^ala, with outright humbleness seeking after Allah's kindness.

Tossing the three Jamarat is one of the essentials of Hajj and is from one perspective typical of the Muslim's dismissal to Satan and then again a satisfaction of God's requests. Tossing the Jamarat as Prophet Ibrahim did when Satan appeared to him communicates the Muslim's dismissal of Satan's whisperings as though one is stating to Satan: on the off chance that you appear to us we will toss rocks at you to embarrass you a similar way Prophet Ibrahim did.

The significance of Tawaf is to extol the hallowed Ka^bah. It symbolizes the solidarity among Muslims, and their relentlessness in obeying Allah, the one and only deserving of love. Individuals circumambulate the sacrosanct House, the Holy Ka^bah, with extreme accommodation to Allah as though saying:

"O Lord, No matter how often we circumambulate and turn, we have no place to go however to look for shelter with You."

Circumambulating the Ka^bah does not imply that Allah abides in it. The conviction of all Muslims is that Allah needn't bother with the ka^bah, different spots, or any of his manifestations. Allah exists without a place, and doesn't take after any of His manifestations. Allah is not a body or a shape. Whatever one envisions in one's mind Allah is unique in relation to it.

Dear siblings in Islam the genuine achievement is in grasping the right conviction, the statement of faith of the Prophet peace be upon him and his buddies.

May Allah give us the capacity to play out the journey and ^umrah and the respect of going to Prophet Muhammad's grave. Ameen.

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Restrictions for a person in the state of Ihraam

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Restrictions for a person in the state of Ihraam

Restrictions for a person in the state of Ihraam is a person who made intention and entered into one of the two sacred rituals, Hajj or 'Umrah, accompanied by the removal of normal clothing and putting on special clothing and then reciting the Talbiyah.
There are certain restrictions that apply to the one who assumes this state.

The following are the acts that are not permitted:

Sexual intercourse and all matters leading to it:
Sexual intercourse and all matters leading to it such as kissing, touching and similar things nullify the Hajj or 'Umrah completely and the one who does so must sacrifice a camel. If he cannot find one, he must fast ten days, and along with that, he must make up (for the Hajj) another year. However, it is still mandatory to continue with it (i.e. the remaining acts of Hajj or 'Umrah) until it is complete.

Ali, 'Umar and Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with them, issued a verdict concerning a man who had sexual intercourse with his wife in the state of Ihraam. In this verdict, they said: "They both continue to perform (the remaining Hajj rites) for their own face (i.e. to save them embarrassment) until they complete their Hajj. Then they must perform Hajj (again) in the future and they must sacrifice an animal"

As for the things that lead to sexual intercourse, the one who does them must sacrifice an animal, meaning to slaughter a sheep.

Disputing, arguing or fighting with people:
Allah Says (what means): {…Whosoever intends to perform Hajj (therein by assuming Ihraam), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj…} [Quran 2:197]

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "He who performs Hajj, committing no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling, will return home free of sins as the day his mother bore him." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In this case, as well as the rest of the sins, like backbiting, gossiping and everything that enters under the wording "Al-Fusooq" (wickedness or sin), the person must repent and seek Allah’s forgiveness. This is because there’s nothing reported in Islam that has made any expiation for them other than repentance and seeking Allah’s forgiveness.

Wearing any form-fitting garment:
Such as a shirt, hooded robes, cloak, underpants or wrapping anything around the head, a cap or a fez, etc.
The one who does it must make a compensation, which is fasting three days, or feeding six poor people with a Mudd (750 grams) of fine wheat each, or slaughtering a sheep. This is due to Allah’s saying (which means): {So whoever among you is ill or he has an ailment on his head (i.e. his hair), then he must make a cimoensation of fasting or giving charity or sacrificing (an animal).} [Quran; 2:196]

Ibn 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "A person in the state of Ihraam is not allowed to wear a form-fitting shirt, a turban, a hooded robe, underpants, […] shoes or sewn slippers, unless one is unable to find regular unsewn slippers, then one may wear his shoes provided one cuts them down to the ankles."  [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] These restrictions apply to men only.
As for a woman, she may wear all of the above. But she is forbidden to use perfumed clothes, a veil that covers the face (tied around it), or gloves.

