MAKKAH - Local Umrah performers have complained about soaring hotel room and residential unit prices in Makkah during Ramadan and said that prices are unusually higher than at other times of the year. However, the National Committee for Haj and Umrah (NCHU) said that it is normal that businessmen increase prices during Ramadan so that they can cover the cost of hotel operations and make a profit on the money they have invested.
Saleh Al-Mutlaq, an Umrah performer from Riyadh, said, "I've been coming to Makkah to perform Umrah every Ramadan for the past 40 years. Prices of hotels near the Grand Mosque have skyrocketed. It cost my mother and me around SR130,000 to stay for one month in Makkah during Ramadan. In the past, an apartment near the Grand Mosque would cost you less than SR25,000. I think these soaring prices will go down once Makkah development projects have been completed and there will an equilibrium between supply and demand."
Al-Mutlaq said that the spiritual moments one spends next to the Grand Mosque and the services available nearby are priceless.
Umm Thamir, an Umrah performer from Jeddah, said, "Every year, I spend the last 10 days of Ramadan in Makkah. Prices have increased dramatically. A two-person room with Iftar and Sahoor costs SR39,900 for 10 days."
Hanan Muhammad, from Sharqiya, agreed that prices are too high in the central area surrounding the Grand Mosque. "My husband and I paid around SR10,000 to stay three days in a hotel room that did not include Iftar and Sahoor."
Munirah Mubarak, from Al-Ahsa, said, "Although I reserved the room in July, it cost me SR400 per night and it was in a three-star hotel far from the Grand Mosque. According to the contract, we should've been provided by transportation but none was given. Due to the heavy traffic and lack of transportation, we had to walk to the Grand Mosque."
Abdulrahman Muhammad and his friends who came from Al-Baha said that they used public transportation to get to the Grand Mosque and sometimes they would take microbuses.
However, Sa'ad Jameel Al-Qurashi, NCHU Chairman, said, "It's normal to see an increase in prices at this time of the year. This is a big season for hotels and residential units. Businessmen have invested a lot of money and they want to realize a return on their investments."
MAKKAH - A research study on Jabel Al-Noor and Thor in Makkah, and Uhud in Madina stressed the importance of linking these areas with cable cars to transport Umrah pilgrims and visitors to these areas, Dr Abdul Aziz Serouji, dean of the Haj Research Center in Makkah, said Wednesday at a press conference.
He pointed out that, Jabel Al-Noor, which is mentioned in the Holy Qur'an, lies to the east of the Holy Ka'aba and is the location of the Hira cave where the Prophet (peace be upon him) received the first revelation through Angel Jibreel and prayed. It has become an unplanned visitor attraction for pilgrims, he said.
The Hira cave is 270 meters up the mountain and at the height of pilgrimage, up to 50,000 people a day have climbed up to see it, he added.
Jabel Thor, on the outskirts of Makkah, marks the start of the journey of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and Abu Bakr Al-Sadeeq from Makkah to Madina. It is the mountain where the Prophet (peace be upon him) and Abu Bakr Al-Sadeeq hid from the people of Quraish before his Hijra to Madina.
Mt. Uhud (Jabal Uhud), the mountain where the Battle of Uhud took place, is in the northern part of Madina, four kilometers from the Prophet's Mosque.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) felt releved when he saw it, and the people of Madina also loved it very much.
On March 19, 625, (3 Shawwal 3 AH), it was the scene of the famous Battle of Uhud, in the area between the southwestern base of Mount of Uhud and Mount Anyayan, which covers about one kilometer.
The study stressed the importance of the cable cars because they would protect the pilgrims from falling on the mountains' slopes, Dr. Serouji said.
It also suggests building service facilities at the base of the mountains to extend guidance and enlightenment services to visitors to explain the religious aspects of visiting the sites; the information would prevent visitors from religious activities that have nothing to do with Shariah, he said.
Some pilgrims mistakenly believe that these areas are holy sites and accordingly worship Allah, he added.
