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Number of Umrah visas to treble in 2016

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Saudi Arabia is planning to triple the number of Umrah visas issued each year to 15 million, according to local media.
From next year, 1.25 million pilgrims could be allowed to visit the Grand Mosque each month, compared to 400,000 presently.
Haj Minister Bandar Al Hajjar was quoted as saying that the increased numbers were to make use of the newly expanded Grand Mosque. which is undergoing a $20 billion refurbishment.
Umrah and Haj visas were cut in 2014 and 2015 during construction, which is still ongoing.
According to the Haj Ministry, five million Umrah visas were issued in 2013 and six million each during 2014 and 2015. It expects to issue up to 60 million by 2018.
About 1.8 million foreign pilgrims recently descended on the Islamic holy city of Makkah for haj, an annual pilgrimage Muslims are expected to perform in their lifetime.
This year’s religious gather was marred by one of the worst stampedes in Saudi history. Saudi authorities said 769 people died, but figures compiled by Associated Press put the number at 1399, while several governments also disputed the official Saudi figure.

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Article by: arabianbusiness.com

Visa procedure and tips if your mahram is in a different country

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It has frequently been observed that Muslim ladies travel from other parts of the world to come for education or work and then settle here. At some point in their life, they feel the need to perform umrah. At this point in time, (until unless, they are 45 years of age), they face major problems. One of which is the Mahram rules for women performing umrah by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia government. These ladies (often young and under 45), feel that they are being deprived of a religious duty and if they were living with families back home, it would have been a lot easier to perform umrah. They sometimes drop the idea of umrah altogether due to conflicting advice, they get from agents and others around them. And this is true as well, to an extent, specially if you don’t know the modus operandi in such cases. This situation is worsened, when your mahram is in a different country, like India, Pakistan or elsewhere in the world.
Following is a step by step procedure, if followed to the letter carefully, can result in getting you going on umrah without any trouble.

Main key points:

  1. First of all, make sure that the person travelling is a Mahram for you. A mahram is defined as someone who, you are permanently forbidden to marry, due to blood or foster or marriage relationships. Remember, if you choose the wrong person, the whole procedure will be a waste.
  2. Now book umrah flights  for both of you. These flights should be indirect, making sure that you meet. For example in Dubai or any other airport and then take an onwards flight to enter Saudi together.
  3. Once you have booked the flights, consult your local umrah visa agent. To ask, which company will they be using in Saudi for processing your umrah visa. Write that down with proper pronunciation to avoid confusion with similar names.
  4. Now request your mahram in your home country to apply for an umrah visa, with a local agent, who is using the same company in Saudi Arabia. e.g Ajyaad etc. Ask them to initiate this process at least 1 month before departure date, due to reason explained in the next step.
  5. Once you have secured their visa, ask them to email you a scanned copy of the first page and visa page.
  6. Now give this copy to your local agent, along with your passport and request them to process the visa for you. The agent will apply fresh MOFA for both passports and will charge you for two passports.
  7. You will Insha Allah, receive visa for both you and the Mahram and can travel without problem.
  8. Remember, you also need to keep in mind, that in some countries, there is an age limit for males as well, on going for umrah alone. So, exercise caution and make sure all relevant rules are followed.
  9. Please note that this procedure is described as a guideline only and we are not responsible for results of following or not following this procedure. If you want us to take care of it, please call us at 0203 744 0052 and speak to Hira.

Article by: umrahpackagesuk.co.uk

For the benefit for those intending to perform ‘Umrah or Hajj

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hajj


General

  • One of the most important of all advices: Safeguard your eyesight. When travelling and especially in Makkah when men and women tend to mix more.

  • Protect your women; each woman travelling will have a maHram whose responsibility it is to ensure that no harm comes her way. The worst men are the dayyooth (those who lack ghayrah, i.e. do not care if (non-maHram) men approach their wives, mothers, sisters or daughters) and the worst women are those that flirt.

  • Don’t intermingle with the opposite sex (non-maHram), particular those in your group/hotel; this is impermissible under all circumstances… Tour leaders/representatives take note: beware of being over-friendly with the females!

  • Seek some necessary ‘ilm (knowledge) from trustworthy sources before going so you can perform your acts of worship independently and with confidence.

  • Spread Salâm wherever you go; remember: everyone’s a Muslim in the Haramayn, alHamdulillâh! The lack of greetings is a sign of Qiyâmah.

  • Always give precedence to the elderly and help them whenever you can.

  • Agree the price before making any transaction to avoid unnecessary disagreement later; situations where this will apply include shopping, having your luggage trolley pushed by persistent airport workers and getting the laundry done via one of the hotel workers.

  • Musical ringtones are a no-no; it’s beyond me why so many Muslims cannot comprehend this simple fact. This includes the Nokia tune as well. Change your mobile phone ring tone to the basic “ring ring” tone right now. And, whatever you do, do not answer your phone/talk while doing Tawâf; those who do this are showing scant regard for the sanctity of the blessed place they’re in.

  • Don’t take photos; unfortunately, that’s all you see nowadays: Muslims taking pictures/videos of anything or anyone in sight as if they need to prove to the world they were there. My advice: have some sincerity; you are there for Allâh and He doesn’t need you to record anything for He is All-Knowing of everything you do.

  • Be patient; you will meet all sorts of characters! You’re bound to come across situations where your patience will be tested; remain calm and don’t lose your temper. That way you won’t regret it later.

  • Be friendly; you will meet the most pleasant and interesting of Muslims. Don’t shy away from striking up a conversation. At the very least smile, for that in itself is a virtue.

  • Learning a bit of basic Arabic beforehand will prove very handy.

  • If you’re a smoker, please try to quit. If you can’t, please limit it to your hotel (room).

  • If you get into a taxi, don’t be surprised if one of the side mirrors is missing or the windscreen is cracked; just don’t forget to fasten your seatbelts!

  • Some Muslims (more likely in Makkah) might offer you some Naseehah, especially if you make a mistake. Be humble and accept it. If it is within your ability and the situation demands, do not shy away from giving Naseehah but be courteous and respectful.

