News and Events
After opening the exhibition and following a tour of some of the key exhibits, Prince Charles, heir the the British throne, described "Journey to the Heart of Islam", the exhibition about the Haj at the British Museum in London, as remarkable and splendid.
Hassan Alwany, the master weaver from Dar Al-Kiswa in the Holy City of Makkah, demonstrates the skills deployed in producing the Kiswah, the cloth that covers the Holy Qaaba.
Jeddah, Rabi'I 26, 1433
Minister of Hajj Dr. Bandar bin Mohammad Al-Hajjar met here today the visiting delegation of the Pakistani Hajj mission.
During the meeting, they discussed issues concerning Pakistani Hajj affairs organization in preparation for this year's Hajj
Jeddah, Rabi'I 26, 1433
Minister of Hajj Dr. Bandar bin Mohammad Al-Hajjar met here today Tunisian Religious Affairs Minister Dr. Nooraldeen Alkhadmi.
During the meeting, they discussed issues concerning Tunisian Hajj and Umrah affairs
Holy City of Makkah, Rabi'I 27, 1433
Pakistan's Minister of Religious Affairs Khurshid Ahmad Shah commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for giant projects implemented in the Holy Sites in the service of pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors of the Prophet's Mosque.
During a meeting with the Chairman of Board of Directors of Pilgrims-Guides Foundation of South Asia, Khurshid praised the Foundation for its services provided to pilgrims of South Asia including Pakistani pilgrims exceeding 160,000.
Riyadh, Rabi'I 27, 1433
A number of princes have emphasized the importance of Local Competition of Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Award for Holy Quran Memorization for Boys and Girls to be organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance in Riyadh from February 27 to March 4.
In press statements on this occasion, the princes said that the success of the competition over 13 years reflects the great interest and support provided for this competition by Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Defense, who patronizes the competition, commending the great efforts exerted by Prince Salman in the service of the Holy Quran, its memorization, and propagation.
The princes prayed to Allah Almighty to crown Prince Salman's efforts with full success in the service of his religion and homeland.
The princes included Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Riyadh Region; Prince Mohammed bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, Vice Governor of Riyadh Region; Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz, Chief of General Intelligence; Prince Mohammed bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Jazan Region; Prince Abdulrahman bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Kharj; Prince Abdulaziz bin Majed bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Madinah Region; Prince Dr. Mansour bin Miteb bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Vice Governor of Qassim Region; Prince Mansour bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, Advisor to the King; Prince Faisal bin Abdullah bin Mohammed, Minister of Education; and Prince Dr. Mishaal bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, Advisor at the Crown Prince's Court.
At a meeting at which Sauid Minister of Hajj Dr Bandar Al Hajjar and Pakistan's Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah discussed aspects of this year's Hajj, Pakistan requested for an additional quota of 10,000 pilgrims for this year. The Saudi Minister of Hajj approved Pakistan’s request that all Pakistani pilgrims should be permitted to use the Mashair train facility.
Riyadh, Rabi'I 28, 1433
Rain-seeking prayers were performed today throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in line with the tradition of the Prophet (Peace be upon him).
The Prophet used to perform “Istisqa� (rain-seeking) prayers in case of drought or a delay in rainfall.
In Makkah and Madinah, the prayers were performed at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, respectively. They were attended by Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Makkah Region, and Prince Abdulaziz bin Majid bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Madinah Region.
In Riyadh, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Riyadh region, attended the prayers at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque. The prayers were led by the Kingdom’s Grand Mufti and President of the Council of Senior Scholars and General Presidency of Research and Ifta, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh.
Makkah, Rabi'I 13, 1433
Secretary General of Muslim World League (MWL) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulmohsen Al-Turki received here today an Islamic delegation from the University of Kerala in India under the chairmanship of Sheikh Dr. Abdul Shakur Al-Qassimi.
During the meeting, they discussed issues of common interest between the two sides and prospects of holding a joint symposium on Prophet's Hadith in India under the auspices of Muslim World League.
Dr. Al-Turki expressed the League's keenness on cooperation in the service of Islam and Muslims.
On his part, Dr. Al-Qassimi expressed the University's desire for continuing cooperation and holding Islamic activities under MWL supervision.
Two famous cemetries, Mualla and Al-Sharaie, are to be refurbished by the Makkah Municipality at a cost of SR 5.63 million.
