The Role of Mosque in Islam

Most religions have places for their worships, in religion Islam, there is a Mosque for worship. A mosque is a place where Muslims worship and pray to Allah Almighty. In Arabic Mosque is called a Masjid or Jami. The mosque is a kind of any house or open area where Muslims offer Salah (Nimaz) in the congregation. Some mosques are also used as places where Muslims get together and discuss things or where religious education takes place. It is not only a place for praying, but it’s also the center of the community and where many wonderful pieces of Islamic art have been created.

It is required for all Muslim men to attend mosque on Friday for Jummah prayer. Muslims also offer five times prayer in Mosque also come and learn about the Islamic faith, about the teachings of the Holy Quran with learning how to read and pronounce it from Ulama. Muslims are required to give money to charity they often donate it at mosques.

There are many rules that worshippers must obey when they are in a mosque. In most mosques, a religious leader called Imam is in charge of praying. Muslims must clean themselves before they enter into a mosque. There are washing areas where they can make wudu before entering the prayer hall. The floors of such a hall are normally covered with a carpet. It is not allowed to step on it with shoes as Muslims offer Salah on it. Loud talking is forbidden in mosques. It is also disrespectful to walk in front of Muslims who are praying.

The first mosques were modeled on the place of worship of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) the courtyard of his house at Medina. Those were simply plots of ground marked out as sacred. Though the mosque as such has undergone many architectural changes, the building remains essentially an open space, generally roofed over, containing a Mihrab and a Minbar. A common feature of many mosques is a minaret, a tall thin tower that is usually located at one of the corners. From the minaret, a muezzin or Imam proclaims call to worship (Adhan) five times each day.

The prayer hall of Masjid normally does not have any benches or chairs. Worshippers pray in rows facing Holy Kaaba which is center towards which Muslims around the world face and offer prayer. There are no pictures on the walls of Mosques. Some mosques show verses of the Quran on the walls to assist worshippers. Every mosque has a Mihrab, a niche in the wall that points to the Holy Kaaba. From Minbar the imam delivers his speech.

Prayers in mosques with congregation are considered the best way of offering prayers to Allah Almighty. Most of the Muslims prefer to offer prayer in congregation and avoid individual prayers for fear of using wrong ways. We all should try to offer prayers with the congregation in mosques for getting greater rewards in the best manner.

source: quranreading.com/blog

Women Rights of Inheritance in Islam

Islam is the religion in which every aspect of life is being discussed and managed no matter what’s the issue in the life of human beings. We can say that Islam is the complete code of life. Religion Islam organizes a Muslim’s life by issuing many rules and laws which guarantee an honorable and happy life for each Muslim. Everyone is included in these laws; rulers, men, women, children, poor and sick people, and all other individuals living in the society. Since women form a main part of the society and most of their rights were denied in the pre-Islamic periods. 

Islam has honored women by issuing many laws to protect them and to give them a noble life. The distinct and fixed right of inheritance is one of these laws which Islam set for women. In comparison with other religions, Islam has guaranteed equal right of inheritance for women.

Allah Almighty says in Holy Quran: “For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, be it little or much — an obligatory share.” (Quran 4:7)

From the above verse, we can conclude that Allah (SWT) mentioned clearly about the rights of inheritance for both men and women. It also clarifies the rights of women in inheritance that were not known before. Many people claim that Islam does injustice to women in case of inheritance but it’s not true. Allah Almighty offered a full and detailed method of women’s inheritance in the Quran and Sunnah, if someone wants to know about it they can read from Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

