Latest news with #Adhan
Sydney Morning Herald
09-08-2025
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Sydney mosque members receive ‘death threats' in call to prayer furore
Members of one of Australia's largest mosques say they have received death threats since plans for new loudspeakers to broadcast the Muslim call to prayer sparked public backlash over 'intrusive noise' and property price concerns. Security measures have ramped up at Lakemba Mosque in Sydney's west amid an ongoing planning row centred on a $22,000 proposal by the Lebanese Muslim Association to add four new loudspeakers to the mosque's prominent minaret. The proposal involved using the loudspeakers to play the Adhan call to prayer once a week, on Fridays, for up to 15 minutes at a time. But the plans have hit a major hurdle: Canterbury-Bankstown Council is expected to refuse the development application (DA) at a meeting next week due to concerns over 'significant noise' and 'unacceptable amenity impacts' that were raised in public submissions. Lebanese Muslim Association secretary Gamel Kheir said what was intended to be a straightforward development application has turned into a planning quagmire, with the mosque receiving online abuse from those opposed to the proposal. Kheir said the abuse has included death threats, resulting in the mosque investing in new security measures, including additional CCTV cameras. 'There have been objections which are, in the worst-case scenario, purely based on Islamophobia,' he said. 'The paranoia has been purely based on the same old thing that we hear constantly – that Muslims are taking over the place and that somehow the call to prayer is associated with a terrorist threat.'
The Age
09-08-2025
- Politics
- The Age
Sydney mosque members receive ‘death threats' in call to prayer furore
Members of one of Australia's largest mosques say they have received death threats since plans for new loudspeakers to broadcast the Muslim call to prayer sparked public backlash over 'intrusive noise' and property price concerns. Security measures have ramped up at Lakemba Mosque in Sydney's west amid an ongoing planning row centred on a $22,000 proposal by the Lebanese Muslim Association to add four new loudspeakers to the mosque's prominent minaret. The proposal involved using the loudspeakers to play the Adhan call to prayer once a week, on Fridays, for up to 15 minutes at a time. But the plans have hit a major hurdle: Canterbury-Bankstown Council is expected to refuse the development application (DA) at a meeting next week due to concerns over 'significant noise' and 'unacceptable amenity impacts' that were raised in public submissions. Lebanese Muslim Association secretary Gamel Kheir said what was intended to be a straightforward development application has turned into a planning quagmire, with the mosque receiving online abuse from those opposed to the proposal. Kheir said the abuse has included death threats, resulting in the mosque investing in new security measures, including additional CCTV cameras. 'There have been objections which are, in the worst-case scenario, purely based on Islamophobia,' he said. 'The paranoia has been purely based on the same old thing that we hear constantly – that Muslims are taking over the place and that somehow the call to prayer is associated with a terrorist threat.'
Qatar Tribune
05-08-2025
- Qatar Tribune
Awqaf honours participants in fourth ‘Our Summer, Our Way' programme
QNA Doha The Department of Da'wah and Religious Guidance at the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs concluded the fourth edition of the 'Our Summer, Our Way' programme, with a closing ceremony held at the Nasser Bin Abdullah Al Misnad Mosque in the city of Al Khor, in the presence of several educational and social figures, parents, and representatives of participating entities. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry said the ceremony featured performances by participating students, including religious chants, segments on the Prophet's biography, and simplified explanations of the rules of ablution and acts of worship they learned during the programme. The event also included the honouring of cooperating institutions and outstanding students in the cultural competitions held as part of the summer activities. In his speech during the ceremony, Head of the Religious Guidance Section at the Dawah Department Moaz Al Qasimi praised the contribution of the participating entities in making the programme a success. He noted that the programme aims to utilise the summer vacation by offering educational, moral, and recreational content that helps enhance students' values and skills. During the ceremony, the ministry honoured the Internal Security Force Lekhwiya, the Traffic Department, the Mosques Department, and the Scholarships Section in appreciation of their role in supporting the programme through awareness activities, recreational programmes, and field trips, as part of an active community partnership. Awards were also distributed to outstanding students in the Cubs and Youth categories. The programme's activities were designed by a team of experts from the Ministry of Endowments to address educational, cultural, and skill-building aspects. They included Quranic lectures, courses on acts of worship, sports and cultural activities, training on the call to prayer (Adhan) and vocal improvement, as well as external trips. The programme was launched on July 7 across 10 Dawah centres distributed throughout the country. It targeted 10 to 15 years old age group. It ran four days a week during the morning period and featured specialised cultural and skills-building activities within the centres, in addition to external courses carried out in collaboration with several entities, providing participants with a comprehensive educational experience.
