Islam is not only for Muslims, says scholar

Islam is not only for Muslims, says scholar

ISLAM is not a religion for Muslims alone; it is for the entire mankind, a well-known Indian scholar and preacher has said.

“It is our duty to enlighten followers of other religions on the noble teachings of Islam. Our religion teaches us moderation, tolerance, compassion and peaceful coexistence,” Muhammad Umar Gautam, chairman of the New Delhi-based Islamic Dawah Center (IDC), said at a special function organized by Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (Jeddah chapter) in Jeddah recently.

It is high time to exert great efforts to disseminate the sublime nature of Islam at a time when the image of the religion which preaches peace is tarnished by its own followers, as well as by certain deviant groups, said the preacher who reverted to Islam in 1984.

Formerly known as Shyam Pratap Singh Gautam, Muhammad Umar belongs to an affluent Rajput Thakur family from the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, and is a distant relative of former Indian prime minister V.P. Singh.

He said the best propagation of Islam is strict observance of its teachings by its followers.

Since the very first day of embracing Islam, Gautam embarked on this great mission and it had an electrifying impact on the people and he has succeeded in attracting hundreds of people to the fold of Islam as well as to enlighten hundreds of thousands others to have a proper understanding of Islam and remove misgivings about the divine religion.

Another revert and an active Dawah worker, Muhammad Sufiyan (formerly Saurabh Dutt), narrated the sequence of events that led him to believe in the Oneness of God. “What fascinated me to Islam is the spirit of empathy and compassion that energizes followers of Islam to help fellow human beings. In my case, it was a childhood friend who guided me toward the true teachings of Islam,” he said.

Mufti Mohd Sagheer Qasmi, a close Gautam aide, shed light on the working of the Islamic Dawah Center. There are more than 500 reverts associated with the center. “We focus on four-pronged strategy to rehabilitate the converts. First of all, we go to local magistrate to complete legal procedures, and then Qadi to obtain religious conversion certificate, besides publishing classified advertisements in newspapers for change of name and then gazette the notification,” he said and added: “Our priority is to rehabilitate them. We have full-fledged multistory building for the center where they live and receive training so as to enable them to take up jobs and work in the society. The center is basically meant for the converts and for their education and rehabilitation. We hold full time Dawah training for scholars to equip them for their work, in addition to conducting interfaith dialogue and supporting weaker sections, especially widows and divorcees,” he added.

In this connection, he said the Islamic Dawah Center will be organizing the eighth annual reverts get-together in New Delhi in the beginning of the next month. Speakers at the event will throw light on the importance of Dawah in the light of Qur’an and Sunnah and duties of a Muslim in providing the message of Islam for the guidance of whole mankind.

Bahjat Najmi, well-known Dawah worker in Jeddah and grandson of late Moulana Hifzur Rehman Seoharvi, a famous freedom fighter, member of parliament and noted Muslim personality of India, will be the chief guest at the event, he said.

The Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (Jeddah chapter) also utilized the occasion to bid farewell to senior Alig, Muhammad Mian Sahab, who is leaving Saudi Arabia after serving in various capacities for more than three and half decades in the Kingdom.

Vice president of the association, Nooruddin Khan, paid rich tributes to the outgoing Aligarian recalling his contributions toward the unity of AMU alumni. Muhammad Mian Sahab, he said, acted as returning officer in several elections of the association.

source: saudigazette.com.sa

The seven most beloved places to the Prophet (peace be upon him)

Al-Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah Al-Mukarramah

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was directed by his Lord to direct his face in prayer to the Ka`bah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that a single prayer in Al-Masjid Al-Haram is worth 100,000 prayers in any other mosque. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “I swear by Allah, you (Makkah) are the best of the lands of Allah and you are the most beloved land to Allah.”

Al-Masjid An-Nabawi in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “O Allah! Make us love Madinah as much as we love Makkah or even more.” When the Prophet (peace be upon him) would return from travel and see the walls of Madinah, he would speed up his camel out of his love for Madinah.

Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) led all the prophets in prayer at Masjid Al-Aqsa on the night of the amazing journey of Al-Israa’ and Mi`raaj. Allah states in the Holy Qur’an, “Exalted is He who took His Servant [Prophet Muhammad] by night from Al-Masjid Al-Haram to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed.” (Qur’an 17-1)

Masjid Quba in Madinah

It was the first mosque to be built in Islam by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The reward for one prayer there is equal to the reward for performing Umrah.

Mount Uhud in Madinah

While standing on Mount Uhud with his companions, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “This mountain loves us and we love it.”

