Makkah News and Updates

Friday 26 July 2013

The Prophet’s Mosque is known the world over as the second largest mosque with its most beautiful state of the art structure.

This foundation of this mosque was laid by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in 622 CE. The original mosque was an open-air structure covered with palm fronds. It had a raised platform for the recitation of the Qur'an. It was a rectangular enclosure of 30mx35m with a roof more than 2 meters in height. It had three doors Bab Al-Rahmah, Bab Gariel, and Bab Al-Nisa.

A shaded platform was created inside known as suffah. This is known in Arabic as "Dakka Ashab Al-Suffah" place for the companions of Suffah. It is still there just behind the enclosure of the Prophet’s tomb. There were many companions who had exclusively reserved themselves for learning traditions of the Prophet and tenets of Islam and then to spread Islam. Abu Hurayrah was among them who had remembered by heart 8,000 traditions of the Prophet. Similarly, there were others too.

Seven years later the covered area of the mosque was doubled and roof’s height was increased to 3.5 meters and the mosque had 35 columns. During the caliphate of Umar bin Al-Khattab the area of the mosque was enlarged to 3,500 sq.meters and was built with more wooden columns.

Riad Al-Jannah

The center of the Prophet’s Mosque houses a very special but small area named Riad Al-Jannah (Garden of the Heaven) it extends from Prophet’s tomb (Rawdah) to his pulpit. People try to visit the confines of the area. Riad Al-Jannah is considered to be a part of Jannah. Abu Hurayrah narrated, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The area between my house and my pulpit is one of the Gardens of the Heaven. To pray and recite the holy Qur'an there, is considered to be of great virtue as if one prayed in Jannah.

Al-Walid Ibn Abd Al-Malik of Bani Umayya (707-715) replaced the old structure and built a larger one in its place incorporating the Prophet’s tomb. This mosque was 84x100 sq. meters with stone foundation and roof supported by stone columns. He also built four minarets.

Caliph Mahdi of Banu Abbas (Abbasids, 775-785) enlarged the mosque and added 20 doors, eight on each of the east and west walls and four on the north wall.

During the reign of Sultan Abdul Majid of Ottoman Empire, the mosque was entirely remodeled. The prayer hall to the south was doubled in width with a new Mihrab for Imam. The Qibla wall was covered with glazed tiles featuring Qur'anic calligraphy. The floor of the prayer hall and courtyard were paved with marble and red stones and fifth minaret Al-Majidiyya was built to the west of the enclosure.

King Abdul Aziz (1932-1953) ordered the demolitions around the mosque to make way for new wings to the east and west of the prayer hall, which consisted of concrete columns with pointed arches. Older columns were reinforced with concrete and braced with copper rings at the top. The expansion included two open courtyards. These open courtyards have been provided with mechanically operated Taflon Umbrellas in these inner two courtyards. These courtyards have verandahs on their west and east wings with marble columns braced with golden brass on top embedded with electric lamps emitting beams of light. This expansion exists up to the gate Al-Majidi.
A library was built along the western wall to house historic Qur'ans and other religious texts. Two additional minarets were erected to the northeast and northwest of the mosque which form part of King Abdul Aziz’s expansion plan.

The late King Fahd’s giant expansion plan was launched in 1985.

This grand expansion started north of the old Ottoman Mosque, enlarging the mosque on the western and eastern flanks, giving another grand floor added with stairs and escalators on gates of eastern and western flanks. This great expansion covers an area of 400,327 sq. meters. Sheikh Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al-Faleh Deputy President of the Presidency of the Prophet’s Mosque told Arab News that King Fahd’s expansion with its plazas in the north, west and east now accommodates about one million worshippers. The mosque is a symbol of masterpiece plan of architecture. The base of its columns is square in shape with brass grills. These thousands of columns are connected from their bases under a well-planned network to the air-conditioning plant situated 7 kilometers away from the mosque. All these columns emit cold air giving the worshippers a cool relief coming from very hot weather outside the Mosque.

The mosque is decorated with polychrome marble and stones. The columns are of white marble braced with golden brass on top embedded with electric lamps emitting beams of light. The white marble pillars reflect the beams of light that produce a beautiful scene for the onlookers. The arches are built with black and white stones matching to Al-Qurtuba Mosque in Spain. The entire mosque is provided with thousands of beautiful big chandeliers.

