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Conditions under which hajj becomes compulsory

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Conditions under which hajj becomes compulsory

 

Lawful Stated Time of Hajj:

  • The time in which Hajj is to be performed is specified during the three months of Shawwal, Dhul-Qi’da, and Dhul-Hijjah. Hence, if a Muslim meets the specified conditions under which Hajj becomes compulsory during this period of time, he should perform Hajj. If he does not perform Hajj during the first year while being to do so, he is obliged to do so the following year.
  • The person obliged to perform Hajj can make his intention for performing Hajj on any day of this specific period of time, should he want to enter Makkah, from whichever Miqat ( the five places of the appointed time), he passes through while entering Mecca.

Islam sets certain conditions under which it becomes compulsory for a Muslim to perform Hajj.

  • One must possess: Physical and mental capability and can assure his family’s safety.
  • Hajj is obligatory for the Muslim who can provide for his family while he is away on pilgrimage. He/she should have the physical capability to travel and endure the journey’s hardships. He/she should be financially stable even after his return. Furthermore, he/she has to feel secure personally, financially, as well as concerning his family. Time must also be taken into consideration. He/she must have enough time to travel to Makkah, perform the rites of Hajj, and return without undue haste.
  • Puberty: Hajj is compulsory on the adult Muslim who has reached mental and physical maturity.
  • Sanity.
  • Freedom

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 Source: go-makkah.com

Festival of The Sacrifice

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Muslims from all over the world anticipate the annual three-day celebration of a historical event that took place thousands of years ago during the time of Prophet Abraham [pbuh]1. This occasion, known as Eid-ul-Adha or the Festival of the Sacrifice, is a representation of two significant Islamic events: the culmination of the Hajj (or pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia), and the sacrifice that God (Allah) commanded to Prophet Abraham of his beloved son, Ismail.

Eid-ul-Adha is observed on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. While Muslims all around the world celebrate this day, it has particular significance for the pilgrims performing the hajj.

In order to understand the context of Eid-ul-Adha, one must describe the Hajj with which it is associated. Allah had made the Hajj mandatory upon mankind initially during the time of Prophet Abraham: “And make a proclamation of Hajj to mankind; they will come to you on foot and on lean camels from every distant quarter.” (Quran: Ch 22, v27). Over time, however, the spread of idolatry across Arabia caused the rituals of hajj to become extremely distorted. With the advent of Islam and Prophet Muhammad [pbuh], Allah had reinstated Hajj as the fifth pillar of Islam, and described the correct manner in which it was to be performed.

Allah has ordained that every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it must perform the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. Several main rituals constitute the framework of this experience: 1. Tawaf (circumambulating the Kabah2 seven times); 2. Sa’i (walking between the mounds of Safa and Marwah seven times); 3. supplicating to Allah at Arafat (the place where Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] gave his farewell speech, proclaiming the final seal of Islam, and where Muslims believe they will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment); and 4. stoning the pillars that symbolize Satan at Mina (the place where Satan repeatedly challenged Abraham to disobey Allah’s command to sacrifice his son).

Each of these prescribed acts is a step in the pilgrim’s arduous journey towards spiritual cleansing. When the pilgrim successfully executes these acts in the prescribed manner with the utmost sincerity and humility, all his/her prior sins are forgiven. The final ritual that pilgrims must perform, signifying the completion of these acts, is the sacrifice of a domestic animal.

In addition to denoting the completion of the hajj, Eid-ul-Adha honors the monumental sacrifice that was to be made by Prophet Abraham. Abraham was ordered by Allah to sacrifice his dearly-beloved son, Ismail, as a test of obedience. Abraham willingly submitted to Allah’s command, wherein Allah, by His Mercy, replaced Ismail at the moment of sacrifice with a lamb. Abraham’s selfless act of obedience is commemorated by the sacrifice of a domestic animal such as a lamb, sheep, cow, or goat, the meat of which is then distributed to relatives, neighbors, and the poor. In parts of the world that preclude Muslims from personally sacrificing an animal, Muslims donate money to charitable organizations, which then sacrifice the animal on their behalf and distribute the meat to the poor. In keeping with the following injunction of the Quran (22:27), “…and pronounce the name of Allah over the cattle which We have provided for them on the appointed days, then eat the meat themselves and feed the indigent and needy,” Eid-ul-Adha exemplifies the charitable instincts of Muslims in their communal effort to see that no one is left deprived of the sacrificial meat. It further embodies the values of discipline and self-denial, and submitting to the will of Allah.

