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Gulf News
26-04-2025
- Gulf News
Saudi Arabia: A guide to the Kaaba's key landmarks for pilgrims preparing for Hajj
Dubai: With the annual Hajj pilgrimage set to begin in a few weeks, millions of Muslims preparing to visit Mecca will once again gather around the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam. As pilgrims embark on this spiritual journey, it is essential for them to be familiar with the special parts of the Kaaba, each holding deep religious significance. Here are some key features of the Kaaba that every pilgrim should know: The Black Stone: Hajar Al Aswad Set into the eastern corner of the Kaaba, the Hajar Al Aswad is the stone where every tawaf begins and ends. Believed to have descended from heaven, the dark stone is encased in silver and has been kissed and touched by countless pilgrims over centuries, including the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and many prophets before him. The Station of Ibrahim: Maqam Ibrahim Just metres from the Kaaba stands the Maqam Ibrahim, a square stone housed in a gold-coloured glass enclosure. According to Islamic tradition, it bears the footprint of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) who stood on it during the construction of the Kaaba. The stone, softened by divine will, retained the marks of his feet. Hijr Ismail: Also known as Hateem This crescent-shaped area adjacent to the north-western wall of the Kaaba is enclosed by a semi-circular marble wall. Though technically outside the Kaaba's structure, it is considered a part of it. Pilgrims often pray within this area, which is believed to be the burial place of Prophet Ismail and his mother Hajar. The Golden Spout: Meezab e Rehmat Jutting from the Kaaba's roof, the Meezab e Rehmat or 'Outlet of Mercy' is a gold-plated spout that channels rainwater from the roof directly into the Hijr Ismail. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful and symbolic features of the Kaaba, representing divine mercy flowing to the earth. Al Shadrawan: The Marble Base The Shadrawan is the light-grey marble base that encircles three sides of the Kaaba (excluding the Hateem). Designed to prevent rainwater from seeping into the foundation, it also protects pilgrims from injury and secures the black silk covering known as the Kiswah. Multazam: The Place of Clinging Located between the Kaaba's door and the Black Stone, the Multazam is a two-metre stretch of wall where supplications (duas) are said to be especially accepted. Pilgrims often press their bodies to this sacred section, which is also known as Al Mutawwath and Al Mada. Rukan Yamani: The Yemeni Corner Opposite the Black Stone on the south-western corner lies the Rukan Yamani. Facing the direction of Yemen, this corner is the only one touched by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during tawaf. Pilgrims are encouraged to touch it, but not kiss it, if accessible. Musallah Jibreel: The Angel's Prayer Spot At the southern right corner of the Kaaba's door lies a cluster of brown stone pieces embedded in the marble floor. Known as Musallah Jibreel, this is believed to be the spot where the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) taught the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) how to pray before his ascension to the heavens during the Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj).
Daily Tribune
21-02-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Man accused of pocketing cash in restaurant equipment deal cleared
A Bahraini man accused of pocketing cash from the sale of restaurant equipment he never received has walked free after a court ruled there was no solid proof to back the charge. Defence lawyer Huda Al Aswad said the Minor Criminal Court found her client not guilty, rejecting the prosecution's claim that he had misappropriated both cash and items belonging to a restaurant. The case hinged on whether the man had ever been given the equipment in the first place. The prosecution alleged he had been entrusted with it and failed to hand over the proceeds after selling it. Proof However, Al Aswad argued there was no proof he had ever taken possession of the items, let alone sold them. She said the complainant himself had admitted in an early statement that he had given the equipment to another person — who happened to be the defendant's business partner — to sell, in exchange for a 10 per cent cut. The arrangement, she pointed out, had been made before her client even started working at the restaurant. Complainant The complainant later claimed the defendant had sold the goods and kept the money, citing the business partner's word as evidence. But in court, the man confirmed he had initially handed over the equipment to the partner for sale, a detail that matched the defendant's account. The only items the defendant admitted selling were three refrigerators, and he had given the proceeds to the complainant, who acknowledged receiving the money in court. Evidence Judges found no evidence that the equipment had been sold for more than what had been handed over. The court noted that for a charge of embezzlement to stick, there had to be proof that the accused had converted someone else's property into their own — something that had not been demonstrated. It also pointed out that there was no clear evidence the defendant had ever received the full set of items in question. Claim As for the claim that the goods had been offloaded at a higher price than declared, the court said there was nothing to back it up. Just because something is sold below market value does not mean the seller has pocketed the difference. With no firm proof that the accused had done anything wrong, the court dismissed the charge and acquitted him under Article 255 of the Criminal Procedure Law.
