Jamarat: Crowd management at the heart of Hajj
One of the biggest showpieces of Hajj infrastructure is Jamarat Al-Aqaba, constructed at a cost exceeding SR 4.2 billion ($1.12 billion) and capable of handling a flow of 300,000 pilgrims per hour. The 950-meter long and 80-meter wide structure is designed to support 12 floors and accommodate five million pilgrims in the future if needed. It is at this site that pilgrims throw
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A matchless spiritual experience
The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people and their submission to Allah. The word Hajj means “to intend a journey,” which connotes both the outward act of a journey and the inward act of intentions.
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HAJJ LIVE: Stoning at Jamarat Al-Aqaba marks first day of Eid
MINA: At the dawn of the first day of Eid al-Adha – the third day of Hajj - hundreds of thousands of Hajj pilgrims walked together to Jamarat Al-Aqaba in Mina. It is at this site the pilgrims throw seven pebbles at a wall in a ritual that symbolizes the stoning of the devil. The pilgrimage is attended by Muslims from all countries, irrespective of political views, age or
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More than 327 million meals and bottles of water distributed among pilgrims
Since the first day of Dhul Hijja (Aug. 2) until Dhul Hijja 8 (Aug. 9) the day of Tarwiyyah (watering) in Mina, the Ministry of Commerce and Investment has been supervising the supplies which consisted of 225 million bottles of water, 67 million pieces of bread and pastries, 28 million containers of soft drinks, juices and milk, 5.5 million ready meals and 1.8 million ice slabs.
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Pilgrim reconnects spiritually with loved one as she performs Hajj
MAKKAH: The Hajj pilgrimage is an obligatory spiritual journey for Muslims around the world, but for many it also a time to connect with loved ones. “I feel my mother is with me on Hajj every step of the way,” Danyah Bennett told Arab News. The 25-year-old’s mother died four years ago, just a week after her daughter’s wedding. “I think about her a lot during Hajj. I wish she
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Saudi interior minister inspects security operations in Makkah
Interior Minister and chairman of the Hajj Supreme Committee Prince Abdul Aziz bin Saud bin Naif inspected the work of Makkah’s Unified Security Operations Center, the Saudi Press Agency reported. He reviewed the services provided by the center to pilgrims, and stressed the importance of contributing to their security, safety and comfort in line with the aspirations of King
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Pilgrims flock to Namirah Mosque for prayers and Arafah sermon
In his Arafah sermon, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Asheikh focused on the concept of mercy and compassion (Rahma), drawing his points from verses of the Holy Qur’an and the sayings (Hadith) of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
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Meet the parents taking their children to Hajj
ARAFAT, SAUDI ARABIA: Pilgrims who take their children to the holy sites mainly do so for two reasons: No one can look after them and the educational value. Ayman Dafaalah, a Sudanese worshipper, is bringing his two young children along with his wife. He Arab News that brought his children because there were no relatives back home to take care of them. “We had no other
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Holy Kaaba in Makkah gets a new cover; 160 workers carry out elaborate task
MAKKAH: The ceremony to replace the old Kiswa (cover) of the holy Kaaba was held on Saturday, involving 160 technicians and craftsmen. Every year, the black silk that covers the Kaaba is replaced on the ninth day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. The ceremony was held under the supervision of Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, the chief of the General Presidency for the Affairs
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How Saudi Arabia plans to meet the water needs of holy sites
DUBAI: As pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, accommodation, transportation and the safety of more than 2 million people are some of the biggest issues the Kingdom’s authorities have to deal with. But there is another daunting challenge that does not attract the same amount of media attention: The water requirements of such a massive transient population.
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Holy Kaaba adorned with new kiswa
Holy Kaaba adorned with new kiswa
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Pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat at the climax of their Haj
Pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat at the climax of their Haj
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