The study also proposes setting up cultural centers at the foot of the mountains; the centers would display documentary films, in several different languages, covering their history, Dr. Serouji said.
He said the Haj Research Center conducted studies last year on a number of people who visit tunnels leading to the Holy Haram; he pointed out that they showed that the percentage of pollution is within the normal range and does not pose any risk for pilgrims.
A study about the management of large crowds in the Holy Haram is not finished, he said.
The two-part study is related to the management of the masses and designing plans to address it, which requires creating an operational plan for the central area of the Holy Haram, he added.
A study is also being carried out on the Mutaf Area to determine how to deal with emergencies there that may result from the steady increase in number of pilgrims, Dr. Serouji said.
Vistors and Umrah performers perfom Friday prayer in the Holy Mosques in Makkah (SPA) 26/9/1432 H
More than Two Million Worshipers Perform Isha and Taraweeh Prayers at the Grand Mosque 26/9/1432 H
SEEKING DIVINE MERCY: Over 2 million faithful perform Qiyam Al-Layl prayers on the night
of the 27th of Ramadan in Makkah's Grand Mosque. (AN photo by Ahmad Hashad)
By BADEA ABU AL-NAJA & YOUSUF MUHAMMAD | ARAB NEWS
Published: Aug 27, 2011 00:04 Updated: Aug 27, 2011 00:05
MAKKAH/MADINAH: Sheikh Saud Al-Shuraim, imam and khatib at the Grand Mosque, said Ramadan was the sweetest month in the year in terms of spiritual peace and tranquility.
"The distinctive features of the month, which passes like a fleeting moment, make a believer wish that the whole year was like Ramadan," Sheikh Al-Shuraim told worshippers while delivering his sermon on the last Friday of this year's Ramadan.
The sheikh said Ramadan was different because it was the month of the Holy Qur'an, the source of a believer's spiritual and material power. The sheikh also exhorted believers to be God-fearing and keep away from disobedience and evil deeds.
The sheikh concluded his sermon after reminding worshippers about the need to distribute the obligatory special charity of Eid before going out for prayer on the day itself.
In the midst of tight security arrangements nearly 2 million worshippers attended the congregational prayers of the last Friday of Ramadan. As all the space inside the mosque, mataf (area of circumambulation around the Kaaba) and the courtyards were packed beyond capacity, many thousands had to pray under the sweltering August sun on the asphalted roads.
No vehicles were allowed to enter the central zone close to the mosque. Pilgrims and worshippers started arriving since early morning in order to ensure a seat inside the mosque.
In Madinah, more than 500,000 worshippers prayed at the Prophet's Mosque on Friday. The courtyards and nearby roads were also carpeted to enable people to pray as it was filled to the brim inside.
In his congregational speech, Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhaifi, imam and khatib at the Prophet's Mosque, congratulated believers for almost completing the month of fasting successfully.
Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi stressed the additional merit of the last 10 days of Ramadan especially for those who sought the love and mercy of Almighty Allah. He also warned people not to be tricked by the temptations of Satan and be dragged to disobedience and sins.
Pilgrims were generally happy about the peaceful atmosphere in the Prophet's Mosque. Pakistani pilgrim Ahmad Imran said he was immensely happy because he could realize his dream of praying inside the Prophet's Mosque on the special day of the 27th of Ramadan, that too in an extremely spiritual atmosphere.
In view of the increased number of visitors and pilgrims, the health centers in Madinah are working from 10 a.m. to midnight with a brief interval in the afternoon and with additional staff in the night shift.
Director General of Civil Defense Lt. Gen. Saad Al-Tuwaijri said in a statement that Civil Defense forces were placed on a high state of alert to deal with the huge crowds on the night of the 27th of Ramadan.
MADINA - Muslims around the world can soon virtually access the Prophet's Mosque in Madina and get vital information related to it through e-gate services being developed by the Prophet's Mosque Affairs Agency, Abdul Aziz Bin Ali Al-Ayoubi, Head of the Computer Section at the Agency told Okaz/Saudi Gazette Saturday.