One of the companions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Sa’ad ibn Abi Waqqas was ill and requested to devise the majority of his wealth as charity, or a half of it since he was wealthy and only had one daughter. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) forbade him and only allowed him to give a third, and said: “A third and a third is a lot, and it is better that you leave your heirs wealthy rather than leave them needy begging from the people. You will not spend anything seeking Allah’s countenance but you receive a reward for that expenditure, even the morsel of food you put into your wife’s mouth.” (Bukhari)
Due to the result of Islam’s interest in giving each person in the family his or her right of inheritance, came very specific and evident to fit all changes of families in different cases. In Holy Quran Allah Almighty clearly defined the rights of inheritance for both men and women in a way: “Allah (thus) direct you as regards your children’s (inheritance) to the male, a portion equal to that of two females. If only daughters, two or more, their share is two-thirds of the inheritance. If only one, her share is a half. For parents, a sixth share of the inheritance to each, if the deceased left children. If no children and the parents are the (only) heirs, the mother has a third. If the deceased has brothers (or sisters) the mother has a sixth. After payment of legacy and debts. Ye know not whether the parents or your children are nearest to you in benefit. These are settled portions ordained by Allah, and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” (Quran, 4: 11)

In short, Islam came up at the time when the status of a woman was at everlasting low and her rights were totally underprivileged. Islam has never failed to constantly improve the status of the women to the highest standard by giving an equal treatment to them as that of men. Islam is the only religion that gives women fair rights of inheritance.

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If you are planning for Hajj or Umrah this year, then contact “Noorani Travel Ltd” and choose your best Umrah packages. We have the huge range of Umrah packages and Hajj packages. Call us for further details: ***0208 819 3505***

source: quranreading.com

Importance of Eid-ul-Adha in Islam

In religion, Islam Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr after the end of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Adha also known as greater Eid, which marks the willingness of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice His son Hazrat Ismail (AS) in obedience to Almighty Allah. Eid means to celebrate and Adha refers to sacrifice so Eid-ul-Adha is also known as the festival of sacrifice in which Muslims sacrifice a domestic animal that is a cow, sheep, goat, or camel in one of the three days of Eid-ul-Adha for the sake of Allah Almighty. Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Adha on 10th of Zil Hajj.

Muslims from all over the world who are physically and financially stable visit Makah to perform sacred pilgrimage Hajj in the holy month of Zil Hajj. We all should know that Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and is obligatory on every Muslim once in a life if he/she is financially stable. After performing Hajj Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Adha and slaughter animals by saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred. The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly distributed among others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor and needy. This act of giving symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah’s commands.

The act of sacrificing and then distributing also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others for the pleasure of Allah (SWT). The Greater Eid or Eid-ul-Adha also marks the end of Hajj, which is the five-day religious journey that takes Muslims to the Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

On the day of Eid-ul-Adha Muslims pray to Almighty Allah and glorify His name in order to remember His favors. On this occasion, Muslims remember the needy by extending a helping hand towards them and also by distributing the meat among them. May Almighty Allah give us the chance to perform Hajj once in a life and also to slaughter animals for the sake of Allah (SWT)! Ameen.

Noorani Travel Ltd services

If you are planning for Hajj or Umrah this year, then contact “Noorani Travel Ltd” and choose your best Umrah packages. We have the huge range of Umrah packages and Hajj packages. Call us for further details: 0208 819 3505

source: quranreading.com

Be familiar with the reality of Islam

Be familiar with the reality of Islam

Islam is not basically synonym of peace, but some of the follower make it as the synonym of war. Its not true, in Saudi Arabia, lots of the Non-Muslims come to the pilgrimage to visit it, by getting Hajj packages. Islam is the remotest rising religion in this complete world. What has detailed people concerned, is not so much as the growing of the faith, but the beliefs that lots of, who are waged, Islam are holding and collective forth to others. 

Islam is Fascist in that it overwhelms any other technique of thought, as well as other mystical beliefs and often does so with fears of violence. Those, who contend against Islam can be exposed to murder in some of the countries, even in the western conditions, where there is a mutual belief that all trusts are welcome to be skilful. While in the West, churches, temples and mosques are built to provide accommodations all religious beliefs, in this country, even the practice of Christianity or other faiths is not only forbidden, but actually illegal by death.

