Latest news with #Dhul-Hijja
Boston Globe
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Gaza marks the start of Eid with outdoor prayers in the rubble and food growing ever scarcer
Advertisement The Islamic holiday begins on the 10th day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul-Hijja, during the Hajj season in Saudi Arabia. For the second year, Muslims in Gaza were not able to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the traditional pilgrimage. In Gaza City on Friday, Sanaa Al-Ghola, a displaced woman from Shejaiyah, stood in the rubble of a badly damaged graveyard near a partially collapsed mosque. She had come to pray for her son, Mohamed al-Ghoul, who she said was killed in shelling last month after going to his grandfather's house to get flour. His father was wounded in the attack. 'We lost our home, money, and everything,' she said, crying as she held her son's photo. 'There is no more Eid after you're gone, my son.' Advertisement Israel issues a new warning In the southern city of Rafah, nine people were killed on their way to try and collect humanitarian aid at various distribution points, according to officials at Nasser Hospital in nearby Khan Younis, where the bodies were brought. Eight died from gunshot wounds and the ninth person from shrapnel injuries. The Israeli military had no immediate comment on the hospital's claim but said it was looking into the report. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a newly formed group of mainly American contractors that Israel wants to use to replace humanitarian groups in Gaza that distribute aid in coordination with the U.N., told The Associated Press that reports of violence in Rafah were inaccurate and that aid distribution was completed 'peacefully and without incident.' In northern Gaza on Friday, Israel issued a new warning to civilians saying the military was about to undertake intensive operations in an area after it said rockets were fired toward Israel from the sector. The war broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 hostages. They are still holding 56 hostages, around a third of them believed to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Israeli forces have rescued eight living hostages from Gaza and recovered dozens of bodies. Since then, Israel has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians in its military campaign, primarily women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry which does not distinguish between civilians or combatants in its figures. The offensive has destroyed large parts of Gaza and displaced around 90% of its population of roughly 2 million Palestinians. Advertisement UN warns of risk of famine After blocking all food and aid from entering Gaza for more than two months, Israel began allowing a trickle of supplies to enter for the U.N. several weeks ago. But the U.N says it has been unable to distribute much of the aid because of Israeli military restrictions on movements and because roads that the military designates for its trucks to use are unsafe and vulnerable to looters. The U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome said Thursday that Gaza's people are projected to fall into acute food insecurity by September, with nearly 500,000 people experiencing extreme food deprivation, leading to malnutrition and starvation. 'This means the risk of famine is really touching the whole of the Gaza Strip,' Rein Paulson, director of the FAO office of emergencies and resilience, said in an interview. Over the past two weeks, shootings have erupted nearly daily in the Gaza Strip in the vicinity of new hubs where desperate Palestinians are being directed to collect food. Witnesses say nearby Israeli troops have opened fire, and more than 80 people have been killed, according to Gaza hospital officials. Israel has accused Hamas of stealing aid and trying to block it from reaching Palestinians, and has said soldiers fired warning shots or, in some cases, shot at individuals approaching its troops. The GHF sent out a message on its Facebook site early Friday that it had closed all aid distribution sites until further notice and urged people to stay away for their own safety. It later clarified that the measure was only a temporary pause due to excessive crowding and that the agency had distributed all aid available Friday. Advertisement Israel's military said that going ahead, distribution sites would be operated from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and that outside those hours, the areas would be considered closed military zones that are strictly off limits. Bassem Mroue in Beirut, Julia Frankel in Jerusalem, Fatma Khaled in Cairo, Paolo Santalucia in Rome and David Rising in Bangkok contributed to this story.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
What Hajj and Eid al-Adha mean to muslims: A journey of faith and sacrifice in Islam
