Latest news with #MinistryOfIslamicAffairs
Saudi Press
08-06-2025
- General
- Saudi Press
Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Inspects King Abdulaziz International Airport's Readiness for Pilgrims' Departure
Islamic Affairs Ministry Begins Distributing the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Gift of Holy Quran Copies to Pilgrims
Arab News
06-06-2025
- Arab News
Hajj guests praise Saudi dedication to Islam, Muslims
MAKKAH: Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj and Umrah have praised Saudi Arabia's unwavering dedication to Islam and Muslims. Implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the program's invitation to diverse communities highlights the Kingdom's commitment to enabling more Muslims to perform Hajj with ease and tranquility. Pilgrims from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka said the program had a significant humanitarian impact and reflected the Kingdom's global outreach. They lauded Saudi Arabia's rapid infrastructure development, particularly in Makkah and Madinah, which has substantially increased capacity for pilgrims. The guests commended the exceptional services, meticulous organization and high-quality infrastructure in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah. This year, the program is hosting 2,443 pilgrims from 100 countries, reaffirming Saudi Arabia's legacy of service to the global Muslim community.
The National
05-06-2025
- Health
- The National
Pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat for most sacred day of Hajj
Pilgrims gathered at Mount Arafat on Thursday for the pinnacle of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, standing in prayer and reflection on the outskirts of Makkah. Saudi authorities have urged pilgrims to avoid being outdoors during the hottest hours of the day, as temperatures soar past 40°C. With more than two million pilgrims converging on Makkah this year, officials increased safety measures amid the heat, enforcing strict penalties against unauthorised visitors to curb overcrowding. Hajj, one of the world's largest annual religious gatherings, began this week. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and it is mandatory for Muslims who are able to do so to perform the pilgrimage once in their lives. Thousands of worshippers made their way to the hill and surrounding plains of Arafat before dawn on Thursday, to commemorate the final sermon delivered by the Prophet Mohammed. The Saudi Press Agency reported that 2,443 pilgrims from 100 countries, hosted under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Programme for Hajj, Umrah and Visit, had settled into their accommodation on Arafat. The programme, overseen by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, in co-operation with other government agencies, provides comprehensive spiritual and logistical support, the agency said. Officials say all resources have been mobilised to ensure a safe, comfortable and spiritually fulfilling experience, the SPA added. Authorities this week advised pilgrims to remain in their air-conditioned tents between 10am and 4pm on Thursday, when the desert heat peaks. What is Arafat Day? Arafat Day is one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar. It falls on the ninth day of Dhu Al Hijja, the final month of the lunar year, and represents the spiritual climax of Hajj. Millions of pilgrims mark the day by gathering at Mount Arafat to perform wuquf – the ritual of standing in prayer and devotion. This rite is considered the most essential pillar of Hajj and, without it, the pilgrimage is deemed incomplete. For Muslims not performing Hajj, Arafat Day is a time of fasting, worship and introspection. Fasting on this day is believed to expiate the sins of the previous and coming year. In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as well as several other Muslim-majority countries, Arafat Day is a public holiday. It precedes Eid Al Adha, the "festival of the sacrifice", which begins this year on Friday, June 6, and runs until Sunday, June 8.
Arab News
04-06-2025
- General
- Arab News
Saudi authorities launch self-help e-book to guide Hajj pilgrims to perform rituals correctly
MAKKAH: Saudi authorities have launched a self-help e-book in various languages to guide and teach pilgrims about Hajj and Umrah rituals in order to perform them in accordance with Islamic rules. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance said the smart rituals guide is available in various locations in Makkah and Madinah, and other holy sites. Pilgrims can use their smartphones to tap on a download point, select their preferred language, and upload the guide to their devices, the ministry added. The initiative is part of several educational programs launched in the past weeks by the ministry to help over 1.25 million pilgrims currently undertaking Hajj perform their once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage correctly. Saudi authorities, including health, logistical, and security sectors, have deployed cutting-edge technologies for this Hajj season, including drones to deliver medicines and artificial intelligence to safeguard and serve Muslim pilgrims.
Arab News
02-06-2025
- General
- Arab News
Saudi Islamic Affairs Ministry expands digital outreach with daily religious programming during Hajj season
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has intensified its digital broadcasting output throughout the current Hajj season, delivering comprehensive religious programming to serve pilgrims and global Muslim audiences via its official YouTube channel. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the ministry's digital strategy features four daily lectures in three distinct programs: 'Barnamaj Dahawi' (Religious Program), 'Khayr Al-Ayyam' (Best of Days) and the fourth iteration of 'Hajj Talk,' with broadcasts continuing through 13/12/1446 AH (June 9, 2025). 'Religious Program' episodes are broadcast twice daily at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., while 'Best of Days' airs at 4 p.m. The flagship 'Hajj Talk' program concludes the daily schedule at 6 p.m. This systematic approach shows the ministry's commitment to harnessing contemporary digital platforms, aligning with technological progress while amplifying the reach and impact of Islamic messaging. The live streaming format enables real-time engagement with audiences domestic and international audiences. The daily programming addresses themes relevant to the pilgrimage season, including detailed explanations of Hajj purposes and legal rulings, the spiritual significance of righteous deeds during the days of Dhul-Hijjah, and proper conduct during sacred rituals. 'Hajj Talk' distinguishes itself by focusing on prophetic values, delivered through modern presentation methods while extracting practical guidance from the Prophet Mohammed's pilgrimage example. According to SPA, digital media forms the cornerstone of the ministry's contemporary outreach strategy, supporting its broader mission to promote religious moderation and ensure universal access to authentic Islamic content. It allows pilgrims and viewers worldwide to access religious guidance regardless of location or time constraints.