Eid-ul-Adha is a joyous occasion marked with family traditions and celebrations. The festivities begin in the morning after Fajr prayer, where Muslims, dressed in their finest clothes, attend the congregational prayer followed by a sermon. Upon completion of the services, people greet each other with the blessings of Eid: “Eid Mubarak.” Afterwards, Muslims often visit the homes of relatives and friends, partaking in delicious feasts customary to their native cultures and often exchanging gifts, and many eagerly anticipate the return of those friends and relatives who have made the journey for hajj.

Christianity, Judaism, and Islam all trace their roots back to Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim in Arabic), who is thus known as the father of the three monotheistic religions. Islam relates that Abraham had two wives, Sarah and Hajar, each of whom bore a son, Isaac and Ismail, respectively. Although Hajar was initially Sarah’s maid, according to Islam, Hajar later married Prophet Abraham and bore him a son, Ismail. The lineage of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is traced to Ismail, whereas Christianity and Judaism trace their roots back to prophet Isaac, the son of Sarah. The sacrifice made by Abraham is of importance in all three monotheistic religions, although it is not commemorated by Jews and Christians in the same manner as in Islam. Christianity and Judaism, however, maintain that Isaac, rather than Ismail, was the promised son whom Allah had ordered to be sacrificed.

Whether it is Islam, Christianity, or Judaism, the sacrifice of the son of Prophet Abraham has historical significance. Muslims celebrate the event through the festivities of Eid-ul-Adha as customary to their native cultures. Eid-ul-Adha is a time of remembrance of the trials of Prophet Abraham, a time to celebrate the end of the hajj, and a time that men, women, and children of all ages greatly anticipate. Eid Mubarak!

1 pbuh stands for peace be upon him, an invocation of respect.

2 Kabah – Muslims believe that this is the first house built for the worship of God. It is in Mecca, Saudi Arabia and is the direction in which Muslims face to pray five times a day.

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Source: whyislam.org

Hajj: A Celebration of Peace

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Where am I?

More than 2 million people surround me.  We all have one common goal, one purpose for being here together.  I do not stand out from anyone else.  There are no signs of wealth or greatness upon me.  No Rolex watch or Nike shoes to mark me as a rich person.  I am one person alone, in a sea of humanity.  I am black or white, yellow or brown, the color of my skin is not important.  I am from Europe or Asia or South America, my homeland is any corner of this wide earth.  The people around me are young and old, male and female, rich and poor.  We represent humankind in our diversity, yet we are united.  We are unity in diversity.

I am at Hajj

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam.  Muslims declare that there is no god worthy of worship but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger; they pray, they fast, they pay the obligatory charity, and they go to Hajj.  Hajj is a pilgrimage to the city of Makah in Saudi Arabia.  At the mosque and in the surrounding area, Muslims perform prayers and rituals.  Hajj is an obligatory act performed once in a lifetime by all mentally, physically, and financially able Muslims.

“And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makah) to the House (Kaba) is a duty that mankind owes to God, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision, and residence) ; and whoever disbelieves then God stands not in need of any of mankind, jinn and all that exists” (Quran 3:97)

This year , Hajj is in the middle of November.  Muslims from all over the world will gather to worship God.  They arrive in Saudi Arabia, by plane, bus, car, etc.  Some endure great hardship, others merely buy a first class ticket, but they come as equals.  People make this journey prepared to stand at the House of God (or Kaba) and affirm their love for God and His religion of Islam.

“And proclaim to humankind the Hajj (pilgrimage).  They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj)” (Quran 22:27)

The Hajj is several days of total devotion to the One God.  Muslims come together to celebrate His praises, ask for His forgiveness and demonstrate unity for His sake alone.