A unique feature of the Prophet’s Mosque is that it consist of 27 main plazas. Each plaza is now capped by a state of the art sliding dome, which can be rapidly opened and closed. These domes do not produce any sound while opening or closing. These domes slide out on metal tracks to shade areas of the roof, creating light wells for the prayer hall. These can be used in unison or separately as required. When opened these do away suffocation and make the air very light. Elaborately carved stone friezes decorate the dooms, and these plazas have been paved in geometrically patterned marble tiles. These amazing sliding domes are exceptional pieces of architecture not found anywhere in the mosques all over the world or in temples or anywhere. I have seen people looking aghast while these dooms with their tons of weight recede producing no sound.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah ordered the building of mechanically operated Taflon Umbrellas in the east, west, north and by the right and left wings of the Qibla wall. This was a great humanitarian act of King Abdullah to save the worshippers from scorching heat and pray under these umbrellas. Moreover, on his order special fans were manufactured that emit water vapors while they operate. There are plans for the expansion of the Prophet’s Mosque too.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/459184

Thursday 25 July 2013

Of the many historical and archaeological sites in Madinah, visitors are most likely to visit a group of small mosques, commonly known as “The Seven Mosques.”

People visit six small mosques in the region, but add a seventh one, known as the “Mosque of the Two Qiblas” which is about a kilometer away from the others.

The largest of the seven mosques is Al-Fath on a hilltop near the western side of Sal’ mountain. It was built when Umar ibn Abd Al-Aziz was governor of Madinah in the years 87 to 93 after Hijrah (705 CE to 711 CE). It was rebuilt in 575 H (1179 CE). It was then rebuilt again during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Abd Al-Majid I in 1851.

The Salman Al-Farisi Mosque is located south of Al-Fath Mosque, 20 meters from the base of Sal' mountain. It is named after Salman, the companion of the Prophet (peace be upon him) who recommended digging a trench to fortify the city from an invasion. It has one hall at 7 meters long and 2 meters wide. It was also built while Umar ibn Abd Al-Aziz was governor of Madinah. In 575 H (1179 CE) it was rebuilt on the orders of minister Said Al-Deen Abu Al-Haija. It was rebuilt again during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Abd Al-Majid I.

The Abu Bakr Al-Siddeeq Mosque is 15 meters to the southwest of Salman Al-Farisi Mosque. It was reported that Abu Bakr, when he was caliph, prayed Eid prayer there. This is why it was named after him. It was also reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed the Eid prayer there.

The Umar ibn Al-Khattab Mosque is 10 meters to the south of Abu Bakr Mosque, opposite Al-Ghamamah mosque and close to the Prophet's Mosque. There is not much historical detail about the mosque, but there is speculation that it could be the ancient mosque at Al-Durrah place where Umar may have prayed during his reign as caliph. This would explain why it was named after him. It has an open yard and is eight steps above the ground. Its structure is similar to Al-Fath Mosque, which indicates that the two structures may have been built and renovated together.

The Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque is east of Fatimah Mosque on a high rectangular hilltop. It is 8.5 meters long and 6.5 meters wide. It has one small step. It is likely to have been built and renovated with Al-Fath Mosque.

The Fatimah Al-Zahra Mosque is known as Mus'ad ibn Mo'az Mosque. It is the smallest of the group and measures 4 meters by 3 meters. It has one small step. It has a similar structure to other mosques in the area and may have been built during the Ottoman era, most likely during the reign of Sultan Abd Al-Majid I in 1851.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/459112

 

Madinah’s Friday Mosque beckons visitors


The Friday Mosque in Madinah where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) held the first Friday prayers in Islam.

 

250,000 copies of Qur’an to be distributed


A view of the Qur'an printing press complex in Madinah.

26 July 2013 - 17 Ramadan 1434 H

MAKKAH — The Directorate for Police Aviation in the Ministry of Interior in Makkah has been executing an air surveillance program to detect and report security and traffic issues in the holy city.

Saudi Gazette accompanied the officers on one of the aerial sorties. The inspection was commanded by Flight Lt. Ziyad Al-Otaibi and Capt. Bandar Al-Motairi.

The S92 aircraft flew at an altitude of 2,500 feet, noting any security and traffic problems, and sent instant reports to the concerned authorities. The commander of police aviation, Maj. Gen. Mohamed Al-Harbi, said the directorate’s participation in Ramadan operations this year is greater than in previous years.

Al-Harbi said 250 directorate personnel are participating in this year’s Ramadan security plan. Eight planes are currently stationed in Makkah and other aircraft are on standby at their bases.