Time Business News
04-08-2025
- Time Business News
Why Does September Offer a Quieter Pilgrimage Experience?
Umrah deal I've always been interested in umrah package september options because they seem to offer a quiet, calm environment compared to peak seasons. My first trip in September changed my life in a spiritual way. It felt different to me to go on a journey in September. The energy in Makkah was calm. There were fewer people, which gave me more time to think and connect with others. It wasn't hurried, which helped my heart calm down. I stayed at a hotel close to the Haram, just a few steps from the Kaaba. I could always find a place to pray, even when it was busy. The calm setting really helped me worship. In general, September isn't a school holiday or a busy pilgrimage month like Ramadan or Hajj 2026. This break between busy times is a great time for people who want peace. Saudi tourism sources have recently shared data that shows that visitor traffic drops by 30–40% during non-peak months. That cut made a big difference in how comfortable and focused I felt overall. I booked one of the Umrah packages that didn't include a flight for that trip. I got a great deal on my ticket through a local agency and used miles. This gave me more options. It also helped me make the trip my own. I chose the hotel I wanted, the dates of my trip, and I didn't have to stick to a strict schedule. That freedom made the spiritual parts feel more like they were mine. It has always felt like a privilege to stay at the Clock Tower. I went on one of the Clock Tower Umrah packages in September, and it was worth every riyal. Seeing the Haram when I woke up and hearing the Adhan echo from my room made for an unforgettable experience. And in September, the prices were surprisingly low. I spent days looking at different options before I made a reservation. I used distance from the hotel, package flexibility, and reviews to narrow my choices. I now know to check if the agency offers full visa help and ground transportation. Dua Travels was one of the few that gave detailed breakdowns. I felt more comfortable with the booking process because they were open about it. In addition to fewer people, the weather starts to get nicer in September. Compared to the hot summer months, the temperatures drop a little. This made it easier to get around Makkah and Madinah. I also noticed that vendors weren't as rushed and shopkeepers had more time to talk and set fair prices. It made the city as a whole feel more welcoming. One thing that helped me was getting there a day early. That gave me time to relax and get used to things before doing Umrah. Also, pack light but smart. Bring an extra Ihram, some water bottles, and a simple guidebook. Setting spiritual goals before I left helped me stay on track. I wrote down my duas and set goals for each day. This little thing made a big difference. September might not be the best time for you if you have kids in school. But it's a great place for couples or people travelling alone. A hotel with fewer kids is also quieter. Some families with toddlers or kids who are homeschooled may still find it useful. The trip can be easier if there are fewer lines, faster transportation, and calmer environments. I looked at a few different packages before making a choice. Here's what I learned: Usually cheaper, but they have set schedules. Good for people who are new to Umrah. You pick the hotels, flights, and lengths of stay. Good for peace of mind and flexibility. Best if you can book flights on their own. These let me control when I arrived and left. Luxury stays with views that can't be beat. Best if you want to be as close to the Haram as possible and be as comfortable as possible. Even though my trip went well, I would book even earlier. The clock tower umrah packages rooms in September go quickly. I'd also keep a digital copy of all my papers. It's easy to get to when you need it. And I'd try more local food. Restaurants are less busy in September, so the wait times are shorter. Umrah in September taught me that peace isn't just about being around fewer people; it's also about having fewer things to do. The quietness I felt helped me spiritually reset in a way I didn't expect. September might be the best time for you to go on a spiritual journey that isn't too crowded. Q1: Are Umrah package September deals cheaper than other months? Yes, they're usually more affordable than peak seasons, especially compared to Ramadan or school holidays. Q2: What's included in Umrah packages without flight? These typically include hotel, visa, ground transport, and sometimes meals—but not airfare. They're ideal for flexible planners. Q3: Are Clock Tower Umrah packages available in September? Yes, and they often come at lower rates than in peak months, making luxury stays more accessible. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