Throughout the Muslim world, Hajj has come to symbolize unity.  Although Muslims may be disunited due to many outside influences,  such as money, politics, border disputes or other worldly concerns.  Hajj is a great leveler.  At Hajj, all Muslims are equal; nothing about the rituals they perform makes one person better than another.

More than 2 million Muslims stand in one place, wearing the same simple clothing, following the same rituals and saying the same words.  They are united in their devotion to God.  The black man stands next to the white man and they call on God with one voice.  The king stands beside the pauper and they declare their submission to the will of God using the same words.

Muslims from every corner of the globe are united in their submission to the will of God.  They cry out as if with one voice, “Here I am O God, here I am at your service, and You have no partner.  Here I am.  All praise, grace, and dominion belong to You.  You have no partner”.  This supplication is said repeatedly by the pilgrims.  It is their answer to God’s call for the Muslims to perform Hajj.

These words are repeated with joy and reverence by all, regardless of status or class.  Some people are so overcome with emotion that they weep, others feel elated and happier then they have ever felt before.  Every person there feels that he is one person, alone among millions answering God’s call and God hears his supplication and sees his arrival.  The pilgrims feel amazed that they are the guest of the most Merciful God.  He or she attends this gathering by the invitation of God, not at the invitation of a government or an organization, nor at the request of a family member or friend.

Hajj is performed because God has invited believers to congregate together.  Regardless of the place of birth, nationality, ethnicity, gender, or status, all are welcome, and all are equal in the sight of God.  The Muslims gather to meet one another and demonstrate to each other, and the world that they are united.  Unity in diversity.  They are united by their worship of One God.

“O humankind!  We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another.  Verily, the most honorable of you with God is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa (piety, God-consciousness).  Verily, God is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (Quran 39:13)

Islam is the religion of unity.  Repeatedly throughout the Quran God reminds the believers that they must remain united and seek strength through unity.  Hajj epitomizes this unity.  People from every race and color come together in submission to the will of God.  Muslims are one brotherhood and they come together with a sense of purpose and a desire for peace.

“The believers are nothing else but brothers (in Islam).  So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear God, that you may receive mercy.” (Quran 39:10)

“And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of God (this Quran), and be not divided among yourselves, and remember God’s Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islam), and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it.  Thus God makes His Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.,) clear to you, that you may be guided.” (Quran 3:103)

Hajj is the largest annual gathering of Muslims; it is the largest gathering of people united by the peacefulness and serenity that is Islam.    Anything that disturbs the peacefulness of Hajj is prohibited.  No matter what is happening in the material world at Hajj, peace prevails.

Muslims gather together and their diversity is a wonder to behold.  The old stand with the young, the rich stand with the poor, people of all colors and nationalities stand shoulder to shoulder in prayer and perform rituals side by side.  Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said, “In their love, kindness, and compassion for each other, the believers are like a human body.  Muslims at Hajj are one people, they are a soothing sea of humanity, gathered together to worship One God.  Muslims turn their faces in one direction and submit to the will of God.  They are united by their love of God, and united in their diversity.

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Source: islamreligion.com

Plan in place to deal with last 10 days of Ramadan

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Plan in place to deal with last 10 days of Ramadan

MAKKAH: Leaders and officials inside the Grand Mosque and its surrounding areas are working around the clock in preparation for the last 10 days of Ramadan, which are considered among the busiest in a year and test the capabilities of service agencies.

Government bodies are preparing the Grand Mosque, its yards and roofs, while the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques has supplied the mosque with huge amounts of carpets, copies of the Qur’an, water coolers and waste containers to prepare all available spaces for worshippers whose numbers are expected to increase dramatically during the last 10 days.

The northern yards of the expanded Grand Mosque is at maximum alert to provide services and prepare locations. The lower toilets have been opened and the safety of the escalators has been checked. Security forces concerned with managing the crowds are preparing their plans for the last 10 days of the holy month, too. These plans aim to use empty spaces in the expansion to prevent stampedes and regulate entry and exit flows, in addition to preventing people from performing prayers in thoroughfares and sitting in hallways.