Through the e-gate service, Haj and Umrah pilgrims can get detailed information and addresses of housing units allotted to them before embarking on their journey.
The service will also provide vital directives such as the visiting hours allotted for women and the timings of their entry in Al-Rawda Al-Shareefa. It will also deliver important information such as conditions set for those who want to observe I'tikaf. The e-gate will be a great resource for researchers as it will provide titles of all references in the Prophet's Mosque Library.
It will also include scientific and historical encyclopedia focusing on the history and the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques besides information on expansions carried out in the Two Holy Mosques from the era of the founder of the Kingdom until the reign of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
The e-gate will also provide comprehensive information in different languages for those interested in the Prophet's Mosque's history, the Holy Ka'bah Kiswa factory, and the Holy Haram Institute and its branch in the Prophet's Mosque as well as the Prophet's Mosque exhibition.
The e-gate service will also have round-the-clock direct transmission from the Two Holy Mosques. Moreover, Internet users can listen to the Holy Qur'an and the Prophet's Hadith through this service.
Published: Aug 27, 2011 23:54 Updated: Aug 27, 2011 23:54
MAKKAH: Over 2 million pilgrimsand visitorswill watch theKhatm Al-Qur'an (conclusion of the recitation of the Holy Qur'an) Sunday night at the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah.
The Holy Qur'an, which is recited during taraweeh prayer, is usually read to its conclusion on Ramadan 28.
The Presidency of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and all other bodies concerned have completed all arrangements to provide the best of services to pilgrims and visitors.
Vice President of the presidency Sheikh Muhammad Al-Khuzaim said the presidency has employed 6,600 men and women staff to implement its plan tonight aimed at enabling all those present at the Grand Mosque to enjoying listening to thesupplication aftertheconclusion of theQur'an in peace and comfort.
The presidency has provided thousands of wheelchairs for old people to use free of chargeduring thesaie rite, which involves walking between Safa and Marwah mountains.
"There are special staircases for people with special needs and escalators to take worshippers to the second floor and the roof of the mosque," he said.
Al-Khuzaim said the presidency has distributed large quantities of cooled Zamzam water throughout the mosque. He added that there are 176 gates leading to the Haram, the roof and the basement that are constantly monitored by 926 employees to ensure the smooth entry and exit of worshippers.
Mayor of Makkah Osama Al-Bar said cleaners are working 24 hours a day in the Haram and its plazas. He said the municipality has established 45 garbage collection pointsin the central area around the Grand Mosque.
"There are inspection teams checking shops and markets to make sure that prices are kept at reasonable levels," he said.
Director general of CivilDefenseGen.SaadAl-Tuwaijri said more than 13,000 officersand privatesusing more than 4,000vehiclesand pieces of equipment are implementing the Civil Defense's plan.
He added that more than 3,000 paramedics are present inside the holy mosque to provide urgent medical services to emergency cases.
Al-Tuwaijri said the movements of the pilgrims and visitors in Makkah are being monitored by more than 1,700 cameras and added that 200 people from the CivilDefensearechecking buildingsto make sure they meet strict safety measures.
Makkah police have deployed more than 5,000 policemen to cover all entries and exits of the Grand Mosque.
مكة المكرمة - واس: شاهد خادم الحرمين الشريفين الملك عبدالله بن عبدالعزيز في قصر الصفا بمكة المكرمة عرضاً للمشروع المقترح لتوسعة المطاف بالمسجد الحرام.
واستمع أيده الله إلى شرح على مجسم للمشروع من وزير التعليم خالد العنقري ومدير جامعة أم القرى بكري عساس ومن أعضاء فريق المهندسين الذي أعد دراسة المشروع حيث سيتسع المطاف بعد تنفيذه بمشيئة الله تعالى لـ 130 ألف طائف ويستغرق تنفيذ المشروع 3 سنوات. وقد استمع فريق المهندسين إلى ملاحظات وتوجيهات خادم الحرمين الشريفين حول المشروع.
Published: Aug 29, 2011 00:23 Updated: Aug 29, 2011 00:28
JEDDAH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah was given a presentation on the new project to expand the mataf (the circumambulation areas around the Holy Kaaba).
