NEWS l Mecca & Pilgrimage

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Holy Kaaba

Ramadan 1433/2012

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Holy Mosque Live streaming




http://live.gph.gov.sa/

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The door of the Kaaba remains one of history’s mysteries

Thursday, 02 August 2012

Since it came into being and till now, it is still one of the mysteries of history. It is the door of the Kaaba. There is no documentation of its initial shape or what its builders looked like. There is, however, one indisputable historical fact: the Kaaba had two doors for a long time.

“Today the door of the Kaaba rises above the surface of the Grand Mosque with about two meters and 20 centimeters. Its current height is three meters and 18 centimeters. The thickness of the door, including height and breath, is 222 centimeters long and 171 centimeters wide,” Nizar al-Shaibi of the al-Shaibi family (custodians of the Kaaba) said.

Tending to the Kaaba’s door is an honor many Islamic rulers throughout different eras were keen to get. They used to write their names under the 99 Names of God and they have never spared their gold and silver when it came to the Kaaba’s door. The door and its key are tended to by al-Shaiba, the keepers of the key in accordance with Prophet Mohammed’s will.

“The custody of the key always goes to the eldest of our family then passes to the next eldest and so on. We have the key of the Kaaba and the shrine of Prophet Ibrahim. We enter the Kaaba and clean it with rose water. We wait for the governor who starts the cleaning process followed by the guests he brings with him. They wipe the walls of the entire Kaaba followed by the walls,“ Abdul Qader al-Shaibi, head key-bearer of the Kaaba said.

The components of previous doors of the Kaaba are kept in several museums as Islamic treasures. King Khaled bin Abdul Aziz was the ruler who gave the most to the Kaaba’s door.

“This door was commissioned by the Custodian of the Two Holy Shrines King the late King Khaled bin Abdul Aziz. It consists of gold block manufactured in Saudi Arabia. Quranic verses and King Khaled’s name were engraved on the door,” Dr. Ahmed al-Morei, professor at Umm al-Qura University said.

The door of the Kaaba is sacred for one billion and a half people across the globe. The rest of the planet’s inhabitants eye this door with reverence and appreciate its beauty while always looking for an answer to the mystery.

The Kaaba is one of the most venerated places for Muslims. That is why they always give it a special care particularly as far as cleaning it. The Kaaba, clad in the best of silk attires and adorned with a door of gold, is a piece of art.

http://english.alarabiya.net/article...02/230035.html

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Security drill in Makkah



4 August 2012 - 16 Ramadan 1433 H

Civil Defense personnel take part in a security drill in Makkah, Thursday.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20120804132057


Civil Defense at the Grand Mosque

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8 nabbed for stealing in Grand Mosque

4 August 2012 - 16 Ramadan 1433 H

MAKKAH — A complaint filed by a Saudi woman led to the arrest of several women accused of stealing worshippers’ cell phones and money while they were praying. After performing Isha and Taraweeh prayers, the woman noticed that her cell phone was missing. She reported the matter to the Grand Mosque operations room, which alerted the female criminal investigation team in the women’s prayer area. The team was able to track the woman’s cell phone, which had not been switched off, to the King Fahd expansion area of the mosque. The team soon noticed a woman acting suspiciously and detained her.

They found several cell phones in her possession, including the one belonging to the Saudi woman. Upon interrogation, the woman admitted that she was part of a gang and led authorities to seven other fellow members who stole from pilgrims. All eight were handed over to Makkah Police.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20120804132051

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On a pen and a prayer: Pilgrims turn to ‘wall of names’
in hopes of returning to Madinah


Pilgrims write their names on the canvas partition that separates the women
from the men's area in the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.

4 August 2012 - 16 Ramadan 1433 H

MADINAH — Muslims around the world cherish the memory of visiting this blessed city and praying at the Prophet’s Mosque, second only to Makkah’s Grand Mosque in sanctity and holiness.

Whether a resident in the Kingdom or a foreign visitor, any pilgrim, as soon as he or she arrives in the holy city, will be all the more eager to enter the sanctuary known as Rawda Al-Shareef and greet the Prophet (peace be upon him) resting in his grave.

“Whoever visits me after I have passed, visits me as if it is during my lifetime,” an authentic Hadith quotes the Prophet as saying.