The service agencies are supported by a large voluntary group and charitable teams who work in the areas of food distribution, rescue, first aid, guidance, free transportation and pushing wheelchairs.

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Source: arabnews.com

Du’aa’s (Supplications) during Umrah

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Du’aa’s (Supplications) during Umrah

In the saheeh Sunnah are narrated du’a and adhkaar which you can recite during the rituals of Umrah, and from which the Muslim can benefit by memorizing them, understanding them and acting upon them. These include the following : 

A – At the Meeqaat when entering into a state of Ihram: 

It is Sunnah for the Muslim to recite tasbeeh (saying “Subhaan-Allaah (glory be to Allah)”), tahleel ( saying “Laa ilaaha ill-Allah (there is no god but Allah)” ) and takbeer ( saying “Allahu akbar (Allah is Most Great)” ) before entering ihram for during Umrah.

It was narrated that Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) prayed Zuhr with four rak’ahs when we were with him in Medina, and he prayed ‘Asr in Dhu’l-Hulayfah with two rak’ahs, then he stayed there overnight. When morning came he rode until he reached al-Bayda’, then he praised, glorified and magnified Allah. Then he recited Talbiyah with the intention of performing Hajj and during Umrah and the people did likewise. (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 1476.)

Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar said: 

This ruling – that it is (preferable) mustahabb to recite tasbeeh and the other (adhkaars) mentioned before ihram – is something that not many people do even though it is proven in the Sunnah. 

Fath al-Baari, 3/412 .

B – On the way to Mecca, between the Meeqaat and arrival in Mecca: 

It is Sunnah to recite the Talbiyah a great deal and to raise one’s voice – for men; women should recite in a low voice so that no non-mahram men will hear them. 

It was narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) that when the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) set out riding from the mosque of Dhu’l-Hulayfah, he recited the Talbiyah and said: “ Labbayk Allaahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk, inna al-hamda wa’l-ni’matah laka wa’l-mulk, laa shareeka lak (Here I am, O Allaah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and grace and dominion are Yours, You have no partner).” 

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5571; Muslim, 1184.

 C – During Tawaf 

Every time you come in line with the Black Stone in each circuit, say, “Allaahu Akbar.” Al-Bukhari (1613) narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas ( may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ( peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) circumambulated the House, and every time he came to the corner ( i.e., the Black Stone), he pointed to it with something he had in his hand and said takbeer. 

Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone you should say the words that were narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn al-Saa’ib, who said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah ( peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say between the two Corners: “ Rabbana aatina fi’l-dunya hasanah wa fi’l-aakhirah hasanah wa qina ‘adhaab al-naar ( Our Lord, give us that which is good in this world and that which is good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire).” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1892; classed as Hasan by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood. 

D- Before climbing up al-Safa and when atop it: 

It was narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allah said: … then he ( the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)) went out through the gate to al-Safa and when he drew near to al-Safa he recited: “ Verily, As-Safa and Al-Marwah (two mountains in Makkah) are of the Symbols of Allaah” [al-Baqarah 2:158 – interpretation of the meaning], (and he said:) “ I begin with that with which Allaah began.” He began with al-Safa and climbed it until he could see the House, then he turned to face the qiblah and proclaimed the Oneness of Allaah and magnified Him, and said: “ Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer; Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu anjaza wa’dah wa nasara ‘abdah wa hazama al-ahzaaba wahdah (There is no god but Allaah alone, with no partner or associate, His is the dominion and to Him be praise, and He is able to do all things; there is no god but Allaah alone, He fulfilled His promises and granted victory to His slave and defeated the confederates alone).” Then he made du’aa’ between that and repeated this three times. 

Narrated by Muslim, 1218.

E – When climbing al-Marwah 

You should do the same as you did when climbing al-Safa, without reciting the verse before starting to climb. 

Jaabir ( may Allah be pleased with him) said:  Then he came down towards al-Marwah and when his feet reached the bottom of the valley he ran until the ground started to rise, then he walked until he came to al-Marwah, and he did at al-Marwah as he had done at al-Safa. Narrated by Muslim, 1218. 