In other countries, meaning of Islam:

The Non-Muslims reflect Islam as it is not very lenient of every other religion. In durable Islamic states, such as Saudi Arabia, there are no other beliefs or religion is permissible to be accomplished other than Islam. This is seen as an insult to the Islamic religion. It is permitted for the non-muslim public to checked out the packages of Umrah packages from UK.

Islam is convicted so bitterly by non-Muslims:

Everything that is understood, as an affront to Islam is condemned so bitterly by those zealots in the Islamic world that people related to the western states, who have shaped lots of films or even drawn cartoons and written books, have been obvious for death. People are scared of illustrative something negative about Islam, for the reason that they are scared of getting a Fatwa issued in incongruity of them, which is good-looking much like an old obligatory dead or active poster that used to inspire plenty hunters to track down and kill criminals. The single variation is that with a fatwa, the person is compulsory dead, not alive. 

Author Salmon Rushdie was a requisite man after he issued his book The Satanic Verses and had to go into beating for the reason, that of his picture of Islam. In fascist states, art procedures such as books and films are often the first to go - Hitler got ongoing burning books that were compared to his way of thinking as well. In fascist states, there is, but one way of balanced and any individualism from this sort of rational is unlawful by care at best, death at worst. This is seen as an extra of a threat than horror bouts by many in the west, who like independence of trust as well as other basic autonomies that they have had all of their lives. They do not want to submit to Islam, even though, most of those in the western states do not care if others request to practice this faith.

source: cheapumrahpackage2014.blogspot.com

Journey to Islam

Journey to Islam

Mark Shaffer, an American attorney, and millionaire has declared his Islam in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, 17th October 2009. Mark was at that time on a holiday in Saudi Arabia to visit some famous cities like Riyadh, Abha, and Jeddah for 10 days.

Mark is a well-known millionaire and also a practiced lawyer in Los Angeles, specializing in cases of civil laws. The last big case he handled was the case of the famous American pop singer, Michael Jackson, a week before he passed away.

A tourist guide who accompanied Mark for 10 days in Saudi Arabia, Dhawi Ben Nashir said, “Since he set foot for the first time in Saudi Arabia, Mark already started to ask questions about Islam and the prayer. As soon as he arrived in Saudi Arabia, Mark stayed in Riyadh for two days. While in Riyadh, Mark was very interested in Islam. After moving to Najran, we went to Abha and Al-Ula. There, his fascination for Islam grew more obvious, especially the time when we ventured out into the desert.”

“Mark was amazed to see three Saudi youths who were in our group in Al-Ula, performing the prayer in the expanse of the very wide desert; a very fantastic panorama indeed.”

“After two days in Al-Ula, we went to Al-Juf. As soon as we arrived in Al-Juf, Mark asked if I could get him some books on Islam. I then obtained some books on Islam for him. Mark read all those books. The next morning, he asked me to teach him how to perform the prayer. I then taught him how to pray and make wudhu (ablution). Then, he joined me and performed the prayer beside me.”

“After prayer, Mark told me that he felt peace in his soul. On Thursday afternoon, we left Al-Ula heading for Jeddah. He looked very serious throughout the journey reading those books about Islam. On Friday morning, we visited the old town of Jeddah. Before the time for the Friday prayer approached, we went back to the hotel and I excused myself to go for the Friday prayer.”

Mark said to his companion, “I would like to join you for the Friday prayer so that I can witness myself how the Friday prayer is like.”

His friend, Dhawi Ben Nashir, welcomed the idea.

Dhawi Ben Nashir said, “We then went to a masjid which was not far from the hotel where we stayed in Jeddah. Since we were quite late, I and many others had to pray outside, as the number of worshippers was overflowing. I could see Mark observing the people in the congregation, especially after the Friday prayer was completed when everybody was shaking hands and embracing each other with radiant and happy faces. Mark was very impressed with what he saw.”