01-08-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Free parking: Dubai introduces one-hour parking for mosque worshippers for free during prayer times
Parkin, in partnership with IACAD, will manage 2,100 parking spaces at 59 mosques free for one hour during prayer/Representative Image TL;DR: Dubai introduces 1-hour free parking near mosques during prayer times to ease congestion and support worshippers. The initiative applies to designated zones and is clearly marked with signboards; violators outside prayer times will still be fined. Implemented by RTA, the rule balances religious needs with traffic control, especially in high-density prayer areas. Effective August 2025, Dubai residents worshipping at 59 designated mosques will benefit from one hour of free parking during prayer times statewide, while paid parking operates outside these hours under a new revenue-sharing agreement. The initiative is managed by Parkin Company on behalf of the Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department (IACAD). Approved Parking Scheme: Key Details Locations covered: 2,100 parking spaces across 59 mosques in Dubai (41 standard Zone M, 18 premium Zone MP). Free parking window: One hour during each prayer period, generally 15 minutes before Adhan and 45 minutes after. Paid parking: Applied 24/7 outside prayer times, standard areas at Dh2–4/hour, premium areas at Dh3–6/hour depending on peak/off-peak tariff schedule. Implementation & Management Operator: Parkin Company, Dubai's leading paid-parking operator handling ~209,000 spaces. Under the deal, mosque parking adds ~2,100 spots to its portfolio. Sponsor Authority: Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) delegates management of mosque parking to Parkin via a commercial agreement. Rollout: Set to begin in August 2025, phased implementation across the specified mosque sites. Enforcement: Free period monitored via designated mosque-adjacent parking zones; violations outside those windows subject to tariff enforcement. Why It Matters Improves Worship Access : Makes mosque visits more convenient and welcoming, especially during Jummah prayers and Ramadan evenings. Reduces Misuse : Helps eliminate fishing for free parking spots near mosques outside prayer times. Standardised Practice : Replaces inconsistent burial of earlier 'grace periods' (e.g., 45-min allowances reported in Ramadan and iftar times). City Initiative Alignment : Represents Dubai's commitment to improving religious services and citizen-centric governance. Dubai's move to introduce one-hour free parking during prayer times at city mosques is both practical and symbolic, recognising worshippers' needs while maintaining order in public parking management. With clear designation of mosque-adjacent zones, digital enforcement, and a strong partnership between IACAD and Parkin, the program is poised to balance accessibility with revenue objectives. Starting this August 2025, mosque-goers across the emirate can expect smoother access and less parking stress, aligning with Dubai's broader objectives of smart urban planning and considerate public policy. FAQ 1. Which mosques offer free parking? A total of 59 mosques across Dubai are included in the first phase, covering both standard (M) and premium (MP) parking zones. 2. How does the one-hour free period work? It includes 15 minutes before Adhan and 45 minutes after the prayer, at designated mosque-adjacent slots 3. When will the new system begin? The phased rollout will begin this month, under an agreement between Parkin and IACAD. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo 4. What happens if you park outside the free window? Standard and premium hourly rates apply, ranging from Dh2 to Dh6 per hour, depending on the location and time. 5. Who manages the parking operations? Parkin Company manages the mosque parking spaces, under oversight from the Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department (IACAD).