Al-Baqee`, the burial ground in Madinah

Al-Baqee` is the burial ground of an estimated 10,000 companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him). He (peace be upon him) used to visit their graves and make duaa for the people buried there. He (peace be upon him) used to say, “May you be safe, O abode of the believing. What you have been promised has come to you.” He (peace be upon him) also said, “O Allah, forgive the inhabitants of the Baqee` Al-Gharqad.”

Ar-Rawdah in the Masjid An-Nabawi in Madinah

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Between my house and my pulpit there is a garden of the gardens of Paradise, and my pulpit is on my fountain tank (i.e. Al-Kauthar).”

The seven most beloved places to the Prophet (peace be upon him). British haj travel Ltd is one of the Leading travel agency in UK. We arrange Hajj, Umrah and Ziyarat. Visit our website: www.britishhajtravel.com or Call Us at: 0177 2252 996

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

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Pilgrims benefit from projects in Makkah, holy sites

arabnews.com

Pilgrims benefit from projects in Makkah, holy sites

MAKKAH: Projects carried out by the government in Makkah and the holy sites are facilitating pilgrims’ movement and providing them with the services they need to complete their Hajj comfortably and easily.

The Makkah Development Authority has implemented 14 projects worth SR300 million ($80 million).

The most prominent projects are the third expansion of the Grand Mosque (the largest expansion in Saudi history), the Jamaarat facility, the Muaissem slaughterhouse, the shuttle bus service, Al-Mashaaer Metro, pedestrian routes separated from vehicle traffic, fire-resistant tents and the removal of slums.

The Jamaarat facility has attracted global attention for its advanced architectural construction and its ability to hold millions of people without any major incident.

Al-Mashaaer Metro is expected to accommodate more than 350,000 pilgrims this year. Maj. Gen. Hamid Al-Jahdali, assistant commander of Hajj security forces, said 9,500 soldiers and officers will help with crowd management at the metro.

“We have 17 trains, each has 12 vehicles, and each vehicle can accommodate 250 people, including 50 seats for the elderly and 200 standing,” he said.

“The total capacity of each metro is 3,200 passengers in nine stations. The total number of passengers will be 72,000 passengers per hour.”

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source: arabnews.com

264,000 more pilgrims from abroad this year

source: saudigazette.com.sa

264,000 more pilgrims from abroad this year

THE number of foreign pilgrims performing Haj this year would be highest in history, according to sources at the Ministry of Haj and Umrah. Saudi authorities have made flawless and elaborate arrangements to receive the largest number of pilgrims in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah and to ensure a hassle-free Haj. So far nearly one million foreign pilgrims have arrived in the Kingdom.

The number of foreign pilgrims last year was 13,25,372. However, this year, there will be an increase of about 264,000 pilgrims reaching a total of around 1.6 million. Most of them have started flocking the holy land from all over the world. This was made possible following Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman’s directive to lift the 20 percent cut in the quota of foreign pilgrims and 50 percent cut in the number of domestic pilgrims. The quota cut was enforced in 2012 due to the massive expansion works of mataf (circumambulation area around the Holy Kaaba) and the Grand Mosque.

As of Thursday, a total of 916,562 pilgrims have arrived in the Kingdom, an increase of 165,013 (22 percent) comparing with the same period last year. According to a statistical report of the General Directorate of Passports, the number of pilgrims who arrived by air reached 878,567, while the number of pilgrims who arrived by land and sea account for 35,023 and 2,972 respectively. Of these pilgrims, 607,715 reached Madinah to visit the Prophet’s Mosque and spend a few days in the holy city before setting out for Makkah.

Meanwhile, more than a million pilgrims and visitors offered Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. In his Friday sermon, Sheikh Faisal Bin Jameel Ghazzawi, imam and khateeb of the Grand Mosque, urged the pilgrims to engage in supplications and spiritual preparations in anticipation of their life-time journey which is around the corner.

The imam specially spoke about the virtues of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, asking pilgrims to take full advantage of them well before moving to the holy sites to perform the Haj rituals. “Haj is the greatest of all worships that make the believer much closer to Almighty Allah and there should not be any laxity and delay in utilizing the opportunity of performing this fifth pillar of Islam,” he said.

Sheikh Ali Al-Hudaifi, imam and khateeb of the Prophet’s Mosque, cited in his sermon a myriad benefits — both spiritual and material — a Muslim obtains by performing Haj. “Nobody except Almighty Allah can calculate the rewards and benefits of Haj. In the event of an acceptable Haj, Allah will safeguard a Muslim from the machinations of Satan during the rest of his life,” he said while urging pilgrims to be cautious to win the pleasure of God through respecting the Signs of Allah in the holy city as well as performing the rituals earnestly and not spoiling their rituals with involvement in worldly affairs.