Ibn 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: "Allah's Messenger sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) forbade women pilgrims from wearing gloves, Niqaab (veils tied on the face) […]. Besides these, they may wear anything else, any color, silk clothes, ornaments, trousers, or a shirt or shoes." [Abu Daawood, Al-Bayhaqi and Al-Haakim]

The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "A pilgrim woman must neither cover her face nor wear gloves." [Al-Bukhari and Ahmad] This proves that a woman in the state of Ihraam should not cover her face and hands. The scholars, however, say that there is no harm if she covers her face with something other than a Niqaab. She may also use an umbrella or similar item as a screen between men and herself. But if she is afraid of tempting others she must cover her face by drawing a veil down from her head.

'Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said: "Men on camels used to pass by us while we were with the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) and in the state of Ihraam. We would cover our faces by drawing veils down from our heads when they passed by us, and then uncover them again." [Abu Daawood and Ibn Maajah]

Contracting a marriage, or acting on behalf of others, or acting as a guardian for someone:
Such a marriage contract is invalid, null and void, and is not binding. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "A person in the state of Ihraam must not contract marriage, nor help others contract marriage, nor get engaged for marriage." [Muslim]

In this case, the person must repent and seek Allah’s forgiveness. There’s nothing reported in Islam that has made any expiation other than repentance and seeking Allah’s forgiveness.

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Source: islamweb.net

Allah; The Light of Heavens and Earth

 source: saudigazette.com.sa

Allah; The Light of Heavens and Earth

The word “light” carries a popular meaning; that which lightens dark bodies so that we can see them. So by light, things become apparent and visible. This is the first meaning to which the word light was initially identified. Light itself is basically obvious and visible; there is nothing else that lightens it.

The word “light” has been used over 30 times in the Qur’an. In some verses it means faith, in others it means Islam or Qur’an or justice or Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

It also implies more meanings, such as in the verse, {Allah is the Light of the Heavens and Earth. The example of His light is like a nice within which is a lamp; the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almot glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents example for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things.} [Chapter 24, verse 35]

According to the scholars, the meaning of the verse is that Allah has lit the Heavens and the Earth. So all the light, which is in the Heavens and the Earth and on the Day of Judgment is from the Light of Allah.

Light is of two kinds: the created light and the uncreated light. The created light is found in the world, like the light of the sun, moon and stars, the light from electricity and fire. Likewise, the light in the Hereafter and in Paradise, these are all created and they are a creation of Allah.
The uncreated light is an Attribute of Allah. Allah is far exalted and praised with all His Attributes and He is the Creator unlike His creation. So, the Light of Allah is uncreated, rather it is one of His Lofty Attributes. This is the Magnificent Nur (light) with which He has described Himself in the verse in the Qur’an and it is not created. It is an Attribute of Allah like His Hearing, Sight, Hand and other Lofty Attributes.
This verse falls under the category of allegory, to explain the parable to reach the intellective sense of people.

Ibn Kathir has also explained this parable based on the narrations and descriptions of earlier generation of scholars.

{Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth} means that He is a Guide to the inhabitants of the Heavens and the Earth (Ibn Abbas)

The light in the verse is ‘light that illuminates the Heavens and the Earth’ (Ismaeel Ibn Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn Abu Kareemah, also known as As-Suddi)

“There is no night or day with your Lord; the Light of the Throne comes from the Light of His Face.” (As narrated by Ibn Masud)

The “lamp” in the verse refers to the light that in turn refers to the Qur’an and the faith that is in a believer’s heart. (Ubayy bin Kaab).

{Light upon Light} refers to the faith and the deeds that are based on that faith. (Ibn Abbas)

{Light upon Light} refers to the light of the Qur’an combined with the light of the faith. (Ismaeel Ibn Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn Abu Kareemah, also known as As-Suddi)

Ubayy ibn Ka`b said that the similitude of His light [takes place in] the Muslim’s heart. [Ibn Kathir, 3:464] This light, which Allah has placed in the hearts of the believers, comes from the awareness, love, faith, and the remembrance of Allah. It is the light that He has sent down to people. Its origin is in their hearts, but then Allah strengthens and increases that light until it appears upon their faces. Have you ever met a person whose face was just illuminating with the radiance and light that comes from faith in Allah? People of this nature perceive the light of Allah.