Rawda Al-Shareef is a small stretch of space inside the sprawling mosque complex between the pulpit of the Prophet and his house. The Prophet and two of his most trusted companions are buried there.

This piece of ground and the entire area that encompasses the resting place of the Prophet is of significant importance: “Between my house and my pulpit lies one of the gardens of Paradise,” the Prophet had once said. Offering voluntary prayers at this place is considered one of the most rewarding acts of worship.

Women are allowed into the area at designated hours. An exhibition of high decorum is expected of people visiting the sanctuary. However, the behavior of some pilgrims at this sacred place is mind-boggling.

Many women coming out of the area are seen scrawling their names and other remarks on the walls of the mosque. The canvas partition that separates women from the men’s area resembles the pages of a diary.

Women of all nationalities and ages can be seen engaging in the practice. Curious about their motives, Saudi Gazette approached a few of the women jotting down their names on the mosque’s walls and learned that they do so in the hope that they could come back to the holy sanctuary once again.

Eman, an Egyptian woman, picked up her pen and started writing the names of her siblings and their children on the canvas wall. She said all of them had asked her to call their names within the mosque and write them down so that they could come to perform Haj and visit the Prophet’s Mosque one day. “This is a tradition in our family; we ask anyone coming here to write our names so we will have the honor of visiting this holy place,” said Eman.

Samia, an Iraqi pilgrim, believes that every person who has written his or her name on any side of the mosque does so in the hope of visiting the place again one day.

“We don’t write the names of our family members and friends alone, we also write expressions greeting the Prophet (peace be upon him). We sign our names to indicate that we have been here and that we wish to be here again and again,” said Samia.

Om Hani, a first-time pilgrim from Pakistan, says her compatriots have a tendency to write their names in spiritually significant places, including mosques.

Om Hani came for the pilgrimage with her husband, who has visited the holy city twice before. She says people also scribble their names on walls and rocks around Makkah and Madinah in the hope that they remember the places when they return.

Regardless what the pilgrims say or believe, many people feel that writing one’s name inside mosques and other places of spiritual importance is tantamount to graffiti. They consider disfiguration of mosque walls a breach of sanctity and an additional headache for maintenance and cleaning crews.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20120804132123

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The Battle of Badr

The Battle of Badr took place on Ramadan 17,in the second year
after the emigration of the Prophet (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah

August 01, 2012

Ramadan is a reminder of the first major battle fought against the enemies of Islam. This decisive battle laid the foundation for the Islamic state and made Muslims a force to be reckoned with in the Arabian peninsula.

A very important fact to understand is that Islam is the religion of peace and it is neither imposed nor forced on anyone, as clearly stated in the Holy Quran itself. It is a universal fact that history does not record one single episode in which the prophet (peace be upon him) compelled any human being to convert to Islam. His character and conduct enticed people towards Islam.

This peaceful attitude of Islam is quite evident in that Muslims were ordered not to fight unless they were attacked, as Allah says: "Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress limits, for Allah loveth not transgressor-�. (Al Baqarah 190).

It is clear from this verse that there is neither compulsion nor transgression in Islam, except against the oppressors who harass and attack Muslims. In other words, Muslims are ordered to fight, to defend themselves, but they should not be transgressors, for transgressors are hated by Allah. We have seen many so-called international writers taking the verses from the Holy Quran which talk of fighting, but intentionally avoid the preceding and the following verses, which give the context of the entire clause.

When talking about the great battles of Islam, we should look deep into them in the light of this fact; namely that Muslims were not transgressors, but they only fought against the oppressors.

The Battle of Badr  took place on Ramadan 17, in the second year after the emigration of the Prophet (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah. The Muslims were able to vanquish their enemies in this battle in which Allah separated truth from falsehood and it came to be known as the Battle of Separation. This established the power of the Muslims.

Badr is the name of the spot at which the battle took place, and is situated in the south-west of Madinah, and was a meeting point between Madinah Road and the road used by the caravans coming from Syria to Makkah. It is a plain that is bordered by hills and mountains and is known for the abundance of date palms and water wells. The majority of its people now belong to the Harb tribe.