When drinking Zamzam water, you may say du’aa’ asking for the best of this world and the Hereafter, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “ The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.” Narrated by Ibn Maajah, 3062; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in 5502. 

Similarly it is prescribed to remember Allaah a great deal (dhikr), which includes du’aa’, during tawaaf and saa’i, so the Muslim should make du’aa’ as Allaah inspires him. There is nothing wrong with reciting Qur’aan during tawaaf and saa’i. What some people say, that there are special du’aa’s for each circuit of tawaaf and saa’i is something for which there is no basis in sharee’ah. 

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: 

It is (preferable) mustahabb during tawaf to remember Allah and call upon Him in ways that are prescribed in sharee’ah. If one recites Qur’aan there is nothing wrong with that. There is no specific dhikr that has been narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), that he either enjoined, said or taught to others. Rather ( the pilgrim) may say any du’aa’ that is prescribed in sharee’ah. What many people say, that there is a specific du’aa’  during Umrah to be recited beneath the downspout of the Ka’bah and so on has no basis.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to end his tawaf between the two Corners by saying,  “ Rabbana aatina fi’l-dunya hasanah wa fi’l-aakhirah hasanah wa qina ‘adhaab al-naar (Our Lord, give us that which is good in this world and that which is good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire),” as he used to finish all his du’aa’s with these words, and there is no specific du’aa’ for that, according to scholarly consensus.

Source: go-makkah.com

Worshippers relish iftar experience in Prophet’s Mosque

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Worshippers relish iftar experience in Prophet’s Mosque

MADINAH — Iftar or breaking fast at the Prophet’s Mosque during Ramadan provides a unique spiritual experience not only for the people of Madinah but also for the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and visitors who come to the holy city from the different corners of the Islamic world.

One cannot witness such an atmosphere of social cohesion and harmony with tens of thousands of people joining a community meal anywhere else in the world barring the Grand Mosque in Makkah. People of different walks of life and different nationalities sit together inside the Prophet’s Mosque and its courtyards to break their fast.

“You can see this marvelous scene by sunset every day of Ramadan,” said Abdul Raheem Al-Haddadi, the reporter working for Al-Madina Arabic daily. “I have noticed that people of different races, colors, and cultures sit shoulder to shoulder to break their fast, helping and caring for each other.”

He added: “The most striking feature of this huge iftar gathering is that everyone gives priority to those who sit beside them while taking food and drinks.”

Adnan Dabour, a Madinah resident, said in the past most people of the city went to the Prophet’s Mosque before Asr prayer to perform the prayer in congregation. They try to find a place in Rowdah Sharief, the holiest section of the mosque between the Prophet’s tomb and his pulpit. Only a small number of them went to mosques in their neighborhoods.

“This was a custom we had followed may be until 50 years ago,” Dabour said.
“Only a few foreign pilgrims visited the mosque during Ramadan in those times. We used to carry water and various types of dates and bread and special Madinah dishes to break fast with other worshippers at the Prophet’s Mosque.

“We still do this every year to feel and enjoy the greatness of Ramadan sitting in the vicinity of the Prophet’s Mosque where we pray Maghreb, Isha, and Taraweeh with Muslims from different parts of the world. It’s amazing that hundreds of thousands break their fasts in the mosque without facing any difficulty.”

Fayez Al-Ahmadi said for the last 20 years he has been breaking his Ramadan fast with some old friends at the Prophet’s Mosque, enjoying its spiritual ambiance. “I have made it a point that I should not miss this opportunity throughout Ramadan,” he said.

“This is a tradition we have inherited from our forefathers as we used to accompany them when we were children,” Al-Ahmadi said. “I am extremely happy to see the competition between the faithful to do good and engage in philanthropic activities seeking the reward of Allah.”

Dates, bread, yogurt, and water bottles are supplied in abundance to meet the requirements of the increasing number of worshippers who break their fast at the mosque. “You can see the massive arrangements for iftar inside and outside the mosque with worshippers filling all its corners.”