Flight

  • Don’t miss your Salâh on the plane; it doesn’t become forgiven suddenly just because you’re no longer on land! More often than not on long-haul flights, when a Salâh has to be performed during the flight, there is ample space in the cabin area (where the food is prepared/food tray is kept). Outside of the serving times, most cabin crew will be more than happy to let you perform your prayers there. With minimal inconveniencing and just limiting it to the farâ’idh, perform your Salâh standing up and facing the Qiblah. If this is not possible, you may find space near the emergency doors although this may involve inconveniencing some passengers. If there is absolutely no space whatsoever, in the worst-case scenario, you may end up having to perform your Salâh at your seat. Ensure you are facing the Qiblah. Begin your Salâh standing up and only sit down for the sujood and jalsahs; prostrate on the food tray provided the Qiblah is towards the front of the plane. If you performed your Salâh in this manner, repeat your Salâh once you land to be on the safe side.

  • One issue that can cause a lot of confusion is Salâh time, especially Fajr. Unfortunately, airlines don’t provide Salâh timetables for the countries you are flying over. Use the time and the state of the sky as an indication of what prayer time it is; with a bit of common sense you won’t be far out, Inshâ-Allâh. It’s the effort and desire that counts.

  • Only watch the in-flight movies if you want to ruin the spirit and vigour of Imân you are going with or the state of Imân you are returning with. Recite the Qur-ân, do some Thikr, read Islamic literature or go to sleep instead.

  • Make sure you clean up the toilet (floor) after use; it really gives a bad impression of Muslims to other passengers and the air hostesses if they have to unblock the sink or mop the flooded floor.

  • Ensure you only eat vegetarian/Halâl on the plane; avoid meat.

Makkah al-Mukarramah

  • Perform Tawâf on your own (or, at most, with your wife). You don’t need to go around in a group and chant in unison for your Tawâf to be accepted. Doing so is a sign of ignorance.

  • Do not attempt to kiss the Hajar al-Aswad at peak times (you’ll know when these are) – you’ll simply harm yourself or someone else in the process. It is painful hearing screaming and the sound of scuffles each time one goes past this blessed corner of the Ka’bah. There are certain times (e.g. just before ‘Asr salaah) when one can quite easily line up in an orderly fashion around the Ka’bah and get to kiss the stone.

  • Try to perform your Salâh wherever the Imâm performs his Salâh. You will find that, apart from Zuhr, the Imâm will perform every Salâh in the MaTâf.

  • Getting into the MaTâf for Jumu’ah Salâh is easy because most people want to avoid the sun. If you can hack the heat, you should be able to get pretty close to the (white) Minbar. One trick I’ve seen being used by people coming in late and wanting a ‘good’ position is to bring two cups filled with Zam Zam and to offer it to two Musallees between whom the latecomer sees a potential spot. I’m not recommending it but it does appear to work!

  • You can fill your own Zam Zam water by buying your drum(s) locally (from a shop selling them near your hotel) and going to where the special taps are located near the library/birthplace of Rasoolullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam; you can get there by going anti-clockwise in the courtyard (left) from the big Zam Zam towers. You will find all the Zam Zam sellers lining up their drums so you may have to wait a while for your turn but apparently they are only allowed to fill 5 drums at a time before being forced to step behind and give others a chance.

  • You will be staying here for at least 1 week; try to complete one Qur-ân.

al-Madeenah al-Munawwarah

  • When coming to perform Salâh, don’t be misled by the number of people lined up towards the entrance of the Masjid at the back. Just move forwards; you’d be surprised how much free space there is towards the front of the Masjid.

  • When offering salaam to the best of all creations, Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam, you will find that at peak times (usually after each Salâh) the policemen will cordon off the immediate lane every so often so people are forced to take the ‘outer lane’. You can loiter around the Imâm’s position until the coast is clear (policemen move away) and get in the ‘inner lane’. When you get close to the Qabr ash-Shareef, you will notice many people peering into the holes that appear before the actual resting position of Rasoolullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. This will allow you to skip past them and get right next to the proper position. But don’t all try at once…!

  • The best time to get a spot in the Rawdhah (green carpet area aka Riyâdh al-Jannah) is just before Tahajjud time and around 10am in the morning. It’s fairly easy to get a spot there after ‘Asr too but remember: you can’t perform Nafl prayer until Maghrib time (although you will see many Muslims performing Salâh even at Makrooh times).

  • Jannah al-Baqee’ (graveyard) is only open (to the public) after Fajr (till about midday) and after ‘Asr (till 6pm) these days. Apart from going there generally, try to go there immediately after one of these two Salâhs if there is a Janâzah and you should be able to join the burial(s) thus doubling the reward.

  • You will be staying here for at least 1 week; try to complete another Qur-ân.

Salâh

  • Get used to using the Miswâk when you’re there; there’s plenty available and a bargain really for so much reward and upholding a great Sunnah.

  • Take a shoe bag to avoid having your slippers/shoes taken by someone else. I’ve seen some splitting their pair of slippers and placing their right one in a separate location to their left one but I’m not sure if this method proves successful.

  • Women must make sure they do not apply any perfume when going to the Masjid; this is strictly forbidden in the Hadeeth.

  • Try to learn the various ad’iyah (du’as) reported in the Hadeeth, especially for the Qawmah and Jalsah postures; you will get ample time to pray these.

  • Make sure you learn how to perform the Janâzah Salaah and the various du’âs (male = ar-rajul; female = al-mar-ah [plural = amwât]; child = Tifl [plural = aTfâl]).

  • Try to avoid walking in front of Musallees performing Salâh, unless it is to fill a gap in front in which case there is no harm even to move slightly while in prayer.

Hotel

  • Don’t get into a situation where you are alone with a woman in the lift; if you are alone in the lift and a woman gets in, you must get out!

  • Don’t ever watch (the wide-screen, spanky-looking) TV in your room; if you know you’ll be tempted, take the plug out as soon as you step in to your room!