“When we returned to the hotel, Mark suddenly told me that he wanted to become a Muslim. So I said to him, ‘Please take a shower first.’ After Mark took the shower, I guided him in saying the shahadah (declaration of faith) and then he prayed two rakaah. Later on, Mark expressed his desire to visit the Grand Mosque in Makkah and perform prayers there before leaving Saudi Arabia.”

“In order to fulfill his wish, we went to the Da’wah Center in Jeddah to obtain a formal proof of his conversion to Islam, so that he would be allowed to enter the city of Makkah and the Grand Mosque. Mark was given a temporary certificate of his conversion to Islam, and he visited the holy city of Makkah.”

After Mark declared his Islamic faith, he had the chance to express his experience to Al-Riyadh Newspaper, saying, “I could not express my feelings at this time but I am being reborn and my life has just started. I am very happy. This happiness that I am feeling could not be expressed in words, especially when I visited the Grand Mosque and noble Ka’bah.”

Regarding his next step after his conversion to Islam, Mark explained that he wants to learn more about Islam, delve deeper into the religion of Allah (Islam), and come back to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj.

As to what impelled him into converting to Islam, Mark explained, “I already had information about Islam, but it was very limited. When I visited Saudi Arabia and personally witnessed the Muslims there, and saw how they performed the prayer, I felt a very strong drive to know more about Islam. When I read true information about Islam, I became confident that Islam is a religion of Haq (truth).”

Sunday morning, 18th October 2009, Mark left the Airport of King Abdul Aziz Jeddah heading for America. When filling in the immigration form before leaving Jeddah, Mark wrote ISLAM as his religion. — Courtesy of Discovering Islam.

source: saudigazette.com.sa/

Mother’s Day

How many times have you been reminded of the above verse? But time and again we forget ourselves and overstep the limits. Yet, parents are parents, and at the end of the day, you’ll always be their darling child. Parenting is a ginormous responsibility which Allah has blessed some people with; the number of sacrifice parents goes through to ensure their child gets the best start in life is unparalleled. Sleepless nights, tiresome days, coupled with continuous forbearance and patience is just a small part of parenthood.

Now it’s our turn to give back. Though we can never ever repay our parents for the time and effort they dedicated to us; we can show them gratitude.

It’s Mother’s Day, and many children will be encouraged to draw cards, write cute messages and purchase gifts for their beloved mothers, who will welcome them with open arms and a heart-warming smile. It seems harmless, giving your mother a gift, making her happy; right?

It’s true there is no harm in buying gifts for your mother, treating her, and bringing a smile to her face, but the issue is when we assign a particular day and turn it into a celebration.

By incorporating Mother’s Day into our lifestyle, we are only imitating the disbelievers. For Mother’s Day was originated by a certain Anna Jarvis who held a memorial day for her mother who had died, the event soon becomes a celebration and in 1914 Woodrow Wilson took it to the Calendar’s an official “day”. Later in her life, Anna Jarvis regretted that it had become a commercialized celebration.

But Mother’s Day also has more sinister origins than Anna Jarvis’ commemorations. It is in fact linked to the Christian 40 days of Lent in which they remember the events leading up to the supposedly ‘crucifixion’ of whom they call Christ the son of god, and is more correctly called ‘Mothering Sunday’. It falls on the fourth Sunday of the season of Lent, also called Laetare Sunday, on which Catholics and Anglicans would visit their ‘Mother Church.’ It was later adapted for all; Protestants and Catholics alike by Constance Smith. Today it is commercialized for all, no matter their religion.

Other origins of Mother’s Day are found in Roman and Greek tradition, mothering festivals were held in honor of their mother gods Rhea and Cybele.

Hence to engage in the celebration of Mother’s Day even with just a small card, is to participate in these Christo-pagan practices, which are in reality celebrations of associating partners with Allah. As Muslims, we do not believe Jesus to be the son of God, nor do we believe in Cybele or Rhea, so why would we participate in their celebrations?