What Hajj and Eid al-Adha mean to muslims: A journey of faith and sacrifice in Islam Each year, millions of Muslims from across the globe gather in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, the holy pilgrimage to Mecca that represents one of the five central pillars of Islam. It is not merely a physical journey but a profound spiritual awakening—an act of devotion, equality, and renewal. For many pilgrims, Hajj is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, one that requires months, if not years, of planning, saving, and spiritual preparation. According to The Economic Times report, this year, Hajj 2025 will begin on Wednesday, June 4, coinciding with the 8th day of Dhul-Hijja, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. As global travel stabilizes after recent years of pandemic-induced restrictions, Saudi authorities are expecting a record turnout of over 2 million pilgrims, bringing heightened focus on crowd safety, heat management, and accessibility for elderly and disabled worshippers. The Hajj continues to hold enormous religious, social, and emotional significance for Muslims worldwide. What is the Hajj and why is it important Hajj is an obligatory pilgrimage for every Muslim who is physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey at least once in their lifetime. It is rooted in events dating back over 4,000 years, linked to the stories of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hagar, and their son Ismail. For Muslims, Hajj symbolizes surrender to the will of God, spiritual rebirth, and unity among believers. The pilgrimage is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, alongside: Shahada (faith in one God), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan). By performing the Hajj, pilgrims aim to cleanse themselves of past sins, deepen their relationship with God, and demonstrate solidarity with the global Muslim community (ummah). When is Hajj 2025 taking place The Hajj follows the Islamic lunar calendar, and its dates vary each year. In 2025, it is expected to start on the evening of June 4 and end on June 9 or 10, depending on moon sightings. These days correspond to the 8th to 13th of Dhul-Hijja, the twelfth month in the Islamic calendar. Due to the desert climate of Mecca, Hajj occurring in early June means temperatures may soar above 45°C (113°F). As per The Economic Times report, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has urged pilgrims to take precautions against heatstroke and dehydration, especially when performing outdoor rituals like the Standing at Arafat and the Stoning of the Devil (Ramy al-Jamarat) in Mina. Major rituals performed during Hajj Pilgrims must complete several rites in a set order, with each carrying deep religious symbolism: 1. Ihram – The State of Purity Before entering Mecca, pilgrims don the Ihram garments—white seamless cloth for men and simple modest attire for women—to signal spiritual purity and equality before God. While in this state, pilgrims must avoid arguments, vanity, and any worldly distractions. 2. Tawaf – Circling the Kaaba Upon arriving in the Grand Mosque in Mecca, pilgrims perform Tawaf, which involves walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. The Kaaba is considered the holiest structure in Islam, and this act symbolizes unity in worship and submission to God. 3. Sa'i – Walking Between Safa and Marwah This ritual commemorates Hagar's desperate search for water for her son, Ismail. Pilgrims walk briskly between the two small hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, retracing her path. 4. Arafat – The Day of Standing Perhaps the most important part of the Hajj, pilgrims gather at the Plain of Arafat on the 9th of Dhul-Hijja. Here, they pray and reflect from noon until sunset, asking for forgiveness in what is seen as a rehearsal for the Day of Judgment. 5. Muzdalifah – Night Under the Stars After sunset, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, a plain between Arafat and Mina, to spend the night under the open sky. They also collect pebbles here for the next day's ritual. 6. Ramy al-Jamarat – The Stoning of the Devil On the 10th of Dhul-Hijja, pilgrims throw pebbles at three stone pillars in Mina, representing Satan. This act reenacts Prophet Ibrahim's rejection of Satan's temptation. 7. Qurbani (Sacrifice) This day also marks the Eid al-Adha celebration. Pilgrims perform the ritual slaughter of an animal, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The meat is distributed among the poor. 8. Tawaf al-Ifadah and Farewell Tawaf After returning to Mecca, pilgrims perform another round of Tawaf and complete final rites before returning home spiritually renewed. Eid al-Adha: A festival of sacrifice and compassion Eid al-Adha begins on the 10th of Dhul-Hijja and coincides with the Hajj. Muslims around the world commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's test of faith. Families sacrifice an animal—typically a sheep, goat, or cow—and distribute the meat in three parts: for the family, relatives, and the poor. The holiday is a time for festivity, generosity, and community prayers, reminding believers of the values of selflessness, obedience, and gratitude. Safety and health measures for Hajj 2025 With record temperatures expected, Saudi authorities have implemented key measures to ensure pilgrim safety: Cooling stations with mist sprays and shade zones. Distribution of free water bottles, umbrellas, and hydration kits. Over 30,000 