Food

  • Don’t touch meat/chicken with a barge pole; most of it comes from non-Muslim countries and is, at the very least, doubtful (see How genuine is Halâl stamp?, for example). Better safe than sorry. This applies to Asian restaurants as well as Saudi fast-food chains. Tâzaj, however, is said to be an exception (their chickens are slaughtered locally, though I cannot confirm this).

  • Don’t ever waste food. If for whatever reason there is some left over, offer it to the needy, e.g. the women selling stuff on the streets, Haram/hotel workers.

Shopping

  • Avoid shopping if you can help it; this may be difficult if you’ve got your Mrs with you (no offence intended) or you’ve got loads of requests from back home. On a more serious note, you will notice the difference in environment and its negative effects when you leave the Haram and enter the shopping malls… the less the better.

  • Don’t let women shop alone; I wouldn’t trust the shopkeepers. At times, there are as many as 5 workers in one tiny shop and if a woman walks in they almost huddle around her. Insist the men talk to you and not your womenfolk. This is what ghayrah demands. If they fail to comply, rebuke them and walk out (along with your women of course) in protest.

  • If you decide to exchange some gold/silver at a jewellery shop, remember that you cannot sell gold for gold or silver for silver except when it is like for like, otherwise it is classed as interest. The solution is to first sell your gold/silver to the shopkeeper in exchange for riyals and then buy the gold/silver you want with riyals.

  • Always leave (each shop) on a happy note; if you are simply browsing let the shopkeeper(s) know first so that if you leave without having bought anything they will not get offended. If you don’t decide to buy anything and the shopkeeper has made an effort to sell you something, apologise to him before leaving. Basic social etiquettes really.

  • Ladies, don’t buy colourful, tight and shiny/flashy jubbahs. Doing so defeats the purpose of wearing jubbahs.

  • Make sure you check with your airline beforehand so you know how much luggage you can take back. Most allow 30kg per passenger but some, like Swiss Air, only allow 20kg (excluding hand luggage). Check you’re covered before buying those dates from the market.

Beggars

  • Never refuse a beggar; only Allâh knows the true state of each person. If what s/he is saying is true and you refuse to give, you could be taken to task in the Hereafter. Refusal can be interpreted as pride or stinginess. If at all possible, try to give them food so you know where your money goes and also because genuine destitutes don’t refuse food. At the very least, give 1 riyâl; on average, that’s only 15-20p! You will be rewarded according to your intentions, Inshâ-Allâh.

Article by: darulihsan.com

Train for pilgrims’ Makkah–Madinah travel by end of 2016

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Buses will no longer be used for transporting pilgrims to and fro Makkah and Madinah when the Haramain Highspeed Railway commences operation by December next year, according to an official of the Haramain Railway project.

The official said that a total of 35 trains will be used to transport two million pilgrims, in addition to millions of Umrah pilgrims.

“Works on the railway stations in Madinah and Rabigh have been completed and the works on stations in Makkah and Jeddah are nearing completion,” he said adding that trial run of train on Madinah–Rabigh sector is in progress.

This article first appeared in the Saudi Gazette on Sept. 28, 2015.

Madinah airport’s Haj lounge opens today

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MADINAH: To deal with the mass influx of Umrah pilgrims, Madinah’s Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport plans to open its Haj terminal on Friday with 28 extra counters available, according to a report in a local publication.
Col. Hisham Al-Radadi, Madinah Passport Department spokesman, said a meeting was held last week, which decided to open the lounge for the expected rush of visitors.
All procedures would be performed at these counters including checking the identities of passengers with the electronic fingerprint database of the Ministry of Interior, he said.
Al-Radadi said the time taken to process passengers depends on various factors including whether people are familiar with the procedures and the pace at which the children and the elderly are processed.
Ahmad Sharqawi, deputy general manager at Tibah Company for Airport Operations said the service counters were set up to process passengers in an average of 60 seconds.
He said that it was largely the processing of the elderly and children that was slowing down the pace at the airport’s counters. However, everything is being done to ensure there is a smooth flow of passengers through the airport, he said.
Al-Sharqawi said the meeting concluded that the Haj Plaza lounges be reopened and staffed starting from Jan. 1, with extra counters and officials from the Haj Ministry, passport department and customs available.
He said Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman has urged that everything should be done to ensure that pilgrims are accorded quality service at the airport when they arrive and leave
Local media reported earlier that passengers, visitors, citizens and residents coming through the airport in Madinah face many difficulties including lengthy procedures at counters.

Article by: arabnews.com

These our Umrah packages 2015 & 2016:
 

Islam isn’t a religion of hatred

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Pigeon-Of-Peace
A British Catholic priest Idris Tawfiq accepts Islam after reading the Qur’an and his interactions with Muslims and found that Islam isn’t a religion of hatred. The following is excerpts from a speech that he delivered at the British Council in Cairo.
I ENJOYED being a priest helping the people for some years. However, deep inside I was not happy and I felt that there was something not right. Fortunately, and it is God’s will, some events and coincidences in my life led me to Islam.

Egypt tour:

An important coincidence was the decision to quit my work at the Vatican, a step followed by making a trip to Egypt.
I used to think of Egypt as a country of Pyramids, camels, sand and palm trees. I actually took a charter flight to Hurghada.
Shocked to find it similar to some European beaches, I took the first bus to Cairo where I spent the most wonderful week in my life.
This was my first introduction to Muslims and Islam. I noticed how Egyptians are such gentle, sweet people, but also very strong.

misconceptions:

Like all Britons, my knowledge about Muslims up to that time didn’t exceed what I heard from the TV about suicide bombers and fighters, which gave the impression that Islam is a religion of troubles.
However, getting into Cairo I discovered how beautiful this religion is. Very simple people selling goods on the street would abandon their trade and direct their face to Allah and pray the moment they heard the call to prayer from the mosque. They have a strong faith in the presence and will of Allah. They pray, fast, help the needy and dream to have a trip to Makkah with the hope of living in Heaven in the Hereafter.
On my return I resumed my old job of teaching religion. The only compulsory subject in British education is Religious Studies. I was teaching about Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and others. So every day I had to read about these religions to be able to teach my lessons to the students, many of whom were Arab Muslim refugees. In other words, teaching about Islam taught me many things.