Meanwhile, Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Saleh Al-Asheikh launched the ministry’s media programs to educate pilgrims during the current Haj season. He said the plan included distribution of millions of publications, books, CDs, films and dawa mass media material in 32 international languages. “Around 100 satellite channels are taking part in educating pilgrims through the dissemination of films and programs produced by the ministry. The plan also reflects the Kingdom’s efforts in serving the pilgrims,” the minister said.

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source: saudigazette.com.sa

Arafat Day on Aug. 31

Arafat Day on Aug. 31

RIYADH – Standing at Arafat, the main pillar of the annual pilgrimage of Haj, will be on Thursday, Aug. 31 and the first day of the Eid Al-Adha festival will be on Friday, Sept. 1, according to a statement issued by the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

The court, after holding a session at its headquarters in Riyadh, stated that a number of people who sighted the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah on Tuesday evening made their testimonies in their respective regional courts. Accordingly, Wednesday, Aug. 23, will be the first day of the month of Dhul Hijja, after completing 30 days of Dhul Qada on Tuesday.

The Supreme court wished all pilgrims a successful and comfortable Haj, and greeted Muslims all over the world that Almighty Allah may accept their deeds.

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source: saudigazette.com.sa

Importance Of Different Cities During Hajj And Umrah | British haj travel

Importance Of Different Cities During Hajj And Umrah | British haj travel

Importance Of Different Cities During Hajj And Umrah Each year millions of people travel from east and west to the Holy cities of Saudi Arabia in order to perform the most religious obligations of Islam. People tend to travel in the form of groups.

Often people travelling from the Western lands go to the Holy city Makkah first to perform Umrah and then they would travel to Madinah and would come back again. There are some groups who first travel to Madinah as well.

You don’t have to get worried about Ihram when landing in Jeddah if you are travelling with one of those groups who are going to Madinah because you are not getting entered in Makkah. This is the most preferable method of many pilgrims because then they don’t have to face the trouble of entering in Ihram when they are on plane.

Outside the Holy city, Madinah, there is a place called Dhu’l-$ulayfah and every single driver of bus and taxi stops at Dhu’l-$ulayfah and informs you that it is a particular place of gettinginto Ihram. 

Because people are travelling from all over the world, availing any kind of package like Hajj Packages 2017 from Birmingham, England or any other, and often don’t know the places and their names so the drivers are trained enough to inform all the pilgrims so that they don’t face any trouble.

In Dhu’l-$ulayfah, you perform the two rakaat of Namaz, wear your Ihram and then move to the next place. You also say Labbayk when you are in Dhu’l-$ulayfah. It is very important to note one thing that wearing and Ihram and being in the state of Ihram are two completely different things. 

You can wear your Ihram but unless you don’t say Labbayk then you would not be in the state of Ihram.

Contrary to this, if you are going to Makkah first then you must wear your Ihram in the plane. People often ask the question that if we are performing Hajj Tamattu in which you have to perform both Umrah and Hajj then is it necessary that you go to Dhu’l-$ulayfah to enter in the state of Ihram and say Labbayk ? 

Here the strongest point to be noted is that you might be wearing Ihram when you are coming back to Makkah because you are doing Hajj Tamattu and there is no point of wearing your Ihram again in Dhu’l-$ulayfah because you are in the period of enjoyment and pleasure. 

Since the word Tamattu means enjoyment, the purpose of this kind of Hajj is to take pleasure in normal daily routines as well.

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source: articlesfactory.com

Top Common Misconception About Islam

Top Common Misconception About Islam

It is often occurred some misconceptions about Islam in the whole world. The 9/11 may be the cause that makes this happening since Islam is uncovered for so many people in the world. People might know that Islam exists, but they become even more curious and paying more attention toward Islam after that terrorist act. Because of this crime that has been done by some people only, people start to have misconceptions about Islam and considered all Moslem are the same as the ones causing the harsh.

It is often occurred some misconceptions about Islam in the whole world. The 9/11 may be the cause that makes this happening since Islam is uncovered for so many people in the world. People might know that Islam exists, but they become even more curious and paying more attention toward Islam after that terrorist act. Because of this crime that has been done by some people only, people start to have misconceptions about Islam and considered all Moslem are the same as the ones causing the harsh.