In addition, by merging such festivals into the Muslim calendar is to blur the lines between the different religions. As Muslims, it is our duty to preserve our identity, and maintain the uniqueness and purity of Islam. Muslims have their own holidays and festivals to joyously celebrate, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.

To us Muslims, every day is Mother’s Day, in the sense that every day we should strive to make our mothers happy. And every day we should honor, respect, and serve our mothers.

Abu Hurayrah reported that a person said, “Allah’s Messenger, who amongst the people is most deserving of my good treatment?” He (peace be upon him) said, “Your mother, again your mother, again your mother, then your father, then your nearest relatives according to the order (of nearness).” (Sahih Muslim)

source: saudigazette.com.sa

Reflections on Surah Al-Kahf

saudigazette.com.sa

Reflections on Surah Al-Kahf

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: ‘Whoever reads Surah Al-Kahf on the day of Jumu’ah (Friday), a light will shine for him from beneath his feet to the heaven, which will shine for him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will be forgiven (his sins) between the two Fridays.’”(Al-Hakim and Al-Bayhaqi)

Every Friday we make an effort to recite Surah Kahf. Yet, sadly, the majority of us are unaware of what we are reciting. Surah Al-Kahf contains one hundred and ten verses, with four main narratives. This surah is amazing as it brings together many lessons contained in narrations of nations past. It traverses the story of youths in the cave, the story of the two men and the garden, the story of Prophet Musa and the man of knowledge, Al-Khidr. Last but not least, the surah tells us the story of Dhul-Qarnain. Patience, gratitude, knowledge, and much more can all be learnt from this surah.

The first narrative being that of the young men, or the People of the Cave. These youth were tested by Allah in regards to their faith and belief in Allah and belief in Resurrection. They were given the choice to abandon their belief in Allah to save their lives or face persecution and death. Ultimately they chose their belief in Allah, for it is priceless, no pleasure can buy it, nor can money. This connects to the trial of the Dajjal or Anti-Christ who will appear as the major signs of the Day of Judgment occur. The first and biggest test he will come with, is the trial of iman; faith and belief in Allah. He will appear with many powers, and will even have a paradise and hellfire. Many will be deceived by him and will fall into disbelief; may Allah protect us from disbelief and the trial of the Dajjal.

The second story is that of the two men and the two gardens. One man, possessed wealth and a garden which yielded a large harvest, yet he disbelieved in Allah and in accountability on the Last Day, and he refused to give in charity. The second man was poorer, with less harvest, yet he knew his provision was secured with his Lord, and he believed in Allah. This is a trial of wealth.

Many of us experiences this trial today. How many today are granted wealth, yet deny the One who bestowed this favor upon them? It is a reminder to us that Allah blesses whomsoever He wills, and we should be grateful for the bounties we have. Success in the dunya, and in one’s wealth does not mean success on the Day of Judgment. This again refers back to the Dajjal. For the Dajjal will induce many with wealth, to the point that he will call out to the wealth of a valley and it will come out following him. Those who follow the Dajjal will be in abundance of wealth, and he will afflict those who shun him with severe poverty. Thus the believer should have his wealth in his hand, so that it is easy to release, not in his heart the believer does not become overly attached and obsessed with wealth. The believer’s faith and trust in Allah is rooted in his heart, so that it remains unaffected by the trial of wealth.

The third narrative is perhaps to many the most intriguing; it is the story of Prophet Musa and Al Khidr. Musa, was a great prophet of Allah, and was endowed with knowledge, yet Allah instructed him to seek out Al-Khidr, who also possessed a different type of knowledge. Knowledge should humble a person and not make them arrogant. Today, Muslims have neglected the Qur’an and the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Many people find it a burden, thinking that it is outdated and the knowledge it contains is ancient, and this is the trial of knowledge; will we truly hold on to the guidance of Allah? When the Dajjal appears he will distort what is left of the knowledge, and only the true believers will cling to the knowledge of this religion.