islam is peaceful religion;

Unlike many troublesome teenagers, these students set a good example of what a Muslim could be. They were polite and kind. So a friendship developed between us and they asked if they could use my classroom for prayers during the fasting month of Ramadan.
Luckily, my room was the only one with a carpet. So I got accustomed to sitting at the back, watching them praying for a month. I sought to encourage them by fasting during Ramadan with them, even though I wasn’t yet a Muslim.
Once while reciting a translation of the Holy Qur’an in class I reached the verse: “And when they listen to the revelation received by the Messenger, thou wilt see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they recognize the truth.” (Qur’an, 5:83) To my surprise, I felt tears welling up in my eyes and I tried hard to hide it from the students.
A turning point in his life, however, came in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the US on Sept. 11, 2001.
The following day, I was taking the underground and noticed how terrified the people were. I was also afraid of the repetition of such acts in Britain. At the time, the western people started fearing this religion they blamed for terrorism. However, my previous experience with Muslims took me to a different direction. I started wondering ‘Why Islam? Why do we blame Islam as a religion for the action of terrorists who happened to be Muslims, when no-one accused Christianity of terrorism when some Christians have acted the same way?’

Islam isn’t a religion of hatred:

One day I headed to the biggest mosque in London, to hear more about this religion. Getting into London Central Mosque, there was Yusuf Islam, the former pop singer, sitting in a circle talking to some people about Islam. After a while, I found myself asking him ‘What do you actually do to become a Muslim?’ He answered that a Muslim should believe in one God, pray five times a day and fast during Ramadan. I interrupted him saying that I believed all this and had even fasted during Ramadan. So he asked, ‘What are you waiting for? What is holding you back?’ I said, ‘No, I don’t intend to convert.’
At that moment the call to prayer was made and everyone got ready and stood in lines to pray. I sat at the back, and I cried and cried. Then I said to myself, ‘Who am I trying to fool?’
After they ended their prayers, I headed to Yusuf Islam, asking him to teach me the words by which I announce my conversion. After explaining its meanings to me in English, I recited after him in Arabic that ‘There is no God but Allah and that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah.”

wrote book:

My life since then took a different course. Living in Egypt, I wrote a book about the tenets of Islam, Gardens of Delight: A Simple Introduction to Islam. Everyone is saying that Islam is not a religion of terrorism and isn’t a religion of hatred, but no-one tries to explain what it is.
So I decided to write this book to give non-Muslims an idea about the basic principles of Islam. I tried to tell people how beautiful Islam is and that Islam has the most extraordinary treasures, the most important being Muslims’ love for each other. The Prophet (peace be upon him)
says ‘Even a smile to your brother is a charity.’

Article by: arabnews.com

These our Umrah packages 2015 & 2016:

‘Our goal is to make the pilgrims’ trip outstanding and memorable’

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JEDDAH: Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar confirmed that the number of Umrah performers is expected to be consistent with the policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which allows Muslims from all over the world to perform the pilgrimage.
In an exclusive interview, he said that the e-track for Umrah performers has contributed to streamlining the procedures to get visa and service packages. This initiative resulted in an increase in the number of Umrah pilgrims to about six million last year and a decrease in the number of overstayers to 0.1 percent.
Following are the excerpts of the interview:
Q: The Umrah season has approached and the Kingdom has started receiving pilgrims, so what are the preparations of the Ministry of Haj?
A: We, the ministry staff and I, are pleased to welcome the Umrah pilgrims from all over the world and wish them a happy stay in the Kingdom. We are glad to provide them with all available services. The ministry’s preparations start from the moment a pilgrim applies to perform Umrah in his/her home country till their arrival and stay in Makkah, Madinah and other holy places. The services continue until their departure for their home countries. Our goal is to make the pilgrims’ trip outstanding and memorable so that they act as the Kingdom’s ambassadors in their countries to convey the achievements and aspirations of the Kingdom, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, his government and the citizens in serving the guests of Allah.

Q: You want the Umrah performer to be the Kingdom’s ambassador to his/her homeland and worldwide, how can you achieve this?

A: It is the ministry’s vision to increase the level of services, including reception, farewell, housing, transport and catering. The ministry cooperates with the institutions that provide direct services to the pilgrims and visitors with a view to building a hospitality industry and related services, conforming to international standards, while focusing on continuous training for all Haj and Umrah workers. Companies and service providers play an active and effective role in these areas. However, we always aspire to bring integration between the support provided by the state in the form of projects and the level of services provided by the private sector.
Q: Back to our first question about the logistics of the Ministry of Haj?

A: The Umrah season begins on 1st Safar and ends on 15th Shawwal. The ministry starts developing an operational master plan by the beginning of Dul Qaada. The Umrah season this year is the fourth stage of implementing the Umrah Performers Regulations issued by the Cabinet, which starts in 1437 A.H. and ends in 1441 A.H. This season also coincides with the resolution of the Cabinet dated 20/11/1435 A.H. on the amendment of certain articles of Umrah Performers Regulations. During the current year, all matters relating to determining the locations of Umrah performers’ housing, room numbers, travel and transport bookings to and from the Kingdom will be included in the Umrah E-Track to be linked with the Automatic Reservation Program for hotels and furnished apartments, which will be a condition for visas.

Q: When will the ministry open the door for licensing new Umrah service companies? How many companies will be licensed?

A: The date and time to accept the applications will be announced shortly. An electronic program has been developed, whereby the applicant for license can enter all required particulars about himself and his/her company, including the commercial registration, capital, number of workers, experience and financial guarantee and other information. Points will be granted per element of the required data. To ensure transparency and clarity, applicants may review the points and degrees obtained. As to the number of such companies, it is under consideration and will take into account the company’s profitability and ability to effectively render services.
Q: What are the most important conditions to be primarily met in order to qualify for Umrah company license?