During the Prophet's (PBUH) time, Badr was a water station at which the caravans used to get water for their camels, and once a year there used to be an annual market there. Citing the cause of the battle, historians say, the Quraish of Makkah were returning from Syria and the Prophet (PBUH) sent two of his companions to get news of them. They reached a place called Alhawra and waited there until Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, leader of the caravan, arrived, after which the two scouts hurried back to Madinah and informed the Prophet (PBUH).

The Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have told his followers to go after the caravan, but no one was compelled to do so. He then departed with a contingent of just over 300 men (313-317), and they had between them only two horses and 70 camels.

The man who was left behind in Madinah to lead the prayers was Ibn Umm Maktum, and the army consisted of both immigrants (Muhajirin) numbering 86 and supporters (Ansar) of the Awas and Khazraj tribes. The Prophet (PBUH) divided the army into two detachments: the Muhajirin led by Ali ibn Abi Talib and the supporters under the leadership of Saad ibn Muadh.

The contingent set off from Madinah until they reached a place called Safra, from where the Prophet (PBUH) sent two of his companions out to scout around and bring him intelligence reports. Abu Sufyan, the leader of the Quraish trading caravan, changed course and headed for the coast and thence to Makkah, which the caravan reached safely.

But before that he had already sent a messenger to Makkah to ask for help to rescue the caravan. The Quraish prepared a contingent of 1,300 warriors, which had 100 horses and an unknown number of camels. Commanding their army was Aba Jahl.

At Juhfa, they received a new message from Abu Sufyan telling them that the caravan was safe and that they should return to base. But when the men were just about to start the return journey, Abu Jahl, in his arrogance, told them not to turn around. He incited and exhorted them to war, and with the exception of 300 members of the Bani Zahrah tribe, the rest of the contingent obeyed his command. The 1,000 men marched on, but when Banu Hashim also wanted to return to Makkah, Abu Jahl refused them permission. The men reached a hillock situated at Upper Adwa, bordering the Badr Valley.

The Prophet (PBUH) learnt that the Quraish army was on its way and he understood the gravity of the situation. He realised that a confrontation was inevitable. But the important thing was that it all depended on the attitude of the Ansar, because they had promised to protect him as long as he was in Madinah and there was no reference to any place outside it.

But the Ansar, under the command of Saad ibn Muadh, were men of integrity and loyalty, for, when the Prophet (PBUH) asked them of their opinion, they made an apt reply and told him that he should fight the nonbelievers and Allah would be with them, whereupon the Prophet (PBUH) broke the news that Allah had promised victory for them.

Thus, the Muslim army moved and hurried to the well of Badr, to be the first to arrive. When they reached there, Habab ibn Al Mundhir advised the Prophet (PBUH) that they should fill all the wells except one, near which a trough should be built, and used only by the Muslims for their drinking water. The Prophet (PBUH) accepted the advice and approved the plan.

The numerically superior legion of the nonbelievers arrived, and when the Prophet (PBUH) saw the huge army, he raised his hands in supplication to Allah and beseeched His support and salvation.

Thereupon, Allah sent him a revelation to the effect that He was with them, and that He would fill the nonbelievers' hearts with fear and trepidation. Allah made it known to the Prophet (PBUH) that He was sending down His angels to help him. A few men of the Quraish, among them Hakim ibn Huzam and Utbah ibn Rabiah, thought of returning home, but Abu Jahl incited the nonbelievers to fight. The fighting started, and began to intensify within a short time.

Three of the Quraish noblemen, Utbah ibn Rabiah, his brother Shaibah and Al Walid ibn Utbah, asked for a sword contest, and suffered defeat at the swords of Hamza, Ali, and Ubaydah ibn Al-Harith. This was a bad omen for the nonbelievers. They attacked the Muslims ferociously, but the Muslims were steadfast and resisted them.

In a narration by Ibn Ishaq, it is said that the Prophet (PBUH) told Abu Bakr that Archangel Jibreel had taken the reins of his horse and led him. Thereupon, the Prophet (PBUH) ordered a counter-attack against the nonbelievers. He advised his men that whoever fought sincerely and died in the course of duty would be admitted to paradise. The Muslims fought hard and the angels came to their aid, and that was when the signs of failure and tension began to show in the ranks of the enemy. Abu Jahl and Umayyah ibn Khalaf were among the first casualties.

