Latest news with #AbdulrahmanAlSudais
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Shortens Friday Sermons And Prayers During Hajj Amid Extreme Heat
Friday sermons and prayers will be shortened during the 2025 Hajj season in Mecca and Medina to help alleviate the effects of extreme summer heat, according to directives issued by Sheikh Abdulrahman Al Sudais, President of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. The decision is intended to ease physical strain on pilgrims and worshippers, particularly the elderly and those gathered in densely populated areas such as the Mataf (the circumambulation area around the Holy Kaaba), the upper floors, and the open courtyards. It also includes reducing the interval between the call to prayer and the start of the sermon, to further minimise exposure to intense heat. Sheikh Al Sudais stated that the measure reflects the presidency's responsibility to ensure a safe, comfortable, and spiritually uplifting environment for worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques, in line with the leadership's directives and commitment to the well-being of pilgrims. He emphasised that the move aligns with Islamic principles that prioritise the alleviation of hardship, particularly under challenging circumstances such as extreme weather, and considers the arrival of millions of pilgrims from around the world. In his address, Sheikh Al Sudais called on all visitors and pilgrims to diligently fulfil their religious obligations, including prayer, zakat, fasting, and the rites of Hajj. He also urged Muslims to embrace compassion, kindness, and generosity, especially during this sacred time, noting that such values reflect the noble character and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He concluded by encouraging pilgrims to seize the spiritual opportunities of Hajj, drawing benefit for both this life and the hereafter. Source Gulf News
Arab Times
10-05-2025
- Arab Times
Kingdom unveils largest Hajj operational plan to date to elevate pilgrim experience
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 10: Saudi Arabia has officially launched its most extensive operational plan to date for the Hajj pilgrimage season of 1446 AH (2025), underscoring its commitment to enhancing the experience of millions of pilgrims who visit Islam's holiest sites each year. The plan, unveiled by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Holy Mosque and the Prophet's Holy Mosque, features 120 initiatives and 10 smart tracks designed to enrich the digital experience of worshipers. Additionally, over 2,000 trained Saudi staff have been deployed to support the anticipated influx of pilgrims. A key component of the plan is the enhancement of seven specialized enrichment tracks aimed at communicating the moderate message of Hajj to the world in multiple languages. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to provide a distinguished pilgrimage experience through digital transformation and artificial intelligence. In his address during the launch, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al Sudais, President of Religious Affairs, emphasized that Saudi Arabia has mobilized all resources to serve the visitors of the Two Holy Mosques. He highlighted the Kingdom's focus on providing a distinguished pilgrimage experience through digital transformation and artificial intelligence. Dr. Al Sudais noted that the 1446 AH Hajj operational plan centers on digital and smart transformation, including communication with visitors in various languages. He further stated that the moderate message of the Hajj will be showcased through interactive, multilingual digital platforms, reflecting the objectives of Sharia and promoting balanced Islamic values. The plan is built around three main pillars: honoring the sanctity of time by affirming the spiritual significance and global message of Hajj; enhancing the sacred status of the holy sites; and glorifying the holiness of the place. A key objective is to disseminate the guidance of the Two Holy Mosques globally by offering a deeply spiritual experience rooted in quality, excellence, and innovation. This is to be delivered within a structured, institutional framework that supports the message of moderation and communicates its impact in multiple languages around the world.
Gulf News
06-05-2025
- Gulf News
Saudi Arabia unveils largest AI-powered operational plan with smart services for Hajj pilgrims
Dubai: Saudi Arabia's General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina is set to unveil its most expansive operational plan to date for the upcoming Haj j season, with a formal announcement scheduled for Thursday, (10 Dhu Al Qa'dah, 1446 AH). Described as the largest enrichment-focused plan since the introduction of new regulatory frameworks, this year's strategy centres on pilgrim-oriented services, aiming to accommodate the millions of worshippers expected during Hajj. The plan seeks to elevate the sacred journey through artificial intelligence tools, smart technologies, and a wide range of digital platforms designed to guide pilgrims with ease, clarity, and comfort. In a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Presidency revealed that the operational blueprint will include the launch of the most comprehensive suite of smart digital services in Hajj history. Key highlights include: 'Manarah 2' AI Robot: A second-generation, multilingual AI robot designed to serve and guide pilgrims. Multilingual Smart Screens: Interactive smart screens stationed at key locations to provide real-time information and assistance. Digital Qur'an Platform: A global platform supporting Qur'an recitation and learning for pilgrims around the world. Surat Al Fatiha App: A multi-language digital application designed to enhance understanding and engagement with one of the Qur'an's most recited chapters. Specialized Initiatives: Programmes offering religious, intellectual, and educational support tailored to the diverse backgrounds of Hajj participants. Dr. Abdulrahman Al Sudais, Head of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, emphasized that the operational plan is rooted in the principles of compassion, tranquility, and service. He said that the aim is to ensure that pilgrims experience Hajj in accordance with prophetic teachings and with the highest standards of care.