A: The company’s track record in the field, solvency and administrative competence in addition to other conditions and requirements. Such conditions are designed to ensure presence of financially and administratively strong companies that in total can form the service industry governed by international standards and operated by Saudi manpower. The requirements will be posted in details.

Q: Saudi Umrah companies have external agents and the Ministry of Haj is the licensing authority thereof. What are the licensing conditions?

A: There are currently 41 Saudi Umrah companies with 3,500 external agents working in 81 countries. For license, the ministry stipulates that the external agent should be licensed by a government authority at home, member of IATA and produce a bank guarantee. Prior to licensing, it is coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry is currently preparing mechanisms to ensure increase in the level of services provided by the Umrah travel agents and more transparency to the Umrah performers themselves.

Q: It is said that external agents of Saudi Umrah companies collect additional amounts for visas, is this true?

A: The embassies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia worldwide do not collect any fees to issue Haj and Umrah visas. Such visas are granted to any pilgrim or Umrah performer free of charge. The ministry posts this announcement on the electronic portal in Arabic, English and French languages through the communication center. Furthermore, there are clear instructions to Umrah companies and their external agents in this regard. In case any Umrah performer is asked to pay for the visa, he should call the ministry at the toll-free number from within the Kingdom or abroad.

Q: What is the number of Umrah program days?

A: The validity of the Umrah visa is one month and each Umrah company determines the number of program days.

Q: What is the basis on which the visa allocation for each Umrah company is determined? Why do some companies get more visas than the others?

A: The number of visas per Umrah company is based on the average visas obtained during the past years. Each company determines the number of visas it needs through the programs it launches. If the Umrah performers depart once their programs are completed, the company may obtain a similar number of visas. However, if the Umrah performers overstay, the company’s ability to get new visas is affected. Therefore, a compliant company that operates in accordance with these instructions can obtain the number of visas it wants.

Q: Following the completion of religious tourism programs, can the Umrah performer visit other cities in the Kingdom?

A: I do not back the idea of calling Umrah as religious tourism. They should be two separate activities. Umrah is a ritual and tourism is something else. There is an agreement between the Ministry of Haj and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH), whereby the pilgrim, following the completion of Umrah program, and through companies licensed by the Commission for Tourism can make his/her tourist program. Once the Umrah performer moves to the tourist company, the responsibility of the Umrah company and the Ministry of Haj ends.

Q: The numbers of overstaying Umrah performers are increasing year after year. Why the ministry does not take more stringent measures to prevent overstaying?

A: If we review the numbers of Umrah performers and overstayers during the past ten years and their ratio, then your statement is not accurate. In 1427 A.H., the number of Umrah performers was less than three million and overstayers about 500,000. In 1436 A.H., the number was six million and overstayers about 6,000, i.e. 0.1%. The ministry has taken stringent measures to eliminate overstaying. The action includes suspension of more than 100 Umrah companies. For the existing companies, in case the number of overstaying Umrah performers reaches a certain figure, the e-system automatically suspends the violating company until the situation is rectified. The Umrah companies are compliant with the ministry’s instructions. The ministry looks forward to eliminating the overstaying numbers by the Will of Allah.

Q: What is the deadline for Umrah performers to depart so that they are not deemed overstaying?

A: By the end of Dul Qaada.
Q: Was the housing capacity in Makkah and Madinah affected by the expansion projects at the Two Holy Sites? What are the actions taken?
A: The Umrah performers housing sector in Madinah was affected by the expansion projects, but the housing capacity in Makkah was not affected. To address this exceptional situation, the ministry made a proposal approved by the Cabinet whereby the Umrah performers are allowed to live in the pilgrims’ designated housing in accordance with certain limitations. The proposal led to increase the housing capacity in both Makkah and Madinah and also to price stability due to the balance created between supply and demand. The proposal has also given the opportunity to the owners of housing licensed by the Haj Housing Inspection Committee to have their housing registered in the Umrah e-track to be used for Umrah performers. The SCTNH is the competent authority. The owners are required to visit the commission for classification. Making the possible minimum classification is among other necessary requirements for accommodating Umrah performers in addition to the operational and constructional safety requirements. The proposal has also provided for the implementation of the procedures through the e-link between the Ministry of Haj, SCTNH, General Directorate of Civil Defense and the Pilgrims Housing Inspection Committee in order to cut short the period for issuing and renewing licenses.

Q: Roughly speaking, how many buildings designated for pilgrims’ housing will be allowed to house Umrah performers?

A: In Makkah around 6,000 and in Madinah around 1000 housing units will be licensed to house Umrah performers. This will achieve good returns for investment throughout the year for the owners because the units will be used in both Haj and Umrah seasons. At the same time, this will increase the capacity of the Two Holy Cities and will allow more Muslims to perform Umrah. The Kingdom is very interested in meeting the wishes of Muslims of the world.

Q: The greeting programs to welcome the pilgrims were met with acceptance and acclaim by the pilgrims. The media showed touching footages full of tears of happiness and joy. Why these programs are not continued during Umrah seasons?

A: The ministry launched the greetings program to welcome the pilgrims upon arrival and departure. The program includes welcoming the pilgrims at airports, buses and field service offices. The reception includes giving gifts, flowers and chants as an expression of joy and happiness of Saudi citizens’ at the arrival of pilgrims and Umrah performers.

Q: There are citizens other than professionals to look forward to serving the Pilgrims. Does the ministry has a vision to provide them an opportunity?

A: Yes, the ministry has established the “Piligrims, Umrah Performers and Visitors Friends Unit”, which is designed to attract volunteers from different academic, age and professional segments to take part in serving the pilgrims under certain conditions, various plans and programs developed by the Unit Officials.

Q: Last word to close the interview.
A: Among the blessings of Allah to this country is the leadership that rules in the light of the Holy Qur’an and is guided by the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Following in the footsteps of the founder of this country, the late King Abdulaziz, our leaders have made Haj and Umrah their top priority, deploying all potentials and resources for the pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors to perform the rituals in tranquility, assurance and peace of mind.