On the Day of Judgment, the light will come forth by their faith, and hasten before them in the darkness of the bridge or sirat, so that they might cross it. They will proceed in proportion to either its strength or its weakness in their hearts during their life in the world.

Allah is the only provider of the light in the universe, whether it is physical light or the light of guidance. Everything in this universe is dependent on the guidance given by Allah for its operation and for maintaining its balance and symmetry necessary for its optimal performance. Then the verse describes the quality of the light of guidance provided by Allah, it is the most superb kind of soft light that shines through, without blinding with brightness or being hazy with dimness. The lives of those who follow His guidance by believing in Him and remaining conscious of His presence are so well illuminated that they clearly see the path to ultimate success without being distracted or confused by the alleys and detours that may lead them astray.

That Sublime Existence who encompasses all the stations of perfection at once; His sacred Light embraces the entirety of existence and illuminates the Heavens and the Earth. He is the all-Knowing Creator whose eternal radiance infuses life in the creation and bestows assistance to them. He controls, nurtures, and completes them through His power. The Light of His existence shines forth and is clearly manifest across the expanse of existence.

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Accomodation Tips during Hajj and Umrah

Accomodation Tips during Hajj and Umrah

1. Hajj and Umrah is a supreme religious experience. It is however, also physically rigorous and emotionally taxing. Pilgrims are therefore advised to prepare themselves physically and mentally so as to face the difficulties that are likely to confront.
2. 
   Each pilgrim is entitled to only two baggages such as one suite case and one carry on bag. You are sharing accommodation with some one else respect each other rights and give respect of his & her right and to accommodate each other space for himself and his baggage. This translates into very limited space availability during stay in hotels, transportation and in tents.
    
3. Hotels in Saudi Arabia classify as Star as per the Saudi Government rating to the Hotels industry therefore do not compare with the USA or Europe Standards.
   
   Each Pilgrim will be provided with a single mattress space in Mina Tents, however you will be getting Sofa Bed for his/her comfort, each pilgrims will be getting one bed sheet, one light blanket and he/she is advised to bring towel for his personal use.
    
4. The measurement of most of accommodation is not more than 300 meter ; it's recommended that most of the time to reach some place is the shortest possible route on foot.
    
5. Pilgrims should try to use the lift judiciously, avoiding use at the same time and similarly those on the near floors such as first and second floors may resort to possible use of stairs.
    
6. Do not over crowd the lift. It is a safety hazard.
    
7. It's recommended that you should not use the hotel phone it will cost you more than you expecting. After you check in inform relative or love one your Room # and main phone #.
    
8. The refrigerator is to be shared by all the pilgrims. Therefore, Pilgrims are requested to use it optimally.
   
   Pilgrims should not leave their room / building with food being cooked. It is observed that this could lead to fire and is a serious safety threat. This applicable only if you using own cooking or making tea.
    
9. Pilgrims should remember their hotel location and phone numbers, main landmark nearby and the nearest gate of Haram Sharif. If they miss their buddy, they can reach by the above information. In case they cannot, they may contact the nearest police post.
    
10. Pilgrims must strictly follow the departure time schedule from Madinah to Makkah and also from Makkah to Mina, Mina to Arafat, Muzdalifa, and back to airport Makkah to Jeddah airport. 

Sporce: go-makkah.com

A successful Haj

source: whatisislamabout.com

A successful Haj

THE 2016 Haj season recently concluded with the pilgrims and officials alike terming it a safe, convenient and successful Haj— all the ingredients that go into the recipe called success. All pilgrims performed their fifth pillar rituals in peace and security. It was by far a very smooth Haj that concluded with no accidents. The sight of 1.8 million pilgrims traveling in unison to the holy sites at specified times, gathering and praying to Allah, was breathtaking. We all wish these pilgrims a safe journey back home and we are looking forward to host millions of pilgrims to perform their rituals in peace next year.