health workers and 5,000 hospital beds allocated specifically for Hajj-related emergencies. Special tracking bracelets for elderly pilgrims to monitor health and prevent loss. Electronic permit systems to control crowd flow and prevent unauthorized pilgrims from joining. Hajj 2025: Pilgrim limits, permit process, and new tech for muslim travelers Each Muslim-majority country is allocated a Hajj quota based on its population. In 2025, over 180 countries are participating, with Indonesia, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh receiving the largest quotas. Pilgrims must apply for Hajj permits through official government portals, and all travelers must be vaccinated and physically fit. This year, the Hajj Smart App will help pilgrims with navigation, real-time updates, multilingual support, and emergency contact assistance. Hajj: A spiritual journey that transcends borders Hajj is more than a religious obligation—it is a global manifestation of Muslim unity, humility, and submission to God. People from vastly different cultures walk side by side, dressed identically, performing the same rituals. This unique pilgrimage breaks down social barriers and leaves participants with a sense of deep spiritual accomplishment. As pilgrims return from Mecca, they are often referred to as 'Hajji,' carrying newfound wisdom and renewed faith. For millions who cannot make the journey this year, Hajj remains a spiritual aspiration that reflects the heart of Islamic devotion.
Al-Ahram Weekly
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt announces five-day holiday for public sector on Eid El-Adha starting 6 June - Society
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced a five-day paid holiday for public sector employees to mark Eid al-Adha. The holiday will run from Thursday, 5 June, to Monday, 9 June, 2025, according to a cabinet decree. The decision applies to employees at ministries, government departments, public authorities, local administration units, public sector companies, and public business sector companies, a cabinet statement read. However, exams scheduled during this period will proceed as planned according to the schedule set by the relevant authorities. Muslims around the world will celebrate the four-day Islamic feast starting Friday, 6 June, after confirming the sighting of the moon for the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijja. Eid Al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of two major holidays celebrated by Muslims, along with Eid Al-Fitr. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. It also marks the start of the annual Hajj or the Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken at least once by all Muslims who have the means to do so. More than one million pilgrims from various countries have already arrived in Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj, according to Saudi authorities. Last year, more than 1.8 million Muslims performed Hajj, according to official figures. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
27-05-2025
- Al-Ahram Weekly
UPDATED: Egypt to observe Eid Al-Adha on 6 June: Dar Al-Ifta - Society
Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta announced that Egypt will celebrate the four-day Islamic feast, Eid Al-Adha, starting Friday, 6 June, after confirming the sighting of the moon for the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijja. The country's highest authority for issuing religious edicts confirmed that the first day of the month of Dhu Al-Hijjah for the Hijri year 1446 will be Wednesday, 28 May. Accordingly, the Day of Arafat—the sacred day marking the second day of Hajj and preceding Eid Al-Adha—will fall on Thursday, 5 June. Earlier today, Saudi Arabia announced that Eid Al-Adha will be observed on 6 June. Eid Al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of two major holidays celebrated by Muslims. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. It also marks the start of the annual Hajj or the Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken at least once by all Muslims who have the means to do so. More than one million pilgrims from various countries have already arrived in Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj, according to Saudi authorities. Last year, more than 1.8 million Muslims performed Hajj, according to official figures. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
27-05-2025
- General
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt to observe Eid Al-Adha on 6 June: Dar Al-Ifta - Society
Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta announced that Egypt will celebrate the four-day Islamic feast, Eid Al-Adha, starting Friday, 6 June, after confirming the sighting of the moon for the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijja. The country's highest authority for issuing religious edicts confirmed that the first day of the month of Dhu Al-Hijjah for the Hijri year 1446 will be Wednesday, 28 May. Accordingly, the Day of Arafat—the sacred day marking the second day of Hajj and preceding Eid Al-Adha—will fall on Thursday, 5 June. *More to follow... Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