Abdulwahab Al-Baluchi said he has been witnessing these marvelous iftar gatherings at the Prophet’s Mosque for several years.

“Ever since we were children we used to go to the Prophet’s Mosque for breaking the Ramadan fast and our fathers and relatives used to carry with them yoghurt, dates, bread, tea, and Arabic coffee, and we prayed Asr, Maghreb, Isha and Taraweeh at the mosque,” he added.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Preparations For Hajj or Umrah

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Preparations For Hajj or Umrah

Preparations For Hajj or Umrah

Choose a travel agent who offers a wide selection of “packages” for Hajj. Not all of the products of travel agents are of equal quality and value. Choosing the right agent is of crucial importance. Hopefully, a representative of your travel agent will be your constant guide and trouble shooter during Hajj. Invest time and effort in this essential phase of your preparation

Talk to friends and acquaintances who may have recently used the services of various companies and ask them for recommendations. The quality of service and commitment to the comfort and well-being of the pilgrims vary significantly among travel agents. Whereas a good and responsible agent can “make” your Hajj, a bad one can just as easily “break” it.

Be sure to ask the travel agent specific questions and have him give you specific answers:

What will be the duration of your stay in Mecca and Medina? What dates? Is the program flexible or will it allow no changes once it is made? Is there any additional cost to such changes? If so, what is it?

How far away will you be staying from Haram ash Shareef, both in Mecca and in Medina? If your place of residence is not within easy walking distance (10-15 minutes), what type of transportation to and from Haram ash Shareef will be made available? How often during the day will it be available?

Will a representative of the travel agent who is fully conversant with the rites of Hajj, and Saudi rules and procedures for customs, immigration, and travel be with you at all times? Will he stay in Saudi Arabia for the duration of your visit? You do not want to be left in Saudi Arabia without adequate guidance and assistance. The laws and procedures there can be very difficult, frustrating, and time-consuming.

Will the representative of the agent be conversant with the Arabic language? If not, will an interpreter be provided in Saudi Arabia? Most Saudi authorities do not speak English, and your command of Arabic is likely to be limited.

Will you have the option of travelling within Saudi Arabia, (for example from Mecca to Medina), in a taxi hired by you at your own expense instead of the prepaid bus provided by your muallim? How about possible return by air from Medina to Jeddah on your way out of the country instead of the usual prepaid bus? Get a good idea of this additional expense.

You may want to use the above options in view of the fact that the bus journeys during Hajj season can be nerve-racking. For example, a bus journey from Mecca to Medina (approximately 400 km or 250 miles) can take as long as twenty to thirty hours, whereas a taxi will cover the same distance in three to four hours. The small additional cost you will incur is well worth the money in terms of time saved and physical discomfort avoided.

If you choose to use any of the alternate travel options (and it is highly recommend that you give them very serious consideration), be sure to redeem your unused bus coupons at Jeddah airport on your way out. Your travel agent should be able to help you in this.

What kind of arrangements will be made for your stay in Mina and Arafat? How about the food arrangements in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah?

Does the price of your package include meals? See if the agents make an effort to vary the menu. You may have to supplement your meals with milk, fruits etc. Food supplied by the agents tends to be monotonous, and the lack of variety is likely to kill your appetite after a couple of days!

Will the agent arrange for a sacrifice on your behalf on the 10th of Zul Hijjah? This is a common service agents often provide for a small fee. They will inform you of the time of the sacrifice so that you may perform other rites accordingly.

source: islamicity.com

Services for Umrah, Haj boosted

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Services for Umrah, Haj boostedarabnews

Services for Umrah, Haj boosted

JEDDAH: There has been a significant improvement in the services provided by the Kingdom for Haj and Umrah pilgrims, including a major increase in capacity in Makkah and Madinah, the Cabinet announced on Monday night at its weekly meeting.

At the gathering chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, the Cabinet lauded the initiatives ordered by the monarch to expand the Two Holy Mosques, said Minister of Culture and Information Adel Al-Toraifi, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The Cabinet confirmed that several parts of the massive expansion at the Grand Mosque have been completed, including the surrounding courtyards, the mataf or circumambulation area around the Kaaba, and several of the upper floors where pilgrims can perform the tawaf or circumambulation.

