Hajj News updates

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Fatwa centers deployed in Holy Sites

By Abdullah Al-Dani


Over 800 religious guides and 180 interpreters have been deployed in the holy sites and at pilgrim entry points in Jeddah and Madina to assist pilgrims with their language needs and religion-related questions, said Tawfiq Al-Sudairi, deputy minister at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Daw’a, and Guidance. The services of the Ministry have been extended to provide 123 field centers for fatwa throughout Makkah and Madina to answer all Haj-related questions, in addition to 18 main centers in the city of Makkah and 44 across the holy sites of Muzdalifah, Arafat, and Mina, he said.

The Ministry has also provided a toll free number 8002451000 to answer Haj-related questions.

As the devotees from all over the world have now started heading to Makkah for their pilgrimage, the Haram central area has been turned into a spiritual center for sermons and instructions on Haj performance and its true spirit, he said.

The Islamic ministry, in cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank, has been tasked with supervising the Saudi Project for Utilization of Sacrificial Animals, Al-Sudairi said.

The Project acts as the agent of pilgrims in carrying out on their behalf the slaughtering of all types of offerings they make and the transport and distribution of the meat, all in accordance with the principles of Shariah.

The Ministry has also participated in enforcing the “No Permit, No Haj” law and educating the public about the Haj through a media blitz launched on over 20 satellite TV channels and in-flight TVs on Saudi Arabian Airlines, the major carrier of pilgrims, Al-Sudairi said. Upon their arrival in the Kingdom, the Ministry provides pilgrims with pamphlets in different languages containing all the instructions they need to perform a valid Haj, he said. – Okaz/SG

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2008120523748

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Virtue Cops assigned to guide pilgrims

By Abdullah Al-Dani

Over 450 members of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice have been assigned to serve as pilgrim guides inside the Grand Mosque in Makkah during Haj.

They have been deployed throughout the area of Tawaf, corridors and roofs of the Grand Mosque, mainly to guide pilgrims towards areas that may be relatively less crowded and convenient, said Dr. Khaled Bin Muhammed Al-Subai, supervisor of the Commission at the Grand Mosque, Makkah.

In collaboration with the Holy Mosque’s Security and Women’s Affairs Unit, the members will monitor the flow of pilgrims. They will also monitor the yards surrounding the Mosque to prevent smoking and possible harassment of women.

They will also help pilgrims to perform proper rituals, manage crowds in the area of Tawaf to ensure a smooth flow of pilgrims, guide pilgrims to health and Fatawa services at the Mosque, and advise them to refrain from acts that violate Islamic teachings, Al-Subai added. – Okaz/SG

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2008120523743

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Pebble bags, another first

Saudi Gazette report



JEDDAH – During this year’s Haj, pilgrims will, for the first time, be provided with pebbles for stoning of the Jamrat thanks to a project supervised by Al-Siqaya and Rifada (Watering and Assistance) Committee in Makkah Governorate and carried out by Al-Amoudi Charity (Mabarrah).

The project aims to prepare pebbles for over 1.5 million pilgrims. Over 500,000 pebble bags manufactured from carpet material have been distributed at different places in Muzdalifa. Each bag contains enough pebbles for three pilgrims for the three days of stoning (Ramy) in Mina.

Dr. Muhammad Bin Aboud Al-Amoudi, member of the Siqaya and Rifada Committee, said the idea of the project is in line with the directives of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz to provide everything necessary to enable the pilgrims to perform their Haj rituals with ease, comfort, security and safety, SPA said on Saturday.

He added that the idea of the project was encouraged and supported by members of the Siqaya and Rifada Committee after obtaining a ruling (Fatwa) approving the project.
Al-Amoudi also lauded the great support provided by Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah Region.

He said the project for preparing the pebbles for stoning ritual aimed to facilitate matters for the pilgrims especially the old among them, who reach Muzdalifa exhausted after the attendance in Arafat. Pilgrims will be provided with sterilized pebbles in attractive bags made of carpet material.

Al-Amoudi said the first step in the project starts with collection of pebbles, which the Makkah Mayoralty transports to Muzdalifa after ensuring that the pebbles have been cut to a certain size. The preparation process includes cleaning by washing seven times, drying under the sun and removing pebbles that are unfit for throwing at the Jamrat. After confirming that the pebbles are ready, skilled workers place them in bags made of carpet material to be distributed at the gathering points of pilgrims and in buses during their stay in Muzdalifa so as to enable them to devote their time to prayer and supplication.

Al-Amoudi stressed that the project is being implemented for the first time this Haj. It is a pioneering charitable project aimed at serving the pilgrims, he said

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2008120623792

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Emergency meet in Cairo to tackle swine flu

RIYADH: Health Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah will lead the Saudi delegation at an emergency meeting of the Arab health ministers in Cairo on Wednesday, the Ministry of Health announced here on Monday.