The fourth and final story in Surah Al-Kahf is that of Dhul-Qarnayn; a powerful king who ruled with justice. He is the very king that sealed off Gog and Magog, whose release is also a major portent of the final hour. The story of Dhul-Qarnayn, though not in detail, exemplifies one who is granted power and authority and uses this in the service of Allah. A minor sign of the hour is tyrannical and foolish leaders, who are astray and lead the people astray. Leadership is a responsibility, a duty, and trust from Allah. There are a lot of responsibilities attached to being a ruler. This trial, relates to the Dajjal for the Dajjal will give authority to those who favor him, and will deprive the true believers.

That is why reading this Surah protects the believer from being fooled and tricked by the Dajjal, and it shields us from his deception and power.

Moreover, it is the only Surah that is explicitly linked to the Dajjal, as mentioned in various sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This is of vital importance, for we are living in the end of times; the hour is near. A prelude to the hour is the arrival of the Dajjal. This surah should play a major role for us in our preparative preventative measures, against the Anti-Christ. The Dajjal is one the greatest trials to come, and throughout Surah Al-Kahf we see a recurring theme of trials and tribulations linking it back to the coming of the Dajjal.

So, the next time you read Surah Al-Kahf, try to remember these points, reflect upon the tales of truth contained in it. Reflect on the morals of the stories, and make a sincere intention to implement it in your life.

Noorani travel Ltd offer cheap Hajj and Umrah packages with flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and all the UK. Our Hajj and Umrah offer special for UK citizen.

source: saudigazette.com.sa

How to get Wisdom through holy Quran

How to get Wisdom through holy Quran

Most of the Muslims wrongly believe that only by keeping and learning to read Holy Quran, they can fulfil their religious responsibilities and duties. The basic theme of The Holy Quran is embedded in recognizing and acting upon its Ayats (verses) in an appropriate manner. How can a person complete its faith by just believing in Islamic lessons and teachings, but using them in the wrong manner? It means that a person has not completely interpreted the meaning of wordings of Quran, e.g. those Muslims who are joining so called Islamic forces like Talibans etc. in the name of Jihad, and who actually kill innocents and acting as tyrants, that only shows that they do not have a complete knowledge of Islam.

Now, talking about Holy Quran, and its life changing Ayats (verses), common belief is that the a person who learns it by heart will enter Jannah (paradise) along with its parents, while the exact meaning of it this Hadith is that the Hafiz (learner) of Holy Quran should act upon its lessons. ALLAH Almighty has blessed Muslims with golden pearls in the form of Holy Quran’s verses, so that we could get enlightenment and guidance from them, and transform our lives according to Islamic teaching in the best way. Following are few of the many messages of the Holy Quran, through which we can seek wisdom and understanding.

Avoiding unclear matters

“A little knowledge is hazardous” is a famous expression that compels a person not to indulge in things and acts which it has insufficient understanding of, because sooner or later, the condition would turn dangerous for that person. Islam also forbids Muslims from such issues that are not clear to us. The Gracious ALLAH has warned us about this matter in the verse 17:36 of Holy Quran

“And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart – about all those [one] will be questioned.”

This is what we must keep in mind before discussing about matters in our Deen (religion), before totally understanding about them. On a general note, we ought to also avoid going towards unsure affairs like Gambling that is prohibited in Islam.

Reflecting on one’s existence

The non Muslims, especially, Atheists, who even deny the existence of ALLAH Almighty, they do not think about how we come in to this life. ALLAH clearly says in Holy Quran, verse 20:55

“From the earth, We created you, and into it We will return you, and from it, We will extract you another time.”

Science has also proved that body of human consists of many elements found in the earth soil, and as The Quran says that we are made from earth.