There are some common misconceptions about Islam, and some become the stereotype that very often to be connected with the hate toward Islam. The first of the misconceptions about Islam have to do with the terrorist act that makes many people consider all people who are Moslem as terrorists or extremist. Islam is very often then considered as a religion that is violent since the terrorist claimed that their acts based on Islam. Their private action becomes the misconceptions about Islam, while actually their action has nothing to do with Islam; instead, it is their own purpose that becomes the basic of their acts. 

The second misconceptions about Islam beside the largest one above are that Islam oppresses women. It is usually triggered since many Moslem women are wearing veil and forced to stay home and may not drive by themselves.  This is incorrect, since every single thing that Moslem women do or wear is based to be the protection for them. For example of this misconceptions about Islam, Moslem women are wearing veil since it is considered to be the modest outfit to avoid sexual crime from men. Moreover, there are some important things that show that Islam considers women to be the equal right of men, such as; they can use their family name even after marriage. Islam also forbids parents to force their Moslem daughter to marry someone. They are only allowed suggesting which men is the best, but the decision is in the women themselves. 

The next in the misconceptions about Islam is that Islam worships different kind of God. It is not true since Moslem believes and worship one God only, Allah. Allah is simply the Arabic word for God, and this concludes that Islam worships the same God as Christians and Jews do. Moreover, Moslem people believe that God is One and Only, for the god do not get tired, does not have human attributions in Him.

source: articlesfactory.com

Polygamy in Islam

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Polygamy in Islam

Much controversy surrounds the issue of polygamy and why Islam permits it and whether it is actually encouraged in Islam or simply a permissible exception.

In Islam, the norm is monogamy and that is what is encouraged. Islam does not encourage polygamy, it allows it for specific reasons and even then, it is allowed only under certain conditions.

The verses in the Holy Qur’an which address polygamy are often taken out of context and with disregard for the historical situation at the time in which these verses were revealed.

{And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one.} (Chapter 4, verse 3)

These verses were revealed after the Battle of Uhud, in which many Muslim men were killed, leaving widows and orphans.  Thus, these verses have been revealed to protect the women and orphans who were left without husbands and fathers to provide for them. Their men had died in battle. Permission to marry more than one woman was the solution to a social problem at the time, because in their society women depended largely on men for economic survival. A widow’s orphan children may have property in their name that could be stolen or mismanaged by others in the society if their rights were not looked after and protected. Marriage could help ensure that the rights of the widow and her children be protected.

In Arabia, before Islam, it was the common practice of men to marry multiple wives. In fact, Islam put a limitation to the limitless marriages of men during the period of Jahiliyyah, or Ignorance. It was customary for men to marry women without limit, a practice that ended with the advent of the Qur’an and its divine revelation.

Islam allowed the marriage of no more than four wives, and this permission was given only if the husband could treat each wife fairly and justly. It is stated in the verse that being content with one wife is the closest way to justice. If a man fears that he will be unable to treat each wife equally if he marries more than one, then he must be content with one wife and it is forbidden for him to marry more than one in that case.

In order for a man to be permitted to have more than one wife, he should treat his wives equally in terms of spending, clothing, living conditions, and even the gifts he gives them. He must also allot equal time and attention to each of his wives. So, in Islam, the marriage to another wife demands more responsibility on the husband towards his wife. It is not merely serving the man’s desires for physical pleasure.

Another reason which may necessitate a man to marry another wife may be if the woman is barren and the husband desires children. The first wife can ask for a divorce, or she can agree to her husband’s second marriage, and she still has all the rights to her husband’s companionship, respect, love, fair treatment, and that he generously provides for her as well.

Some scholars are of the opinion that although polygamy is allowed in Islam for certain reasons and under strict conditions, it is frowned down upon.
These scholars fear that if a man marries more than one wife, he risks oppressing either of his wives. The requirement of meting out justice amongst a plurality of wives would be immensely challenging for any man.
Therefore, these scholars think that it is preferable to avoid polygamy altogether, so one does not even come near the chance of committing the forbidden deed of dealing unjustly between the wives. There are sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) which warn of punishment from Allah for the man who treats his wives unfairly.

In the Hadith recorded in Ibn Majah, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) says, “A man who has two wives and who is completely inclined to one and who ignores the other emerges with one side of his body paralyzed in the Day of Judgment.”

Marriage is no light matter in Islam and it comes with duties and responsibilities. In some cultures, people are repulsed by the concept of polygamy, yet having mistresses and extra-marital affairs are becoming so rampant in their societies that these practices are slowly becoming acceptable in their culture.