The meeting will discuss the procedures and precautionary measures to be taken to combat swine flu and reduce its spread during Haj and Umrah this year.

The other members of the Saudi delegation include Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Khalid Al-Mirghalani, Ziad Al-Memesh, assistant deputy minister of health, and Thaha Melbari, director general of international affairs at the Ministry of Health.

The emergency meeting has been organized by the Cairo-based Regional Office of the World Health Organization for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO).

Al-Mirghalani told Arab News that 22 countries in the Arab world would discuss issues related to swine flu and its spread in the region.

He said that the Saudi team would present the 15 recommendations concluded at the recent workshop held in Jeddah at which swine flu experts from the World Health Organization and the Atlanta-based Center for Disease Control (CDC) exchanged opinions concerning the virus.

The recommendations of the workshop are not to send pregnant women pilgrims, children under five and elderly people who are suffering from chronic diseases for Umrah or Haj.

It was recommended that all pilgrims should take the stipulated vaccines at least two weeks prior to their departure for the holy cities.

The workshop also decided to inform the countries that send pilgrims to organize health education programs for their pilgrims in order to create awareness among them.

In a related development, the Ministry of Health announced yesterday that it would no longer send daily reports on the incidence of swine flu in the Kingdom. Since May 29, a total of 294 cases have been reported in the Kingdom and the ministry reiterated that it would keep the public informed.


http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&sect...tegory=Kingdom

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Haj bar move ‘a logistical nightmare’



Haj authorities in India and Pakistan are gearing up for a logistical nightmare after the Arab health ministers’ decision in Cairo on Wednesday to restrict the elderly and children from performing Haj this year.

Egypt too expected a drop by 30 to 40 percent in the number of people performing Umrah and Haj this year following the Cairo recommendations.

The ministers unanimously agreed at the emergency meeting in the Egyptian capital that people over the age of 65 and children under the age of 12 and those with chronic illnesses should be excluded from undertaking the pilgrimage to Makkah.

“The total number of pilgrims will not be restricted,” Health Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah was quoted as saying by news agencies. “We will not change the quota of any country. We have agreed to change certain rules” in an effort to contain the spread of the H1N1 flu virus, he said. Representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) also attended the meeting.

Although the Arab health ministers’ decision has to be ratified by their governments, WHO Regional Director Hussein Gezairi told news agencies it would likely be OK’d by the Saudi government. “The Saudi government will make (these conditions) a requirement ... No one will get their visa unless these requirements are fulfilled,” Gezairi told AFP.

In June, Saudi Arabia had called on the elderly, ill and other unfit Muslims to postpone the journey to Makkah due to fears over the swine flu virus.

“If those above 65 are not be allowed to undertake the journey to Makkah for health reasons then this is bad news for almost 35 percent of our pilgrims,” said Hafiz Naushad Ahmed Azmi, a member of India’s Central Haj Committee (HCI). Speaking to Arab News from India by telephone, Azmi said all those Indians whose Haj applications have been approved are in a celebratory mood. “For them the countdown has already begun. Their preparations are complete in all respects. The money for the once-in-a-lifetime journey has already been deposited with the Haj agencies. They are now only waiting for the Haj visa to be stamped on their passports. All those above 65 will be very disheartened. This will break their hearts,” said Azmi.

Of the 115,000 Indians whose Haj applications have been approved by the HCI, nearly 20 percent are above the age of 65.

“However, those above 65 will not be traveling alone. Some of them are to be accompanied by sons, daughters or other family members. If a man or woman above 65 is now not allowed to undertake the journey then those who were to go along with him or her will also drop their pilgrimage plans,” said Azmi. “So it will affect a large number of intending pilgrims.”

India’s Haj quota is in the excess of 1.5 million. Most of the pilgrims come through the government-supervised Haj Committee while the rest come through private travel operators. Those applying through the Haj Committee plan their journey months in advance. This year, nearly 400,000 Indians applied for Haj through the committee. Of them, only 115,000 were selected as per the quota through a draw of lots.

“Now if those above 65 are to be canceled then we will have to go back to those on the rejected list and approve them. What else can we do? We would like to use our quota to the fullest. To compound the problem we are just three months away from Haj,” said Azmi.

Indian Haj Consul B.S. Mubarak said he was aware of the recommendations made in Cairo regarding Haj visas. “However, it is too early to comment on something that is still in the stage of recommendations,” he said. “We are in constant touch with the Ministry of Haj and with the Haj Committee of India. We are keeping them informed on the swine flu-related guidelines. Unless and until, we get something in writing, we can’t do much,” he added.