Praying for ALLAH’S consistent guidance

No matter how much abilities and knowledge one possesses, there comes a time when things begin to get tougher, and then it looks for someone’s help in this regard. Same applies to Muslim’s life, which believes in ALLAH, but often gets distracted by satanic thoughts. That is the reason why Holy Quran has repeatedly emphasized on looking for The ALLAH Almighty supervision to remain on the correct pathway.

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Over 2m flock to Mina as Hajj begins

arabnews.com

Over 2m flock to Mina as Hajj begins 

MINA: More than 2 million Muslims from around the world arrived in Mina to spend the day of Tarwiyah and follow the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Pilgrims will then head to Mount Arafat on Thursday.

Thousands of security men accompanied the flows of pilgrims along Mina’s wide roads, bridges and tunnels. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) mission at the holy sites monitored the pilgrims heading from Makkah to Mina. Their journey went smoothly despite the huge number of vehicles and pedestrians. Traffic patrols were assisted by security forces in their efforts to organize the traffic, guide pilgrims and maintain security.

The Ministry of Health is offering medical and health care services to pilgrims during this year’s Hajj season by providing thousands of doctors, nurses and specialists appointed to serve pilgrims. These members work at hospitals near the holy sites and Makkah. The ministry assists the relevant authorities in carrying out the general emergency plan and dealing with emergencies that might arise during the pilgrims’ stop in Mina and Jamaarat bridge.

Along with the ministry, medical service departments of the National Guard Ministry, and the Defense Ministry and its hospitals appointed hundreds of their members to offer medical and treatment services to pilgrims at the holy sites.

The Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) is providing its services through thousands of members appointed to serve Hajjis. The organization designated a fleet of 100 ambulances spread throughout the holy sites.

Source: arabnews.com

Haj: A sight to behold

Haj: A sight to behold

Haj is on (the day after tomorrow) and there is no more beautiful sight than the sight of the hundreds of thousands of Muslims coming from all entry points, dressed in white and with one mission, to perform their once in a lifetime duty in peace and security. We as, the government of Saudi Arabia and its people, take full pride in welcoming the guests of Allah and embrace them with open arms.

Saudi Arabia has mobilized all its resources, like it does every year, to ensure that pilgrims will perform their pilgrimage in peace and comfort. All sectors — government departments, passport, security, Haj, health and many other ancillary divisions — are on full alert. And they are ready to work in concerted unison to implement the Haj plan that usually is in the making as soon as the last Haj ends. The seamless cooperation is evident in the growing numbers of Muslims lauding the plan and thanking the Kingdom for the great effort in making their once in a lifetime journey comfortable.

The government, at the same time, while extending the hand of hospitality, too displays its iron fist. The government has also made it clear to all that an iron fist is strong and ready to crush anything that targets the safety of pilgrims and to ensure a smooth and comfortable Haj for the guests of Allah.

The sight of pilgrims eagerly arriving to the two holy cities is really touching and endearing. It really warms the cockles of the heart to see many pictures of pilgrims in tears of joy and happiness on their faces on landing in the holy land. Some of them have been waiting for many years in queue in their countries to be able to perform Haj. Some have labored and saved all their money over the years and some have sold all their valuables to be able to cover the expenses to perform Haj.

It is said in the Holy Qur’an, “And Haj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Kabaa) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence)”. Although it is not obligatory for Muslims, who are not able financially, to perform Haj but in order to do so, many people will go to extreme measures to ensure that they are able to do it, even if they were financially unable.

This brings me back to my main point I hope to highlight — poor people performing Haj. I wish that businessmen in all Muslim countries come up with a way to fulfill the wishes of making the impossible dream of poor pilgrims performing Haj come true by covering the costs of pilgrims. To be fair and from what I know, there are businessmen in Saudi Arabia who donate money secretly and without revealing their identity to cover the costs of many poor pilgrims.