Then followed Al-As ibn AlMughira, Abu Albahtari ibn Hisham, and others among the Quraish stalwarts -” 70 in all. Another 70 were taken prisoners by the Muslims, among them Abbas, the Prophet's (PBUH) uncle (who had gone to the battlefield halfheartedly), Utbah ibn Abi Muit, Nadhar ibn Al-Harith, their standard-bearer.

http://www.timesofoman.com/echoice.aspx?detail=9469

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Holy Mosque - Ramadan 1433/2012

image hosted on flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wejdan88/7706409670/

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Iftar parties at Two Holy Mosques attract thousands


15th Iftar 2012 Ramadan - Makkah (Adhan By Sheikh Nuhas)

JEDDAH: ARAB NEWS

Sunday 5 August 2012

Hundreds of thousands of Muslims assemble in the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah for iftar (breaking of the fast) during Ramadan every day.

People from different parts of the world, especially pilgrims, sit shoulder to shoulder in rows inside the two mosques as well as their vast courtyards for iftar in an elegant expression of Islamic solidarity.

Mosleh Al-Mahmadi, director of the department for courtyards, said: “We have set out a special plan for organizing iftar in the courtyards of the Grand Mosque in Makkah.”

Philanthropists and charitable organizations should get permission from Al-Mahmadi’s department to distribute iftar and other food items in the Haram during Ramadan. He added: “We have set up a number of committees to organize iftar every day.

“We have appointed monitors to check food, especially cooked dishes, before they are distributed among the worshippers.”

He said more than 500 male and female employees have been appointed to serve the guests of God in the Two Holy Mosques during Ramadan, especially in the last 10 days of the holy month when millions of faithful flock the two mosques.

Al-Mahmadi said employees would be deployed in all the parts of the Grand Mosque to monitor and prevent negative practices.

He said: “Our employees make arrangements for the smooth flow of pilgrims to and from the mosque.”

The committee will erect 120 signboards in different languages instructing visitors to maintain the mosque’s neatness and prevent children from playing inside.

Multi colored maps in both Arabic and English indicating the current position of worshippers have been installed to help visitors and pilgrims.

The department has established a number of lockers around the two holy mosques for people to keep their valuables. These modern lockers are designed to meet pilgrims’ requirements and keep the mosque’s surroundings neat and tidy.

There are 1,300 lockers distributed in seven places near the Grand Mosque.

Al-Mahmadi appealed visitors and pilgrims to cooperate with the mosque’s employees and officials to protect the sanctity of the two holy mosques.

http://www.arabnews.com/iftar-partie...ract-thousands

16th Iftar 2012 Ramadan - Makkah (Adhan by Sheikh Tawfiq Khoj)

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35 minutes to clean Grand Mosque courtyards


Workers cordon off an area near the Ka’aba as cleaning crews move in.

5 August 2012 - 17 Ramadan 1433 H

MAKKAH – It takes cleaners at the Grand Mosque’s Sanitation Department 35 minutes to clean the courtyards of the Grand Mosque, said Humood Al-Ayada, director of the department. Run by the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques’ Affairs, the department has intensified cleaning operations during the high-traffic Ramadan season and an operational plan has been implemented to clean places where visitors perform Tawaf and Saee as quickly as possible.

An average of 127 tons of garbage is removed every month from the Grand Mosque while on Lailatul Qadr (Night of Power), about 270 tons of garbage is removed.

30,000 carpets are placed on the floors after being washed, cleaned and perfumed. This takes place in the presence of 250 male and female supervisors who monitor the performance of over 3,000 male and female workers inside the Grand Mosque and ensure that operational plans are being implemented on schedule.

There are over 300 cleaning equipment being used round-the-clock to keep the Grand Mosque clean. There are 3,500 bathrooms that are cleaned after each prayer.

Al-Ayada said personal belongings brought inside the Grand Mosque are taken out by security officers to specific locations outside.