Article by: arabnews.com

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Mataf bridge removal from Feb. 9

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MAKKAH:

The temporary bridges over the mataf, the circumambulation area around the Kaaba and would be mataf bridge removal over a period from Feb. 9 to March 9.
technical report filed this plan is contained by a government-appointed committee to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif deputy premier and interior minister. According to a report in a local publication on Monday.
Bakri Assas, director of Umm Al-Qura University, chaired the committee and recently held its 22nd meeting to discuss various aspects of the project because he urged everyone to work hard to ensure that the project is completed, which would improve services for pilgrims.

He said the work currently taking place at the Grand Mosque and other places in Makkah was the largest in the history of the Kingdom because more than 14,000 engineers,technicians and workers have been working on the project to increase the capacity of the mataf. After completion, it will accommodate about 105,000 worshipers per hour.

The project includes central air conditioning, ventilation, lighting, sound systems, clocks and surveillance cameras. Pilgrims will be able to perform the tawaf, circumambulation of the Kaaba, on the first floor and terrace. All the upper floors will be connected with escalators.

Article by: arabnews.com

Saudi authorities approve electronic Umrah system

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Saudi authorities have approved electronic Umrah system, which will organize the sector to get rid of the brokers.
It will also save between 10 and 15 percent of the cost of hotel accommodation for those performing Umrah, according to the chair of the national committee for Haj and Umrah for Umrah Affairs, Abdullah Omar Qadhi.
The Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a meeting in the presence of representatives of Umrah service companies and Sajjil, the company responsible for running the electronic system, Saudi Gazette reported on Friday.
The company also explained the method of registration in the system and how those performing Umrah could book hotel rooms.
Qadhi said he expects a 25 percent increase in the number of Umrah performers this year against 6 million last year.
He said owners of Umrah companies and hotels in Makkah and Madinah would benefit from the new system.
All hotels will come under the new system with the objective of facilitating hotel bookings by Umrah companies.
The relationship between Saudi Umrah companies and hotels will move to electronic formats as bookings that used to take 24 hours can now be carried out in a few seconds, he added.

Article by: aaj.tv

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1.25m Umrah pilgrims a month from next year

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1.25m
JEDDAH —

A new Umrah system and its executive bylaws will be issued soon with a view to increasing the number of Umrah pilgrims every year. Haj Minister Bandar Al-Hajjar has said.
He told Okaz/Saudi Gazette that starting next year. 1.25 million pilgrims are expected to arrive every month compared to the present number of 400,000.

Hajjar said the new system is aimed at increasing the number of pilgrims. The government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques so as to fully utilize the gigantic projects implemented.
The minister said he would soon meet Umrah company owners to discuss plans for the Umrah season of 1437H which will begin in mid-November.
He called for deeper coordination among all agencies to provide excellent services to Haj and Umrah pilgrims.
Hajjar said the ministry will continue to use.

e-portal

Its e-portal under which procedures to issue visas will not take more than a few minutes.
“We are going online as an ambitious plan to double the number of Umrah pilgrims during the next five years,”.The minister said.
, five million Umrah visas were issued in 2013 and six million each during 2014 and 2015.

Hopefully,10 million visas to be issued in 2016 and 60 million in  2018
Meanwhile, about 600,000 Haj pilgrims had left the Kingdom for their home countries until Sunday. onboard 2,282 flights which took off from King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah.
Turki Al-Deeb, director of the airport’s department of information and public relations, expected about 900,000 pilgrims to depart from the airport until late October.
Many other pilgrims will depart from Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah. This is in addition to those leaving by sea and land. About 1.4 million pilgrims had come from abroad for this year’s Haj.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

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How to perform Umrah (Minor Pilgrimage)

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Holy-Kaaba-(view-from-Makkah-Royal-Clock-Tower)
Umrah  (Minor Pilgrimage)

·Preparation for Ehraam :

Before making intention for Ehraam take two white cloth sheets, one sheet around the lower half of the body and another over the shoulder. Must wear this before entering hadde Haram. Those who are traveling directly from their countries must wear this before boarding the flight. 
After wearing the clothes : 

  • Recite two Rakats of Nafil Salat
  • During reciting salat cover head with the cloth
  • No sooner you finish salat by saying salam ,remove the sheet over the head (for men only)and then MAKE INTENTION (Niyyat) for Umrah. Now a person is in Ehraam.

INTENTION  (Niyyat)
 “ `O` Allah, I make intention for Ehraam to perform Umrah to please You. Please make the things easy for me and guide me to perform Umrah in the most right manner. Please also accept it with all your kindness “
Then recite Talbiyah loudly for three times :
 لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، انَّالْحَمْدَ، وَالنِّعْمَةَ، لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لا شَرِيكَ لَكَ

Transliteration :

Labbaik Allah humma Labbaik ! Labbaik Laa sharika laka Labbaik ! Innal Hamda Wan Nemata Laka wal Mulk ! Laa Sharika Laka !

Translation :

I respond to Your call O Allah, I respond to Your call, and I am obedient to Your orders, You have no partner, I respond to Your call All the praises and blessings are for You, All the sovereignty is for You, And You have no partners with you.
Immediately after this Talbiyah the person is in Ehraam . As a matter of fact this Talbiyah is a reply to the call of Prophet Ibrahim as he called the people by the decree of Allah to perform Hajj.

The things restricted after the person is in Ehraam are as under :

  1. Stitched clothes (for men only )
  2. Covering head or face with a cloth (for men Only)
  3. Wearing a shoe which hides the back of foot’s bone
  4. Going for haircut or plucking any hair of body
  5. Nail cutting
  6. Applying scent
  7. Doing the things which enhances your hormonic activity which leads to some sort of sexual satisfaction
  8. Hunting the animals or killing of head louse
  9. Sharing bed with the wife
  10. Quarrel with other people

For Women :
The Ehraam of women is like men only with only three exceptions .