I am sure that some similar good Samaritans exist in other Muslim countries, but this form of giving should be intensified to cover as many number as possible of the financially underprivileged. The biggest reward they get is in this lifetime itself when they see the bloom of pure happiness on the faces of those who get to do the once in lifetime journey to the two Holy Mosques and the Holy Sites.

In a previous article, I had written, “I call on the authorities to come up with a way to make Haj affordable for middle- and low-income people. It is a fact that Haj campaigns are overpriced for many, especially people with large number of family members. Given how life is expensive in some countries in Europe and even in America, or how low salaries are in some Muslim and poor countries, many of them find it almost impossible to fulfill the lifetime duty of Haj because of financial reasons.

“What if the authorities and some philanthropists came together to sponsor those who are facing difficulties in saving up for Haj? This could go a long way in embellishing the Kingdom’s image as a humane nation. Haj package providers should know that it is an honor to serve pilgrims and they should have a package that charges for the basic cost and not such that it earns an enormous profit for them.”

It is also good to see that the level of awareness of the domestic pilgrims is increasing and that the number of pilgrims without permits is on the decline. In the past, pilgrims without permits squatted around the Holy Sites and in main roads creating all sorts of problems. The level of organization by the security authorities and other government departments working in Haj is improving and tackling these issues.

With the sustained and planned expansion program at the Two Holy Mosques, the Kingdom is already alleviating the pressures of the numbers. This year it has increased the number of pilgrims for all countries and with future expansion Saudi Arabia will be ready to welcome more pilgrims. With all the systems and people in place, I am confident of a successful Haj this year and pray to God for a safe and peaceful Haj for all pilgrims.

Blurb: I wish that businessmen in all Muslim countries come up with a way to fulfill the wishes of making the impossible dream of poor pilgrims performing Haj come true by covering the costs of pilgrims.

source: saudigazette.com.sa

Pilgrim numbers up 24% over last year

Pilgrim numbers up 24% over last year

JEDDAH: The number of pilgrims arriving via air, land and sea entry points until Friday reached 1.07 million, an increase of 204,302, or 24 percent, compared to the same period last year.

The numbers of pilgrims arriving by air, land and sea were 1.015 million, 50,554 and 4,915 respectively, according to data released by the General Directorate of Passports.
On Sunday, the number of pilgrims arriving in Madinah stood at 32,468, while those leaving the city for Makkah reached 24,073, according to the National Guides Establishment in Madinah.
The number of pilgrims who remained in Madinah up to Sunday evening reached 201,101, compared to 175,676 in the same period last year.
Presiding over a meeting on Civil Defense plans for Hajj, the director general of the Civil Defense, Gen. Sulaiman Al-Amro, emphasized the importance of raising the sense of security, and of not tolerating any excesses or violations of safety requirements.
The commander of Civil Defense forces for Hajj, Maj. Gen. Hamad bin Abdul Aziz Al-Mubaddal, gave a visual presentation on the Civil Defense’s preparations and plans, and the readiness and positioning of forces at the holy sites.

source: arabnews.com

Kaaba’s kiswa raised

Kaaba’s kiswa raised

MAKKAH — The lower portion of the Holy Kaaba’s kiswa (cover) was raised on Tuesday by approximately three meters. The raised part is covered with a white cotton fabric of about two meters on the four sides.

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques took this measure as an annual procedure to ensure that Kaaba’s kiswa is protected from any damage by those circumambulating Islam’s holiest shrine during the Haj season.

Muhammad Bajouda, director general of the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Kaaba’s cover, said that this is part of the plan for this year’s pilgrimage of Haj. “This measure is a precaution to prevent any abuses. There are a large number of pilgrims who are keen to touch the cover of the Kaaba, which exposes the garment to some damage,” he said.

He added that some pilgrims cut out some parts of the kiswa to use it as a mascot, which is of course, “pure superstition.” The kiswa will resume its normal position once the Haj season is over.

Source: saudigazette.com.sa