“There are 300 signs warning pilgrims and visitors against bringing their belongings inside the Grand Mosque or putting them at the entrances of rest rooms. This is to prevent crowding and insure maximum space for pilgrims,” he added.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20120805132156

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Libya reserves Haj quota for martyrs’ families

5 August 2012 - 17 Ramadan 1433 H

TRIPOLI – A quarter of the 7,000 places for Libyans undertaking the Haj pilgrimage to Makkah this year are to be reserved for the families of martyrs of the revolution.

Speaking at the government’s weekly press conference Friday, government spokesman Nasser Al-Manaa also confirmed that all those families’ costs for the pilgrimage would be covered by the authorities.

The families are to be chosen by lottery. Last year, Manaa explained, the authorities had also set aside a percentage of Haj places for martyrs’ families and covered their full costs. The practice will continue every year for the foreseeable future, he said.

The remaining 75 percent of places will be open to all Libyans and will, again, be chosen by lottery, he said, adding that the government will pay 25 percent of their pilgrimage costs as well

Haj is expected this year between October 24-29. Pilgrims usually spend around two weeks in Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage, arriving several days beforehand. Many also travel to Madinah to pray at the Prophet’s Mosque.

The number of places a country is allocated by the Saudi Arabian authorities is usually based on the formula of 1,000 per million Muslims. In the case of Libya, this year’s allocation is seen as on the generous side.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20120805132176

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Great updates, Thanks

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Originally Posted by I Know

Great updates, Thanks

you're welcome bro : )

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4 Egyptian pilgrims die in road crash

5 August 2012 - 17 Ramadan 1433 H

MADINAH — Four people were killed and several others injured when a bus carrying Egyptian Umrah pilgrims overturned Saturday afternoon on their way to Makkah, Civil Defense and security sources said. The Civil Defense operations room in Mahd Al-Dhahab governorate received a call at 2.25 P.M. about the accident at Kilo 166 on Al-Hijra Road. The bus owned by Al-Jazirah Transport Company was carrying 35 Umrah pilgrims.

Several passengers were trapped in the wreckage and six Civil Defense teams worked hard to free them. The Pakistani driver of the bus also sustained serious injuries. The injured passengers were evacuated to various hospitals by the Red Crescent ambulances, said Col. Khaled Mubarak Al-Jihani, spokesman of the Civil Defense in Madinah.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20120805132152

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Battle of Uhud model in Madinah

5 August 2012 - 17 Ramadan 1433 H

Pilgrims pose for a picture near a model that explains the events of the Battle of Uhud, which took place between the forces from the Muslim community in Madinah led by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Makkan forces of Abu Sufyan Bin Harb. The model was set up by the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Hai’a) in Madinah near Mount Uhud.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20120805132161

إطلالة على محافظة بدر التي نزلت الملائكة على جبالها
.. ومكث النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم النبي وصحابته في أرضها (واس) 16/9/1433هـ

A view of the province of Badr got angels on the mountains
.. He stayed the Prophet peace be upon him and his companions of the Prophet in the land

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Expansion to triple mataf’s capacity

JEDDAH: ARAB NEWS

Monday 6 August 2012

The expansion project for the mataf (the circumambulation area around the Kaaba) will triple its capacity, according to a senior official of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute of Haj Research.

Abdul Aziz Saroji said the expanded mataf would be able to accommodate 130,000 pilgrims per hour.

He said the mataf expansion would take three years to complete.
He added: “We cannot stop circumambulation around the Kaaba or prayer in the mataf because of the project.”

However, he said Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has ordered the project to be completed as quickly as possible.

He added: “Recently we expanded the masaa (the running area between Safa and Marwa), which helped in accommodating a large number of pilgrims over its four floors.”

Higher Education Minister Khaled Al-Anqari presented the mataf expansion project to King Abdullah during Ramadan last year. Saroji added: “Our institute was part of the team that presented the project and had provided ideas and expertise for its design.”

Work on the project began in June but stopped in July because of Ramadan, when millions of Muslims come for Umrah from different parts of the world.
Saroji added: “Work will resume soon after Ramadan. Once the project is completed it will solve one of the major problems facing pilgrims.”

Interior Minister Prince Ahmed chairs the institute’s supervising committee, while Higher Education Minister Al-Anqari and Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar are its members.