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Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Why Makkah’s marble flooring is cool to touch

saudigazette.com.sa

Why Makkah’s marble flooring is cool to touch

FOR anyone who has performed the Umrah or Haj pilgrimages, they will have probably noticed the coolness under foot when they stepped onto the marble floors of the Grand Mosque and around the Holy Kaaba in Makkah.

Many have debated the reason behind the cold feeling, given Saudi Arabia’s searing summer temperatures.

The office of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques told Al Arabiya that the main reason was behind the type of marble used.

Saudi Arabia imports rare Thassos marble flooring from Greece that reflects the sun’s rays and in turn the heat during the day.

Authorities have brushed off claims that the real reason behind the coolness was a series of cold water pipes laid beneath the marble floor. — Al-Arabiya English

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Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Etiquettes of the (Kaaba) Grand Mosque

Etiquettes of the (Kaaba) Grand Mosque

Visiting Masjid Al Haram in Makkah is a golden opportunity in the lives of every Muslim. Every Muslim yearns to visit the Grand Masjid of Makkah Al Mukarramah. However, while visiting the Masjid Al Haram, one must follow the proper etiquettes in order to maintain its decorum and sanctity of the place.

There are etiquettes to be followed, no matter which mosque one enters upon. However, the supremacy of the Grand Mosque in Makkah naturally makes it a priority.

1) Maintaining purity within ourselves

Demonstrate your eagerness by wearing neat and clean clothes while visiting the masjid. Ensure that your body and clothes are clean and pure. If you have eaten garlic or onions, do not go to the mosque, until the odour from your mouth has vanished.

Jaabir Ibn ‘Abdullaah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “He who has eaten garlic or onion should keep away from us or our mosques. Whoever eats garlic or onions should stay away from us” – or he said: “from our mosque” – “and he should remain at his home.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

The aforementioned Hadith shows that a person who has eaten garlic or onion (or anything similar to that) should stay away lest it cause discomfort to the fellow believers (and angels) who have come to worship, due to its pungent smell.

2) To enter with the right foot and recite the supplication of entering the mosque

How many of us have memorized the supplication for entering the masjid? If you have not yet, then it is high time to commit the supplication to memory.

It is highly recommended when entering Al-Masjid Al-Haraam, like other mosques, to say the following beautiful supplication: “I seek refuge with Allah, the Most Great, and with His bounteous Countenance and eternal Power from satan the expelled (from the mercy of Allah). All perfect praise be to Allah. O Allah, send blessings and peace upon Muhammad and upon his family. O Allah, forgive my sins and open the gates of Your mercy before me.”

Then, one should say, “In the Name of Allah,” and proceed with the right foot to enter the masjid. In this way we not only follow the way of our beloved Messenger (peace be upon him), but we also gain rewards from Allah (glory be to Him).

3) The prayer of salutations to the Masjid (tahiyyatul masjid)

Another imperative etiquette is performing the two rakah as the tahiyyatul masjid. This is evident from the following Hadith.

Abu Qatadah reports that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “When one of you comes to the mosque, he should pray two rak’at before he sits.” [Fiqh Us Sunnah, Volume 2, Page 70]

This prayer is established to observe the sanctity and greatness of the house of Allah (glory be to Him). One should not forget to pray the tahiyyatul masjid, as it is highly recommended.

4) Spend time in the remembrance of Allah

While you are in the Grand Masjid or any other masjid, take the utmost advantage of the holy place and remember Allah with much remembrance. Rather than talking with whoever is next to you, keep busy in mentioning Allah’s name and praising Him and seeking forgiveness.

“O you who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance, and glorify Him morning and evening.” (Chapter 33, verse 41)

5)  Recite the supplication for leaving the masjid

When exiting the mosque, step out with the left foot and recite the following supplication:

“I exit in the Name of Allah. O’ Allah! Send Your prayers upon Muhammad and the progeny of Muhammad and forgive my sins and open the doors of Your grace (to me).”

Our Beloved Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah upon him) said, “The markets are the worst places and the masajid are the best places on Earth.” (Ibn Majah 1/257)

The markets makes one forget Allah and occupies the heart in attaining worldly things through trade and shopping. Hence, they are the worst places on earth. The masajid are the best places since they detach us from the world and its affairs, and bring us closer to Allah.

In conclusion, whenever a person visits a mosque, they should observe the etiquettes listed above, as this will be a means of increasing their good deeds and earning the favour of Allah.

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Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Umrah fee does not affect inflow of pilgrims

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