  1. They can wear stitched clothes
  2. They have to hide their heads with scarves
  3. They should keep their faces exposed
  4. TheyShould not share bed with their husbands 

Border of Haram : 

20 KM ahead of Mecca there is a big arched gate, on the top you will find one huge structure resembling a stand (Rahel) of Quran. From here the border of Haram Sharif starts and very near to it there is a place where the Mushrekeen of Mecca had stopped the Prophet (saws) to proceed to Mecca for Umrah in 6 AH . This is a place where the agreement of Hudaibiyah was signed.

As soon as you reach here,  recite a dua :
“ `O` Allah ! This Haram belongs to You and Your apostle. I Pray that the blazing fire to be forbidden on my flesh ,on my blood ,on my skin and on my bones. “
 When you enter Mecca bring inert feeling of love and respect for this sacred city  and recite a dua :
“ `O Allah ! I am your slave and came here to perform and seek your kindness and blessings. Please open all the doors of blessings and forgive me and help me to complete my Umrah in a perfect way.
.Attendance in Masjid e Haraam and Tawaaf :

  • Enter the Masjid with your right leg first .
  • When you see the K`abatullah for the first time ,recite the following : 

          اللّهُ اَكْبَرُلآ اِلهَ اِلّا اللّهُ، وَ اللّهُ اَكْبَرُ
Translation :
“ Allah is the Greatest ,There is no God except Allah ,Allah is the Greatest .”

  • Make another dua :

Translation :
“ O `Allah you are the peace and the peace is from you only. O` Lord Keep us alive peacefully and O Allah enlighten the respect, honour and the dignity of this house of yours and give reward to those who are paying respect to this house. I seek refuge of the owner of this house from any borrowings , poverty and from punishment in the graves.

TAWAAF :

  • TAWAAF : Now you are ready for doing tawaaf. Tawaaf means taking a round of any fixed object. Completing seven anti clockwise rounds makes one tawaaf of Ka`aba .

Method of doing Tawaaf

  • Before tawaaf you must make intention (Niyyat) as under :

“ O` Allah I am doing this tawaaf to please you and seek your help to make this tawaaf easy for me. “
 After making intention , one has to do Izteba (One end of the sheet of Ehraam should be under the right arm and another end should be put over the left shoulder ). If possible, go straight to Hajre Aswad (Black stone) which is embedded in one the corner of the holy Ka`aba, then kiss it (This action is known as ISTELAAM ). If you are not able to reach Hajre Aswad then on the opposite side of Hajre Aswad there is a green light, you be in the line of that light, face your both palms towards Hajre Aswad and do Istelaam and make this dua :
“ Bismillahe Allaho Akbar ! Laa ilaha illallaho ! Wa lillahil Hamd.”
Then kiss your both hands and start the Tawaaf.

  • Care should be taken to avoid facing chest towards Ka`aba during tawaaf.
  • During first three rounds of tawaaf the men should do the Ramal,which means make your body stiff and raise shoulder and walk quickly. In rest of the four rounds there should be a normal walk.
  • Please bear in mind that no sooner you start the tawaaf reciting of talbiyah comes to an end.

VII . ONE IMPORTANT THING
 There are no specific dua in tawaaf however, it is better if you make dua at different spots and While making various dua you should use your own language so that you can understand them and can concentrate.

DUA IN TAWAAF :
 1. When you start encompassing (tawaaf) and when you reach in line with the door of Ka`aba , then recite :
 “ O ` Allah ! The peace is only from you therefore please save me from the punishment in the Hell with your mercy.”
2. When you reach infront of Place of Ibrahim ( Muqaam e Ibrahim), then you make this dua :
“ O` Allah ! This is the place of your Ibrahim, Please restrict the fire to approach my body and my flesh.
3. By the time you finish the above dua, you reach the first corner of the Ka`aba which is known as “Rukne Iraqi “here you can make the following dua :
“ O` Allah, I seek your refuge from the doubts and from any association with you of any partner.
4. In the meantime you will reach infront of “ Meezabe Rahmat “ this is a place where water from the roof of Ka`aba falls in Hateem through a pipe. You make a dua here :
“ O`Allah ! I seek nearness to your apostle in his Paradise ( Jannatul Khuld). O` Allah ,I also seek your shadow in the day of judgement. That day ,none will be there except You . Please offer me drink from kausar so thereafter I will not feel thirst.
5. When you reach the next corner of the Ka`aba which is known as “Rukne Shaami “
then make the following dua “
“ O ` Allah ! My Umrah should be great, please accept my labour, forgive my sins. Yaa` Aziz, Yaa` Ghafoor “
6 . You will be reaching at the third corner Which is known as “ Rukne Yamani ” here you can make the following dua “
O ` Allah Please forgive me and also relax me, in this world and also in the life Hereafter
7 . From here you move towards hajre Aswad and while walking you recite
o رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Transliteration :
“Rabbana Aatena fid duniya hasanatau wa fil aakharate hasanatau wa qena azaaban naar “
Translation :

“Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and save us from the torment of the fire!”

8.. You will reach back at Hajre Aswad means one round is completed . This is known as “ Shooth ” When you complete seven shooths then one tawaaf is finished.
9 . Please remember that Taawaf can be performed without reciting anything .
VIII.  Reciting two rakats of Wajib salat :
1. After completion of the tawaaf you recite two rakats of wajib salat possibly at the place of Ibrahim otherwise recite it wherever you get place in Mataaf (Space around Ka`aba). After reciting these two rakats you seek Allah’s blessings, make dua for best reward in the life Hereafter, request Allah for forgiveness and for life long and real faith,and finally for welfare of your children and other relatives and friends.
IX.  After dua, if possible you can go to Multazim (this part of Ka`aba is between Hajre Aswad and the door of Ka`aba) and make dua. If it is not possible to go near the Multazim then you may keep yourselves in line with Multazim in mataaf and make dua from there itself. While making dua, you request for Jannatul Firdous, Mercy from Allah, relief from blazing fire of Hell, forgiveness from all the sins, Welfare for your children, relatives, friends etc.
X . Zamzam Sharif
After Multazim you come near the taps of Zamzam, recite Bismillah then face ka`aba and drink zamzam in three instalments. Then make following dua :
“ Yaa Allah ! Help to increase my knowledge, give sustenance and give me relief from all diseases. “
 