What was amazing about this year’s Haj, which is a seamless continuation of last year’s edition, the year before and previous ones, is the participation of our youth to serve the guests of Allah. We have seen them in all ages, men and women, not hesitating to provide any and every help the pilgrims may need. The concept of volunteering to serve pilgrims at holy sites only shows that our youth’s sense of responsibility is growing. The hard work they displayed at the holy sites is only an indication that a bright future is awaiting this country when this generation comes of age and joins the workforce by bringing this quality of hard work to their careers. I have seen and been told by many who performed Haj this year that our scouts played an important and vital role in providing guidance to lost pilgrims, helping families to find their missing children and loved ones and transporting injured and older pilgrims on wheelchair.

Our security officers — the eyes that never sleep — should be thanked for their efforts to ensure a safe and smooth Haj. In every corner, they were there watching, round the clock, and organizing the pilgrims’ movements in sync with the established plans for various sites. Despite bound by their duty, they went beyond the call of duty to assist those in need. They even carried pilgrims on their backs if they were not able to walk. We have seen hundreds of pictures and many video clips of officers providing assistance to those in need without them knowing that they were being filmed or photographed. They seek no reward but the reward from Allah to serve His guests with honor.

We have seen tired police officers and security forces beat their exhaustion with a quick shuteye and are back on their feet for yet another round of selfless service. They rest or sleep under bridges on the hard concrete in hot weather for a brief period and come back rejuvenated before joining the line of their fellow officers to organize, guide and protect pilgrims. The scene on the last day of Haj as pilgrims were exiting Mina with the officers standing on the side of the road waving goodbye to pilgrims was a heart-rending one, especially with the pilgrims greeting the officers back and some shaking their hands. In addition many were praying to Allah that they would come back one day to perform the pilgrimage again, while officers wished them a safe journey back home.

The Health Ministry played an integral role in this year’s Haj by providing treatment for sick and infirm pilgrims and even transporting and accompanying sick pilgrims all the way across the holy sites with a complete medical team, until they completed their pilgrimage. I watched the other day a special coverage on the efforts by the Health Ministry through the Snapchat account of Fares Al-Turki, Saudi entrepreneur, who revealed the whole gamut of the ministry’s efforts in keeping the pilgrims healthy and safe. He said that heart catheterization and open-heart surgeries are taking place alongside the prompt treatment for light and sunstroke cases.
While Al-Turki was filming, a doctor said that they had performed 27 open-heart surgeries on pilgrims and 300 heart catheterization operations.
Pilgrims who come form poor countries take advantage of the free medical services provided to pilgrims to get these operations done at no cost. It is said that some of the machines installed in the heart of pilgrims cost more than SR100,000 and it is provided free to pilgrims. The government, represented by the Health Ministry here, does not ask for their nationalities or where they come from, but provide all help to keep the pilgrims safe and healthy.

We thank all the other related authorities that participated in contributing to the success of this year’s Haj, all in their posts, working diligently and selflessly. I cannot highlight the services of every individual or authority as the space for this article is limited to mention all their efforts. But we acknowledge their efforts that energized the journey of a lifetime for a pilgrim. At the same time, we feel sorry for the Iranian pilgrims, who were deprived by their own government from performing Haj this year. We wish that Iran would come to its senses, if they have any, and finally understand that Haj is not a political occasion to push their ideology, but a spiritual journey of devotees and many stages of servitude in their worship of Allah.

The authorities are to be thanked that the squatting problem, which was a major one in the past, has dropped dramatically this year following a clampdown on illegal pilgrims. The numbers are also down sharply due to the awareness campaign on squatting as a problem and the tough punishment imposed on violating people.
Our aim to serve the guests of Allah will continue forever and whatever suggestions for improvement or ways to better serve pilgrims will be implemented next year. The only thing I wish is to see next year is the cost of performing Haj to drop to an affordable level. Once again all our thanks to those who participated and made sure that our guests are safe and sound.

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Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Over 1.3m arrive for Haj

dailymail.co.uk

Over 1.3m arrive for Haj

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.

Source: saudigazette.com.sa