He said: “Our research institute has conducted about 600 studies that helped in solving many problems facing pilgrims and improving services during Haj and Umrah.”

Saroji highlighted the important role the institute plays.

“It is the only institute in the world that conducts studies on Haj and Umrah. More than 38 years have passed since its establishment.”

He disclosed the institute’s plan to establish research chairs at Saudi universities.

He said: “We have already set up the Prince Naif Chair at Umm Al-Qura for studies on housing in Makkah, Madinah and other holy sites. “It has received a financing of SR 3 million.”

Discussing the annual conferences organized by the institute, Saroji said such events aimed to discuss various research papers dealing with ways to improve Haj and Umrah services.

He added: “Many departments have benefited from our research papers in the past.”

The institute has conducted 40 studies this Ramadan. About half of them were conducted in Madinah under the directives of Madinah Gov. Prince Abdul Aziz bin Majed, he pointed out.

These projects include expansion of Rowdah inside the Prophet’s Mosque.

He said about 80 researchers outside the institute cooperate with his organization. “During this research season 230 students also cooperated with us to collect various pieces of information.”

http://www.arabnews.com/expansion-tr...0%99s-capacity

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SUBLIME!

6 August 2012 - 18 Ramadan 1433 H

The Makkah Clock Tower overlooks the Grand Mosque, Saturday night. Millions of worshippers have descended on the Holy City to pray in the Grand Mosque. According to estimates, the number of Umrah performers this year recorded an increase of five to 10 percent from the previous year. Last year, nearly 5.2 million Umrah visas were issued. Until July 1 this year, about 3.8 million Umrah pilgrims had entered the Kingdom, which is an increase of 400,000 compared to the same period last year, Minister of Haj Bandar Hajjar was quoted as saying.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20120806132257

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King Abdullah committed to serving Muslim Ummah


Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah Region, at a press conference at his residence in Jeddah on Saturday

6 August 2012 - 18 Ramadan 1433 H

EDDAH – Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah Region, said King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has been following developments in the Muslim world and that is why he called for the Makkah Islamic summit which will be held on Aug.14-15.

At a press conference held Saturday at his residence in Jeddah, Prince Khaled welcomed all Arab and Muslim leaders to the summit. He said King Abdullah was keen to hold the summit during the holy month of Ramadan and in the holy city of Makkah, especially in light of the current developments in the Muslim world.

“Leaders need to meet and deliberate and exchange viewpoints. All developments taking place in the region should be considered and their ramifications on our nations should be studied. The Monarch wants to make sure that the summit issues decisions which serve the interests of all Arab and Muslim countries.”

Prince Khaled also said a new road plan is being designed at the behest of the Monarch to organize traffic flow and make necessary arrangements to ensure that everything runs smoothly and leaders enter and leave Makkah easily. He said the Kingdom enjoys considerable experience in holding big events during busy seasons and it has done this successfully for many years during the Haj and Umrah seasons.

“This country is capable of organizing and managing successful summits, thanks to the leadership and the cooperation of its citizens.”

The Emir of Makkah Region cited the Islamic summit held in 2005 in Makkah as an example of a successful event. He emphasized the importance of the role played by residents of Makkah in making the summit successful.

Preparation for success

The committees in charge of organizing the summit have held several meetings during which preparation steps were discussed in detail. “Every member in these committees is working nonstop to design a reception event that befits the status of leaders and their delegations. To them and all government agencies involved in the process, I extend my thanks,” said Prince Khaled.

Daily activities won’t be disrupted

The summit should not disrupt daily activities in Makkah and Jeddah. Pilgrims and visitors will be able to perform their rituals inside the Grand Mosque with ease. Prince Khaled urged citizens and residents in Makkah not to crowd places around the Grand Mosque, especially areas between Al-Safa Palace and Makkah Waqf Towers. He also called upon citizens and residents not from Makkah to avoid the city during the summit. “Giving the summit guests more room will contribute to the success of this event which aims to unite Muslims and resolve the crises that are happening in the Middle East.”

Participation of non-Muslims

Prince Khaled said non-Muslim leaders and delegations as well as the representatives of international organizations will be participating in the summit through video-conference from inside a conference hall in Jeddah.