Leaders
21-03-2025
- General
- Leaders
Prophet's Mosque Welcomes 4,000 Itikaf Performers from 120 Countries
The Prophet's Mosque welcomed 4,000 worshipers from 120 countries for Itikaf during the last 10 nights of Ramadan, according to Arab News. Recently, Saudi authorities have completed preparations for accommodating 10,000 Itikaf worshippers in the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, according to Gulf News. At the Prophet's Mosque, the authorities directed worshipers to their designated areas, as follows: The western rooftop section for men, accessible via staircases No. 6 and 10 The northeastern section for women, with entry through doors 24 and 25A Chief of Presidency of Religious Affairs in the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, Abdulrahman Al Sudais, stressed the significance of providing Itikaf performers with an appropriate environment for performing rituals. Currently, worshippers can find a dedicated help desk to secure lockers for their belongings, medical clinics as well as first aid. In addition, other services include multilingual translation support, religious lessons and full meal provisions for iftar, dinner, and sahoor. Itikaf represents a deeply revered Islamic practice that starts on Ramadan 20 (March 20) and continue until the end of the fasting month. During the Itikaf period, Muslims should dedicate themselves to worship, seclusion in a mosque, prayer as well as reflection, following the example of the Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him). Furthermore, participants spend their full time in reciting the Quran, making supplications, and performing additional prayers. They often spend the entire time within the mosque's premises, eating and sleeping there as well. Therefore, it provides Muslims with an important opportunity to strengthen one's connection with Allah, away from the distractions of daily life. Related Topics: 10,000 Worshippers to Perform Itikaf at Mecca and Medina Mosques Saudi Arabia Opens Online Registration for Itikaf at Two Holy Mosques Short link : Post Views: 8
Leaders
20-03-2025
- General
- Leaders
10,000 Worshippers to Perform Itikaf at Mecca and Medina Mosques
Saudi authorities have completed preparations for accommodating 10,000 Itikaf worshippers in the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, according to Gulf News. Recently, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque opened online registration for Itikaf at the Grand Mosque and Prophet's Mosque. In this context, Chief of Presidency of Religious Affairs in the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, Abdulrahman Al Sudais, stressed the significance of providing Itikaf performers with an appropriate environment for these spiritual rituals. Therefore, Al Sudais directed agencies affiliated to the presidency to intensify their preparations and hold more than 50 lessons on the rules of Itikaf. Furthermore, they will organize Quranic sessions to help the Itikaf performers correct their recitation of the verses of the Noble Qur'an. Itikaf represents a deeply revered Islamic practice that starts on Ramadan 20 (March 20) and continue until the end of the fasting month. During the Itikaf period, Muslims should dedicate themselves to worship, seclusion in a mosque, prayer as well as reflection, following the example of the Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him). Furthermore, participants spend their full time in reciting the Quran, making supplications, and performing additional prayers. They often spend the entire time within the mosque's premises, eating and sleeping there as well. Therefore, it provides Muslims with an important opportunity to strengthen one's connection with Allah, away from the distractions of daily life. Related Topics: Saudi Arabia Opens Online Registration for Itikaf at Two Holy Mosques Saudi Arabia to Open Itikaf Registration for Grand Mosque, Prophet's Mosque on March 5 Grand Mosque Dedicates Special Prayer Rooms for Women During Ramadan Short link : Post Views: 24