Riyadh, Rabi'I 13, 1433
The Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar bin Mohammed Hajjar met here today Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Izzeddin Tajo.
During the meeting, they discussed matters relating to the affairs of Philippine pilgrims and Umrah performers for this year.
Holy City of Madinah, Rabi'I 9, 1433
Prince Abdulaziz bin Majed bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Madinah Region patronized here yesterday evening a symposium entitled 'Prophet's Rights of His Nation' organized by Islamic University of Madinah in cooperation with Global Organization for Introduction of Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him).
Addressing the Symposium, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh, the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, President of Senior Scholars Council and General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, said that one of the Prophet's greatest rights of his nation is to clarify that his message is addressed to the whole world and, mercy for all peoples, calling on Muslims all over the world to adhere to and follow up Prophet's Sunnah.
In another speech, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulmohsen Al-Turki, the Secretary General of Muslim World League said, 'The Global Organization for Introduction of Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him) has been supported by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Crown Prince, as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded on the Islamic religion.'
The Haramain High Speed Rail project will, when completed, provide a 449 km high-speed inter-city system linking Madinah and Makkah and will be a major contributor to relieving pilgrim transport problems during the Hajj.
gulfnews.com
Kiswah craftsmen who make the cloth that covers the Holy Kaaba are on their way from the Holy City of Makkah to London where they will demonstrate their skills at the Hajj exhibition being held in London's British Museum.
Saudi Gazette
A smartphone application called Amir has been developed by a German Afghan Habiburrahman Dastageeri to help pilgrims in the performance of their rites and to find their way around the Holy City of Makkah.
The Economist
Pakistani pilgrims have been advised to obtain their machine readable passport (MRPs)- which are now a prerequisite for proceeding on Haj - at the earliest opportunity as the process of receiving applications for Haj under the government scheme is expected to begin in March.
Holy City of Makkah, Rabi'I 22, 1433
Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Conference On Lunar Months and Astronomical Calculations, which was organized by Islamic Jurisprudence Academy affiliated with Muslim World League, concluded here yesterday its two-day meetings.
In its final statement, the Conference said that the confirmation of the start and end of lunar months can be done by sighting whether with eyes or astronomical observatories and systems, noting that Sharia does not forbid benefitting from modern sciences such as astronomical calculations and technologies of advanced observatories.
The Conference commends efforts of some Islamic countries in the field of observation and establishment of astronomical observations, particularly the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia represented by King Abdulaziz City For Science and Technology (KACST) in this regard
London, Rabi'I 22, 1433
The Director of Saudi Arabian Airlines in Britain and Ireland, Rashid bin Mohammad Ala'ajmi hailed Tuesday the holding of the exhibition 'Hajj: A Journey to the Heart of Islam' at the British Museum in London.
In a statement to Saudi Press Agency here this morning, he said the exhibition contained comprehensive information on Hajj and efforts being exerted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in this field.
"The Kingdom issued 9.5 million religious visas last year, up 11.3 percent from 2010, according to the Ministry of Haj website, with Umrah visas rising by one million in 2011 from 2010. Nearly two million foreign pilgrims arrived to perform Haj last year."
The Kingdom issued 9.5 million religious visas last year, an 11.3 percent increase from 2010; further substantial growth is expected. The Saudi Government is investing heavily in infrastructure to ensure pilgrims can perform pilgrimage safely and securely
At the recent meeting held by the Islamic Fiqh Academy in the Holy City of Makkah, Kuwaiti scholar and researcher Dr. Mohammad Al-Tabtabaei, called for efforts to find a way to unify calculations of dates based on the lunar calendar for relgious events.
Kuwait News Agency.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has given approval for the formation of a Committee under the chairmanship of the Minister of Hajj to develop a 25 year strategy for Hajj and Umrah.
Saudi Gazette.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has given approval for the formation of a Committee under the chairmanship of the Minister of Hajj to develop a 25 year strategy for Hajj and Umrah.
Saudi Gazette
Holy City of Makkah, Rabi'I 25, 1433
Tunisian Prime Minister Hamadi Al-Jebali and the accompanying delegation attended Umrah (minor Hajj) in Makkah today.
At the entrance of the Grand Mosque, Al-Jebali was received by a number of officials.