Mubarak admitted that if the Cairo recommendations are approved then it would entail huge logistical challenges. “It will be a very cumbersome and painful process ... to reject those who have already been given the green signal before,” he said.

Pakistan faces similar challenges. “If you ask me, nearly 50 percent of our pilgrims are above the age of 65. In the past we have had an overwhelming number of pilgrims in that age group. This year will be no exception,” said Behrullah Hazarvi, the Jeddah-based Pakistan Haj director.

In the Subcontinent, Haj is always undertaken during life’s golden years. “A large number of people in Pakistan wait for their end-of-service benefits before undertaking the pilgrimage. They ensure that they are free of all responsibilities before they head to Makkah. For many, these responsibilities include marrying off their sons and daughters. This has been the convention in the Subcontinent,” he added.

Hazarvi said Saudi Arabia has world-class health care facilities, and it should be able to let everyone in for Haj. “For our people, the decision to perform Haj is taken years in advance. It is not an overnight decision,” he said. “For the elderly, this will be very painful ... one that will shock them beyond words.”

A majority of Pakistanis undertake the pilgrimage under the supervision of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. “We have a quota of 80,000 and we have received 86,000 applications. Another 40,000 travel to Makkah through private tour operators. The draw of lots for government-administered quota will take place on Aug. 6. If the directions come beforehand then it will make our task easier. We can avoid considering the applications of those above 65,” said Hazarvi.

Hassan Gamal Eddine, undersecretary at the Egyptian Tourism Ministry, told Arab News that if the recommendations of the Arab health ministers are accepted, the number of Egyptian pilgrims will fall considerably as pilgrims above 65 years constituted 40 percent of Haj pilgrims and 30 percent of Umrah pilgrims.

An Egyptian Haj and Umrah tour operator, Barkat Sab of the Baron Travel Agency, said the latest decision is somewhat comforting to the tourism industry in Egypt as the general impression was that the Haj and Umrah season would be canceled this year. “The ministerial decision gave the workers in the industry new hope,” he said.

Egyptian Consul General in Jeddah Ali Al-Asiri said the decision of the ministerial meeting was taken in the best interest of the pilgrims.

It is estimated that 1.2 million Egyptians perform Umrah and 80,000 the Haj pilgrimage annually.

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=124812&d=24&m=7&y=2009

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KSA puts limits on pilgrims

RIYADH – Saudi Arabia will require the millions of pilgrims who flock to the Kingdom to provide a health certificate showing that they do not have a chronic disease, as part of country’s efforts to battle swine flu, a Health Ministry official said Wednesday.

The country will also ban adults over 65 and children under 12, and require pilgrims to show proof they’ve received flu shots at home, said Khaled Al-Merghalani, the ministry spokesman.

“These conditions came after consultations with top international experts in the field,” Al-Merghalani told The Associated Press. “No one will be able to get a visa without fulfilling these new rules.”

Al-Merghalani said the restrictions will apply to the Haj, which this year takes place in late Nov., and to Umrah, which can see up to three million visitors during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, which begins later this month.

Al-Merghalani said the government will start implementing the rules once they are approved by top Saudi authorities.


Minister’s appeal

Health Minister Abdullah Al-Rabeah told the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday that the conditions are “balanced, fair and scientific.”

He urged the pilgrims to wear masks in crowded places, to sanitize their hands and to seek medical help if they have any flu symptoms.

Al-Rabeah, who’s on a visit to Tunis, said the new measures will not affect the countries’ Haj quotas. A limited number of pilgrims from each country is allowed to attend the Haj every year.

The conditions Saudi Arabia plans to impose are similar to those adopted by Arab health ministers at a meeting in Cairo two weeks.

Egypt’s highest religious authority, Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa, has said that anyone who disregards the ministers’ decisions will be considered a “sinner.”

Saudi Arabia has taken steps to allay fears that the mass gathering could speed the spread of swine flu, including hosting experts from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and others in June to examine its measures to prevent the spread of the disease during Haj.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2009080645915

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Hi-tech Jamrat facility fully operational

Badea Abu Al-Naja - 17 November 2009

MINA: Saudi authorities have completed the construction of the five-story Jamrat Bridge in Mina, enabling pilgrims to make full use of the high-tech facility this year for stoning the Jamrat.

The SR4.5 billion project aims to ensure a smooth flow of thousands of pilgrims during the ritual. Many pilgrims have, in the past, died in stampedes while carrying out this rite.

“We’ll not allow pilgrims to squat along the roads leading to the Jamrat,” said Maj. Gen. Saad Al-Khelaiwi, assistant commander of Haj Security Forces. “We’ll also monitor and control the flow of pilgrims,” he added.

He said the Jamrat Bridge would not be able to accommodate more than 300,000 pilgrims an hour. “So we have appointed 19 commanders along the roads to stop pilgrims when the number exceeds 300,000.”