The project, which will be completed in three years, will enable 130,000 pilgrims to perform tawaf (circumambulation) at a time.
Higher Education Minister Khaled Al-Anqari presented the project to the king during a reception at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah on Sunday in presence of Bakri Assas, president Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah, and a team of engineers who designed the project.
Also on Sunday, King Abdullah received the annual report of King Abdul Aziz National Dialogue Center and emphasized the importance of dialogue. "It is the best means to achieve unity and cohesion among members of the Saudi society," the king said.
King Abdullah said the dialogue should be conducted following its rules and principles. "Differences will be there. It's the nature of human beings. If we conduct any dialogue without following its principles it would lead to chaos and confusion," the king pointed out.
He expressed his confidence in the unity of Saudi people. "Our country is strong because of the faith of its people in the Almighty, the national unity and the strong bond between its people," he said.
He commended the role played by the dialogue center in promoting the values of moderation and tolerance among the Saudi people. He urged the public and private sectors to cooperate with the center to promote a culture of dialogue and respecting the views of others.
Meanwhile, King Abdullah met with Iraqi Vice President Tariq Al-Hashmi and Parliament Speaker Osama Al-Nujaifi. He also met with Haj Minister Fouad Al-Farsy and heads of Tawafa organizations. Al-Farsy praised the king for implementing the largest expansion of the Grand Mosque in history at a total cost of SR80 billion.
1. Not Seen: ICOP member Eng. Qamar Uddin from Madinah City in Madinah State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was superb, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular,thecrescent was not seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Eng. Qamar Uddin said: "Abdul Aziz Raje of Wifaqul Ulama UK was visiting Saudi Arabia for Umarah. He has reported joining the official Madinah Hilal Committee with 15 others from the UK, including many scholars. The sky condition was absolutely clear, but none of the group members were able to sight the Hilal. None of the other official Hilal Committee astronomers were able to sight the Hilal either, even with their telescopes. However, a few individualsfrom Riyadh have claimed sighting and the Supreme Court has accepted their claims. May Allahforgiveusallfor our mistakesand wish you all a happy Eid!"
2. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdul-Rasaq Abdul-Azeez Ishola from ShmisiMeccaCityin MeccaState mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging
Mr. Abdul-Rasaq Abdul-Azeez Ishola said: "Asalam aleikun I and Dr. SAheed of Jizan with Dr Muhammed from Maiduguri went to search for the moon but it was not seen but claimed seen in Riyad Happy Eid to u all"
Nabawi Mosque at Dawn par hair3e ~ ( 0..0 ), sur Flickr By ARAB NEWS
Published: Aug 30, 2011 23:20 Updated: Aug 30, 2011 23:20
JEDDAH: Stealing from worshippers while they are busy praying, reciting Qur'an or supplicating dropped by about 75 percent compared to previous years, local Arabic daily Al-Madinah reported Tuesday.
"There were more than 3,000 personnel from the security force of the holy mosque working in shifts,round the clock, to preserve maximum safety and security of the worshippers," the newspaper said quoting commander of the force Brig. Hamid Al-Rihaili.
He said the security force of the Prophet's Mosque has set up operations equipped with digitalTV camerasto monitorallactivitiesin and outside the mosque. "There are about 1,300 fixed and mobile cameras to supply the operations room with data concerning any negative aspect that may take place in the mosque or its plazas," he added.
Al-Rihaili said special security guards have been placed for the imams of the mosque for their safety and protect them against any act that might jeopardize their work.
He said the security force was working competently to prevent any negative action such as stealing or begging. "Theforcealso controlsthe masses to prevent stampede while largenumbers of worshippers enter and exit the mosque," he said.
Al-Rihaili said the force was increased to more than 3,500 personnel during the last 10 days of Ramadan that witnessed an influx of visitors who were keen to pay homage to the Prophet and pray in his mosque in the holy month.
This cannot be undone and I am sure it will be greatly appreciated.
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