XI . Sa`i
Safa and Marwa are two hills near the Masjide Haram. The literal meaning of Sa’i is to run. To make seven rounds between Safa and Marwah, is called Sa’i. This action is observed as a memorial of Hazrat Hajra, the wife of Hazrat Ibrahim and mother of Hazrat Ismail. The Sa’i is ‘Wajib’ both in ‘Hajj’ and Umrah. You must keep in mind that one round is complete when you run from Safa to Marwa , and second round is finished when you run from Marwa to Safa.
How to Perform Sa`i
It is to be performed after Tawaaf ,if it is performed before Tawaaf it will not be valid. It is not necessary to perform a Sa’i immediately after Tawaaf, though it is a Sunnat to do so, but there is no harm if there is a pause in between on account of any human necessity. Although Sa’i is ‘Wajib’ to be performed on foot but in case of some excuse the person is allowed on wheel chair. If someone performs Sa’i on a wheel chair without any valid reason ,he will be liable to give Dum .i.e. offering a sacrifice.
1. After Tawaaf ,when you drink Zamzam Water you are ready to go for Sa’i. You have to go again to Hajr-e-Aswad ,if possible kiss it . In case it is not possible then face both your hands towards hajre Aswad ,kiss them and proclaim.
“ Yaa Allah ! I am making this sai to please you, therefore You make this easy for me and approve my action.
2. Lift both your hands as you do in dua and recite :

لا الهَ اِلَّا اللّهُ وَحْدَهُ لا شَرِيْكَ لَهْ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَ لَهُ الْحَمْدُ يُحْى وَ

يُمِيْتُ بِيَدِهِ الْخَيْرُ وَهُوَ عَلى كُلِّ شَئ ٍ قَدِيْرٌ

Transliteration :

“ La ilaha illal-laho wahdahu la šharika lahu lahul-mulko wa lahul-hamdo yohi wa yumito be yadehil-khayr wa howa ala kulle šhayin qadeer. “

Translation :

There is no God but Allah. He is only One. He has no partners. For Him (is) the Kingdom. And for Him (is) the Praise. He gives life and acuses death. In His hand (is) the goodness. And He has power over everything..

While doing sai, which ever dua you have in memory you can make and along with it remember Allah also. When you reach the green pillars, you are to start running and keep running upto the other green pillars. (for men only) Then again you have to walk with normal speed . When seven rounds are completed then to offer two Rak’ats of salat by the side of ‘Mataaf’ (where Tawaaf is performed in the Haram). 

Now all the restrictions pertaining to Ehraam of Umrah have come to end .

After being free from Sa’i you may shave your head or at least have hair cut equal to a finger’s joint (about an inch) in length. For women the hair cut is equal to one fold of hair over the finger. You have now completed Umrah therefore the Ehraam formality has ended.

Article by: islamforamal.com

 
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Hajj and Umrah for disabled pilgrims

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hajj1023013-4_3
Hajj and Umrah are physically demanding and should be done only by those who meet the physical and financial requirements. The Holy Quran clearly states that Hajj is obligatory to only those who are physically and financially able. Umrah is similar to Hajj and poses a lot of physical challenges. Many Muslims have some physical or medical disability but still wish to perform Hajj and Umrah. If adequate preparations are made they can fulfill their religious obligation. These preparations can be discussed with us before the booking so that we can notify the local handlers about the requirements of the pilgrim.
At the airport there are several facilities for the disabled. The Hajj and Umrah flights land at the Jeddah and Medina airport and all kinds of necessary arrangements like wheel chairs, escalators and ramps are available so that the disabled pilgrims can move about easily. All these facilities are free of charge but your travel agent should notify the airport management about your needs. Wheel chair assistance can also be requested to the airline and they are happy to provide wheelchair assistance on the basis of passengers mobility, starting from passenger can walk to the seat to “passenger needs to be lifted to the seat”.
Local transport of all kinds is available in Makkah and Medina during the Hajj and Umrah season. Buses are not equipped to handle wheel chairs. Disabled pilgrims must ensure that their travel agents have made arrangements with private transportation and taxi firms in Makkah and Medina so that they can properly be dealt with. Making necessary arrangements in advance will ensure that the disabled pilgrims can perform their religious duty with full concentration.
Accommodation during Hajj and Umrah is usually at hotels. Hotels in general are equipped for the disabled with lifts and wheel chairs. Certain hotels can also be requested to provide passenger with rooms that have toilets designed specially for the special people. It is also recommended that the hotels you choose when accompanied by a special person is as close to the Haramain as possible. This will save you loads of time and effort during your visits to the hotel. The Grand Mosque in Makkah is well equipped for the disabled. It has escalators and ramps to enable wheel chairs to move easily from one level to another. Wheel chairs are provided free of charge and can be acquired from the management at any time. If the pilgrim is accompanied by someone to push the wheel chair then it is good otherwise you can ask someone to push your wheel chair, the pusher may charge for his service. Although wheelchair is easily available as stated above, it is best to take a fold-able one with you right from home. This will save you time looking for one or requesting for one.
It is the wish of every Muslim whether disabled or not, to perform Hajj and Umrah. Some people can bear the financial cost of Hajj but are unable to meet the physical requirements. These people can also appoint someone else who is physically fit to perform Hajj in their place. This facility is provided to the Muslims by Allah (SWT) so that every Muslim can perform their obligation. If a disabled Muslim still wishes to perform Hajj and Umrah, they can do so by making prior arrangements with their travel agents.
We as an agent specialize in making these arrangements on the basis of individual and family circumstances. Please let us know the details of disability of the passenger and leave the rest to us.

Article by: umrahpackagesuk.co.uk

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