Al-Harbi explained that the directorate’s duties this year included providing humanitarian aid, security operations and logistic support to government agencies.

The directorate also occasionally deals with road incidents and holds pilot trainings. Its air crew are trained to deal with incidents in the Masha’ir zone, and are tasked with monitoring all Makkah-Madinah roads and the entrances to the two cities.

The readiness of landing strips around Makkah are being inspected, Al-Harbi said, adding that a number of foreign trained pilots have joined the directorate’s ranks this year, and are participating in the Ramadan plan.

He thanked the Minister of Interior Prince Muhammad Bin Naif for his support.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20130726174808

 

Grand Mosque provides 12,000 wheelchairs


Pilgrims in wheelchairs use the newly constructed walkway at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

Saturday 27 July 2013

Saudi women have many expectations from the first Saudi women’s satellite channel, according to Riyaz bin Kamal Najam, president of the General Authority for Audio and Visual Media.

The channel was formally launched Thursday.

Najam said that they are expecting the channel will be good medium to showcase Saudi culture and traditions with wide range of topics including intellectual, scientific, cultural, political, social, psychological, economic, technical, administrative, educational, medical and other areas related to women’s lives.

“I am very pleased that I am part of such an initiative of a satellite channel for Saudi women,” Najam said. “This probably will be the basis to establish a channel that will help in removing some stereotypes about Saudi women, and will serve the women’s sector in the best way according to our traditions and culture.”

The channel will serve as a platform for Saudi women to showcase their talent and capabilities but also help clear misconceptions about Arab women. Sheikh Yusuf bin Awad Al-Ahmadi said the channel will bring the attention of the world toward the problems of women in general and Saudi women in particular.

The channel will help present the true image of a Muslim women and at the same time help them in education, culture and social responsibilities, Al-Ahmadi said.

“The objective of the channel is to highlight the skills, traditions, culture, education, Islamic thought and problems facing Arab women in general and Saudi women in particular,” Al-Ahmadi said. “The channel will fully conform to Islamic law and help raise awareness levels among women.

Saud A. Al Sheikh, general manager at the Ministry of Culture and Information Makkah Branch, said: “I am very happy to be part of the launching ceremony of the first women's satellite channel in Jeddah.”

“We are in need of such channel for women and their related issues to discuss and find solutions, a channel with entertainment, education, culture and women's issues,” he said.

The channel will also project a positive image of the country. The channel will hire experts and professionals to ensure that the best is brought out of Saudi women.

Businesswoman Aisha Natto said she expects the channel to focus on jobs, education and social problems. “We want the channel to focus on the problems facing working women in the society locally,” Natto said. “We want to listen to the voice of local women and their issues and problems related to Saudi women and their obstacles, and their solutions.”

Nila Attar, an economic consultant and social activist, said she expects the channel will reach an international audience and be watched worldwide, and will give the right view and image of Saudi women and cover all the sectors of society related to women.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/459341
Monday, July 22, 2013

Saudi Arabia will launch its first TV channel dedicated to women in early 2014 and owners said it would be run only by female employees.

The “foundation stone” for the privately-owned channel will be laid in the western Red Sea port of Jeddah on Thursday by Saudi Minister of Information Abdul Aziz Al Khaja, its chairman Abdullah al Nazawi said.

“It will be launched in early 2014 as Saudi Arabia’s first women’s TV channel….its main task is to present a good image about Saudi women and government’s efforts to serve Saudi women,” he was quoted as saying by Saudi newspapers.

He said the channel would cover all aspects related to women and coverage would include social, political, cultural, scientific, economic, administrative, health, psychological, and technical issues.

http://www.emirates247.com/news/regi...07-22-1.515100

 

Wheelchair Entrance to Temp Mataf

 

from Inside of Bridge Near Gate#1

 

Sunday 28 July 2013

Disabled and elderly pilgrims praised Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah here Saturday for the temporary bridge over the mataf area that has made it easier for them to circumambulate the Kaaba.

President of the Two Holy Mosques Affairs Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais inaugurated the 12-meter-wide and 13-meter-high circular bridge on Thursday.

The temporary bridge would soon be expanded to two levels. The top level currently connects to the first floor of the Grand Mosque, while the lower level will be connected to the ground floor. The mataf expansion is expected to be completed by 2015.

“I like the new bridge,” said Kerim Ahmet, an elderly Turkish pilgrim who performed tawaf in a wheelchair on the bridge. “It makes it easier for pilgrims to circle the Kaaba without the fear of being knocked by a wheelchair from behind.”