Bangui, Rabi'I 26, 1433
The President of Central African Republic Francois Bozize received here yesterday Saudi Ambassador to Cameroon Mahmoud bin Hussein Qattan currently on a working visit to the Republic of Central Africa.
During the meeting, the President sent his greetings to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior, commending wise policies pursued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its influential position at regional and international arenas.
He also praised services provided by the Saudi government for Hajj Mission of the Republic of Central Africa, stressing his country's desire for the distinguished relations with Saudi Arabia in various fields.
For his part, Ambassador Qattan emphasized the keenness of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince on the development of relations between Saudi Arabia and African countries.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Central African Republic Antoine Jambi.
Yanbu, Rabi'I 21, 1433
More than 600 Egyptian Umrah performers arrived at Yanbu Commercial Seaport on board a ferry coming from Safaja Seaport of the Arab Republic of Egypt, which is the first ferry in this year's Umrah season.
The concerned authorities at Yanbu Seaport completed quickly their entry procedures; and the remaining Umrah journeys will take place according to schedules of their arrivals
Many prominent figures including religious scholars, experts in jurisprudents and astronomers have gathered in the Holy City of Makkah to attend an international conference which is to attempt to eliminate differences in lunar calculations for Haj as well as Eid festivals
Riyadh, Rabi'I 20, 1433, Feb 12, 2012, SPA - Prince Dr. Mansour bin Miteb bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs has approved municipal projects worth more than SR 447 million with national companies to be implemented in various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The projects will be implemented in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, Jeddah, Eastern Region, Ahsa Governorate, and Asir Region.
Some 4,700 pilgrims, mainly from Turkey, Algeria and Iraq, have arrived on 19 flights at the King Abdul Aziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah on the first day of the 2012 Umrah season at the Haj terminal yesterday.
In the last 27 years, the King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Quran has printed and distributed more than 250 million copies of the Holy Book.
Kuala Lumpur, Rabi'I 19, 1433
Malaysia will host the Annual Conference of Islamic Forum 2012 in the City of Putrajaya on Sunday with the participation of investors from Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Qatar, Sudan, and Egypt, representing real estate, construction, trade, health, oil, gas, and transportation fields.
The two-day conference focuses on investment and trade opportunities in Malaysia.
All those Indians planning to perform Hajj this year must make sure they have a valid international passport and that they have registered their application to perform Hajj by the end of February.
Jeddah, Rabi'I 15, 1433
The first flights carrying Umrah (minor Hajj) performers started to arrive at the Jeddah-based King Abdulaziz International Airport, it was reported.
Nineteen flights, from Turkey, Algeria and Iran in addition to other Islamic countries, have already landed in the airport carrying 4700 passengers intending to perform the rite.
The Hajj Exhibition at the British Museum in London, under the title "Hajj: journey to the Heart of Islam", is not only an opportunity for Muslims to see some of the most outstanding exhibits related to the Hajj but is also an opportunity for non-Muslims to understand the true nature and significance of Islam's fifth pillar.
Referring to provisions made in the 2011 budget, Muhammad bin Nasser Al-Khozaim, deputy head of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah noted that the cost in the current year of various projects at the two Holy Mosques, including maintenance and cleaning operations, will amount to more than SR2 billion.
Yaounde, Rabi'I 15, 1433
Saudi Ambassador to Cameroon Mahmoud bin Hussein Qattan met here today with Minister of Land Management and Decentralization Affairs and Chairman of National Committee for Hajj in Cameroon, Rene Sadi.
During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations between the two countries as well as issues pertaining to pilgrims from the Republic of Cameroon intending to perform this year's Hajj.
Jeddah, Rabi'I 15, 1433
The Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar bin Mohammad Hajjar met here today the U.S. Consul General to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Thomas Duffy.
During the meeting, they discussed matters relating to the affairs of American pilgrims during this year's (1433 AH) Hajj.
The Minister of Hajj informed the Consul General about the efforts undertaken by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to execute large-scale expansions of the Two Holy Mosques and the Holy places under the guidance and the keenness of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, that are made available for the service of Islam and Muslims all over the world.
For his part, the U.S. Consul General expressed his great gratitude for the efforts of the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince to provide extensive care and attention to enable pilgrims to perform their Hajj rituals in ease and contentment.