Speaking about the role of media, Prince Khaled urged broadcast and print media to educate the general public about the importance of the conference and the role that citizens and residents can play toward its success.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20120806132262

Make way for summit guests, Grand Mufti tells visitors to Makkah

JEDDAH — Sheikh Abdulaziz Aal Al-Sheikh, the Kingdom’s Grand Mufti, has called on citizens and expatriate residents as well as Umrah pilgrims to cooperate with organizers of the upcoming Islamic summit in Makkah.

The Extraordinary Islamic Solidarity Conference will be held in the holy city on Ramadan 26-27. Underling the need to comply with guidelines laid down by the authorities to facilitate the arrival of the summit guests, Al-Sheikh urged residents and pilgrims to help organize traffic movement in the city during the summit, which coincides with peak days of Ramadan.

“Cooperate with officials to make way for the guests of the summit, which is held to protect the interests of Muslims,” said Al-Sheikh.

The extraordinary summit will discuss a number of pressing issues, including the conditions in Syria, Burma, Palestine and other parts of the Muslim world.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20120806132275

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Hajj and Umrah Committee
warns against fake Umrah brokers

6 August 2012 - 18 Ramadan 1433 H

MAKKAH – The National Committee of Hajj and Umrah (NCHU) at Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry has warned local Umrah performers against falling victims to the tricks of some brokers - mostly expatriate and illegal workers - who claim that they could provide accommodation during the last ten days of Ramadan.

Abdullah Qadi, vice chairman of the committee, said the regulations for organizing services provided to local Umrah performers are still being studied by concerned authorities. It is expected that the regulations will be issued soon to put an end to the negative aspects that damage the reputation of the sector. “To be frank, the service sector of local Umrah performers has negative aspects way more than that of foreign Umrah performers,” he said.

The main problem facing the sector is fake Umrah packages promoted by brokers. Every year hundreds of local Umrah performers arrive in Makkah with no accommodation or place to stay at, because they have been fooled by some brokers who guaranteed them accommodation and then took their money and vanished. It is difficult to find accommodation for the large number of local Umrah performers who arrive in the last ten days of Ramadan because all hotels are full, Qadi noted.

One of the most difficult problems legitimate Saudi Umrah companies face during Ramadan is that some Umrah performers miss their flights and the company has to arrange for extended accommodation while they try to get bookings on another flight for them in a short time, which is difficult.

“We are certain that all Umrah performers who arrive in the Kingdom from abroad have confirmed return tickets. We have a list of their names and the hotels where they will stay, thanks to e-contracts sent by emails,” Qadi asserted. He urged Umrah performers coming from abroad as well as tourist companies overseas to sign a contract delineating the Umrah package details. The committee has discovered several times that tourist companies abroad did not alaways provide Umrah performers with the same services mentioned in the contract signed between both parties.

“The ministry will require the local Umrah company to provide the Umrah performer with the proper accommodation. Then the local company will contact the tourist company abroad and request it to pay the accommodation expenses. If the tourist company refuses, the local Umrah company can deduct the amount from the financial guarantee (estimated to be SR100,000) the tourist company deposited in the local company’s account.”

Qadi didn’t rule out the possibility that some local Umrah companies collude with travel agents abroad to change the class of the hotel. However, this is very rare in light of the strict procedures followed by the ministry to prevent such practices, he said. There are some cases when such thing happened but it was not intentional. For example, some new Umrah performers arrive in the Kingdom and find that the hotel where they are going to stay is still full of other Umrah performers whose departure has been delayed and they have to wait for the next flight. The newly-arrived Umrah performers will be provided with a hotel with lower class for a short time then they will be moved to the hotel they agreed upon with the travel agent in their homeland.

Saudi companies won’t allow any Umrah performer to overstay his Umrah visa because they know that the ministry imposes severe penalties, let alone suspension. The ministry has suspended 200 Umrah companies since the new Umrah law was introduced ten years ago. Currently, there are 48 Umrah companies in operation. Qadi believes that most Umrah performers overstay their visas in Ramadan because they are keen to attend the last ten days of Ramadan in the Grand Mosque of Makkah.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20120806132272

[Roukaya19]

2,000 men from the Civil Defense Emergency Response
at the Grand Mosque around the clock

04/08/2012