“I appreciate this brilliant move by the Saudi authorities to ease the tawaf,” said Mohammed Akbar, a Sri Lankan pilgrim. “Keeping wheelchairs away from those performing tawaf on foot will automatically make it easy and quick.”

Umm Salama, a Saudi pilgrim, also praised the temporary bridge and welcomed the expansion taking place at the Grand Mosque. “I want to thank King Abdullah and the Saudi authorities for such an important decision.”

“The temporary bridge is an excellent idea for the elderly and disabled until the expansion is completely finished,” said Saad Maari, an Egyptian pilgrim. Maari pushed his 7-year-old physically challenged son Omar in a wheelchair on the bridge to complete his tawaf.

Abdullah, a young Saudi volunteer pushing a wheelchair, expressed joy at being able to help the elderly and disabled. “It lets me complete the tawaf and adds to my rewards for helping those in need.”

In earlier reports, the Central Haj Committee, led by Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, stated that about 5 million pilgrims are expected to perform Umrah this Ramadan.

The report also stated that nearly 5 million foreign pilgrims have so far arrived in the Kingdom this year to perform Umrah, adding that 400,000 of them are still in Makkah and Madinah.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/459429

Sunday 28 July 2013

The suspended Mataf bridge will be constantly watched and monitored to ensure the safety of pilgrims, said the Commander of the Makkah Haram Security Forces Maj. Gen. Yahya Al-Zahrani.

“Under a special plan, a number of security men have been posted to positions on the bridge to ensure the safety and security of the worshippers circumambulating on the bridge round the clock,” he said.

The police officers present on the bridge will be accompanied by 60 cadets of the Public Security Training Institute, Al-Zahrani added.

The contracting company, which undertook the construction of the bridge has appointed engineering teams to closely monitor and resolve technical problems that might arise on the bridge, especially when a large number of pilgrims start using it.

“We are keen on implementing sound security and safety measures for the worshippers on this suspended bridge. The orders from the higher authorities in this regard are very clear and we will not swerve from implementing their orders. We will spare no efforts in achieving the vision and aspirations of the rulers,” Bakr Binladin, chairman of the Saudi Binladin Group, said during the experimental opening of the bridge.

The Haram security men will also ensure that no crowding takes place on the bridge. A number of security men have been posted at the entry points of the bridge to regulate the number of wheelchairs entering. The initial capacity of the bridge is 1,700 wheelchairs in an hour.

Some 1.25 million worshipers attended the congregational prayer at the Grand Mosque on Friday. Since early in the morning all the 176 gates of the Grand Mosque were open and ready for worshippers as huge crowds were expected for the penultimate Friday prayer of Ramadan this year. The mosque authority had taken all steps to receive the pilgrims including carpeting the halls and squares and keeping the escalators operating.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/459427

Sunday 28 July 2013

Plans are under way to establish multistory tents in Mina as part of efforts to create more housing facilities for pilgrims in the tent city where the faithful spend most of their days during the peak Haj season.

“There is a study to develop the housing system in Mina during Haj and this includes construction of multistory tents,” said Abdul Aziz bin Rashad Saroji, dean of the Haj & Umrah Research Institute at Umm Al-Qura University.

He said most Haj rituals take place in Mina, adding that a substantial part of the 7-km valley is mountainous areas.

“We have constructed six buildings on Mina mountains on an experimental basis,” Saroji said, adding that the project has been presented to the Council of Senior Islamic Scholars for approval. The higher authorities have approved a plan to develop Mina in order to accommodate more pilgrims, he added.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/459433

Sunday 28 July 2013

Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar has said that the ministry is encouraging holders of academic qualifications and experience to lead Haj service offices in line with its decision to implement new standards for civil institutions.

Hajjar made the announcement on Thursday during the launch of a new organization roster for field offices for pilgrims that are to operate under the umbrella of the Haj Ministry.

The minister said that devising a roster for field offices is important because of the increasing number of pilgrims visiting the Kingdom every year. He added that the new regulations are to dictate work processes and qualifications, as well as allocate staff across different offices and out in the field.

He added that it is important to develop and benefit from new leadership in order to encourage competition and provide high-quality service to pilgrims.

He called on field offices and civil service institutions to adhere to the new regulations and encourage those who want to participate in this line of work.

He said the roster outlines rules and regulations and provides guidelines for problem solving. There are currently 474 field team heads and 942 deputies, in addition to 81 heads of council and administration.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/459428