At the outset of the Cabinet session, King Salman thanked Allah Almighty for the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, and for bestowing blessings on the Kingdom. He wished citizens, expatriates and the Muslim world well over the coming month of fasting and hoped that achieving the objectives of this month would help unify the Muslim world. He said Islam was a religion of peace and compassion and rejected violence and extremism.

The king also praised the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for their efforts during their 16th consultative meeting, which he said would help ensure prosperity, stability and security in the region. He welcomed the formation of the Economic and Development Affairs Commission, the basic law of the Economic Judicial Commission, and the plan to hold regular meetings of defense, interior and foreign ministers to coordinate policies among the GCC countries.

Al-Toraifi said the Council of Ministers condemned the terrorist attack on the Jordanian intelligence headquarters in Albaqa’a, which resulted in the death of several people. He said the Kingdom stood with the Hashemite Kingdom in its fight against terrorism.

The Cabinet praised the marine mediums project started by the Ministry of Interior, being carried out by the Border Guard; and the project to design and produce unmanned aircraft by Prince Sultan Advanced Technology Research Institute.

The king briefed the Cabinet on the results of his meetings with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy Paolo Gentiloni.

Al-Toraifi said that the Cabinet announced several decisions including approving the statute of the Arab Court of Human Rights after reviewing a report submitted by the Minister of Justice, and a Shoura Council resolution on the matter.

After reviewing the report submitted by the Ministry of Economy and Planning, the Cabinet approved the formation of the National Center for Strategic Development Studies, which is an advisory body aimed at providing input on economic development issues by carrying out studies and consultations for public and private sector bodies.

The Cabinet decided to approve the minutes of the Saudi-Jordanian Council of Coordination and the Saudi-UAE Council of Coordination; authorized the Education Ministry to sign a pact with Mauritania; and the Housing Ministry to ink an agreement with India.

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Source: arabnews.com

210 doors in Haram for entry and exit of pilgrims

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210 doors in Haram for entry and exit of pilgrims

210 doors in Haram for entry and exit of pilgrims

MAKKAH — Some 210 doors have been opened in the Grand Mosque in Makkah for the entry and exit of pilgrims, visitors and worshippers during Ramadan, according to director of the department of doors in the Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques Muhammad Bati.

He told Makkah Arabic daily on Tuesday that about 600 employees, wearing official uniforms and carrying IDs, will be guarding the doors.

Bati urged all pilgrims and visitors to cooperate with the guards to ensure smooth entry and exit.

He said the guards have been directed to treat pilgrims with hospitality and deal with them politely.

He also asked the employees of the Grand Mosque to prevent people from praying close to the doors and along the passages.

Bati urged visitors and pilgrims not to enter the Haram immediately after prayers.

He said Al-Salam door will be dedicated for the entry of the dead bodies for funeral prayer.

Bati said the special needs people can enter the Haram through a number of doors including Al-Salam, Al-Marwa, Quraish, Al-Abbas, King Fahd and Abdullah gates in addition to the doors No. 64, 68, 69, 74, 84, 89, 90, 93 and 94. He said there are lifts and escalators for special needs people.

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Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Makkah ready with comprehensive plan for Ramadan

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Makkah ready with comprehensive plan for Ramadan