Addressing a press conference in Mina, Al-Khelaiwi said pilgrims would not be allowed to carry large bags while going to perform the stoning ritual, adding that more than 12,000 men would be taking part in the operation.

Maj. Muhammad Al-Shahri, commander of the Command and Control Center, said his center has the ability to monitor all operation areas. “We have installed more than 1,850 cameras in different parts of the holy sites and the Grand Mosque,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Khidr Al-Zahrani, assistant commander for Security Affairs, said his forces would focus on preventing crimes.

“We have established about 30 police stations in the holy sites to receive pilgrims’ complaints.”

The state-of-the-art Jamrat Bridge is designed to accommodate five million pilgrims. It has 10 entrances and 12 exits distributed over the four levels plus others to accommodate pilgrims coming from different directions. There are some more works pending: construction of four helipad towers and eight escalator towers, which will be ready next year.

Another major project is currently underway to redesign and develop Arafat at a cost of SR500 million. The first phase of the project was begun earlier this year and will cost about SR170 million. It consists of reconstructing roads, service utilities, tent locations, leveling eight small rocky outcroppings, and a sewage network for rain and floodwater.

Once completed, it will be easy for pilgrims to enter and exit Arafat. The service roads and emergency exits will be clearly marked. The leveling of the outcroppings will provide an empty area that can accommodate some 100,000 pilgrims. It will also provide space for the construction of more than 200 toilets and a major road 700 meters long and 30 meters wide.

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=128552&d=17&m=11&y=2009

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Pilgrims urged to send in proposals on Haj services

The forum discussed new ideas to make Haj and Umrah more comfortable and safe

By Abdul Rahman Shaheen, - January 25, 2010

Riyadh: Umrah pilgrims and visitors are being urged to send their proposals and suggestions for services being offered to them to the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.

“All preparations and arrangements are in place to offer the best possible services for the Umrah pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and comfort,” Sheikh Mohammad bin Nasir Al Khozaim, deputy head of the presidency said.

The new Umrah season began on Safar 1 (January 16) and will end on Shawwal 15.

Inaugurating the 10th Scientific Forum on Haj Researches at the King Abdul Aziz Historical Hall in Makkah on Saturday evening, the governor of Makkah, Prince Khaled, described the responsibility of caring for the two holy mosques, holy sites and services to pilgrims as an honor and special blessing from Almighty Allah to Saudi Arabia.

The forum discussed new ideas to make Haj and Umrah more comfortable and safe.

“The ideal methodology followed in this forum by the Institute aims at sustained development of the holy places and continuous upgrading of services to Haj and Umrah pilgrims with a futuristic vision,” the governor said in his address.

Proposals can be sent through the website www.gph.gov.sa or by fax: 025739992

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/pilgrims-urged-to-send-in-proposals-on-haj-services-1.573344

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No eatables allowed inside Grand Mosque

By MUHAMMAD HUMAIDAN - Jul 4, 2010

JEDDAH: Director of the department of the gates of the Grand Mosque in the Presidency of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques Talal ibn Saleh Al-Thaqafi has asked the pilgrims and visitors not to take food, drinks and other disposable material inside the mosque in order to keep the place of worship clean and sanitary.

He also asked them to cooperate with the door guards and to abide by the rules aimed at keeping the mosque clean and hygienic for their own comfort.

“Only small quantities of dates and Arabian coffee are allowed inside the Holy Haram,” he told Arab News in a statement on Sunday.

He pointed out that bags and suitcases will also not be allowed to be taken inside the mosque.

Al-Thaqafi, however, said wheelchairs for people of special needs are permitted to go inside the Grand Mosque. The mosque has 176 gates.

He said a series of meetings were recently held with staff of his department to discuss preparations for the summer and Ramadan Umrah with a view to ensuring the comfort of pilgrims and visitors. “We discussed the work plans taking into consideration the previous observations in order to deal with them,” he said.

Saudi authorities and the organizations entrusted to serve the sacred places are keen to provide consummate services to pilgrims and visitors. They are always considering new and innovative ideas to upgrade the level of services to perfection.

A proposal is being mulled to install automatic, electronically monitored lock boxes for pilgrims to store their shoes. This idea was proposed by last year by a student at the King Faisal University and is currently being studied by the Hajj Research Center.

Among new ideas which were introduced in the Haram for the comfort of the pilgrims are escalators and the water misters to cool temperatures. Special pumps were also built around a number of corners to pump out dirt. The sound and light have been improved inside the Haram so that people can hear prayer calls and Qur’an recitation and see clearly everything.

http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article78665.ece

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Makkah Hotel Clock Tower

picture slide - http://img836.imageshack.us/slidesho...d=42969321.jpg