The Makkah Secretariat has prepared a comprehensive plan to intensify municipal services in view of the large number of visitors and Umrah pilgrims thronging the holy city during Ramadan.
“The secretariat has defined the tasks and responsibilities of each department, along with continuous work of all the other central departments and sub-municipalities,” Makkah Mayor Osama Al-Bar told local media.
He said that officials have been told to personally supervise the work and ensure top quality services.
“The plan was based on intensifying the work, especially in crowded areas such as the central area, shops and commercial centers and neighborhoods surrounding the Grand Mosque,” said Al-Bar.
“All this is aimed at achieving quality control and the safety of food products and water. At the same time, due attention will be paid to continuously clear garbage in areas where Umrah pilgrims stay or frequent,” he said.
The mayor said the municipality will control vendors in the area surrounding the Grand Mosque and monitor the slaughterhouses besides maintaining streetlights and other municipal utilities.
“A total of 11,825 workers, equipped with more than 850 cleaning equipment, will work around the clock to keep the city clean. In addition to this, a number of transitional stations to collect waste within the sub-municipalities will operate along with special teams to eliminate insects and mosquitoes to prevent dengue or other diseases. More than 900 technicians and specialists in the field, equipped with more than 1,000 devices and spraying machines, will be working in this area,” said the mayor.
“All these teams will work in two shifts — morning and evening — and work around the clock.”
In the area of environmental health, Al-Bar said, a number of field committees have been formed to monitor commercial centers and stores that sell food and ensure that they meet the health standards.

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Article by: arabnews.com

Sun to help determine accurate Kaaba direction today

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Sun to help determine accurate Kaaba direction today

MAKKAH: The holy city will witness on Friday a rare astronomical phenomenon where the sun will be exactly perpendicular above the Kaaba, i.e. the sun will rise by 90 degrees vertically above the House of God.

The shadows will disappear for a slight period. This event will allow people to define the exact direction of the prayer’s direction meticulously, reported Al Arabiya website.

Moulhem bin Mohammed Hindi, astronomy researcher in the Astronomy and Space Sciences department at the King Abdulaziz University, said that the sun passes over the Kaaba twice a year; this year it will perpendicular above it on May 27 and July 15. Tomorrow, this event will coincide with the Friday prayer at the Grand Mosque.

Hindi said “this cosmic phenomenon enables people watching the sun at that exact moment, to determine the precise direction of the Kaaba through the simplest and easiest way. People should look at the sun and thus, they shall be 100 percent heading to the direction of the Qibla.”Sun to help determine accurate Kaaba direction today

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Article by: http://www.arabnews.com

Makkah museums attract visitors

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Makkah museums attract visitors

Makkah museums attract visitors

MAKKAH — Director of the Supreme Commission for Tourism and Antiquities in Makkah Dr. Faisal Al-Sharif confirmed that that there are classification criteria approved by the commission and applied meticulously to ensure a qualitative leap in museums’ displaying and conservation of artifacts. He pointed out that the objective of the licensing is to raise the level of museums in partnership with their owners, whether they are investors or individuals, to match the international quality standards adopted by the commission in the framework of the initiative launched by the president of the commission entitled “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a Destination for Muslims”.

Some museum owners gave approximate figures about how much demand is out there for museums and looked forward to more visitors with the activation of the role of museums as part of the 2030 Kingdom vision.

Humanity Heritage

Founder of Humanity Heritage Museum Magdu Ahmed Abu Ras says: “The idea of the museum began through a hobby, where I started collecting antiques and artifacts 50 years ago. I bought everything rare or old and began to establish the museum”. He added: “The museum includes 14 halls especially for calligraphy, manuscripts, periodicals, journals, documents, coins and stamps.

Islamic Dinar

Islamic Dinar Museum was founded in 1419. The founder of the museum Mohammad Omar Natoo says: “Starting as a hobby since childhood in the collection of Islamic coins, and my belief in the importance of preserving the Islamic and national heritage, I worked on the collection of a number of gold, silver and copper coins, as well as all monetary versions of Saudi Arabia’s currency, and some manuscripts, weapons and historical documents.”

Al-Amoudi Heritage

Al-Amoudi starred building the museum 20 years ago, according to its founder, Abu Bakr Al-Amoudi, who said: “We built the museum in an old-fashioned way made of mud and milk mixture and covered the ceiling with palm fronds on an area of 2,000 square meter on the Makkah-Jeddah highway 20 years before the road was officially opened in 1435H”.

He pointed out that the museum aims to introduce the Saudi heritage of the various regions of the Kingdom in general, and displays the Makkah heritage in particular in addition to historical, cultural and social parameters, and to highlight the bright present and the current renaissance in Makkah.

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Article by: saudigazette.com.sa