Latest news with #DhuAlHijja
BBC News
6 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
How to stay healthy during Hajj
Evri year, nearly two million Muslims from around di world make di pilgrimage journey to Saudi Arabia holy city of Mecca for Hajj, to complete one of di five Pillars of Islam. Na spiritual journey wey dey happun during Dhu al-Hijja, wey be di final month of di Islamic calendar. Dis year, e dey take place from 4-9 June, wia well ova one million Muslims dey expected to make di journey. But no be just a spiritual journey, na serious tin wey need physical strength. Between di desert heat, large crowds, and long waka between rituals, di pilgrimage fit push your body to im limits. Saudi Arabia say at least 1,300 people die last year during Hajj, most of dem die afta dem waka long distances for intense heat. An estimated 1.8m pipo bin attend di pilgrimage. Checkout some tips on how you fit stay healthy while you go on dis extraordinary act of faith. Anybody wey dey travel for pilgrimage must prepare well-well bifor dem put leg inside Saudi Arabian soil. Health experts recommend a full body check-up, particularly for elderly pilgrims and those wit chronic conditions, like diabetes, asthma, cancer or heart disease. Ensure say you get all di mandatory vaccines wey dey required by Saudi goment. Dis include those for meningitis, wey you suppose take at least ten days bifor arrival to Hajj, and Covid-19. Travellers from kontris wia polio and yellow fever dey worry must also make sure say dia vaccines dey up to date. Bifor you travel Sake of di large number of pipo wey dey attend Hajj, local health services fit dey overstretched, so e dey wise to be self-reliant wia possible. If you dey take prescription medication, ensure say you carry enof to last di duration of di trip. Experts recommend make pipo pack one medical bag wey go get pain killers, anti-diarrhoea medication, aid supplies for minor injuries, hand sanitisers and face masks inside. Sabi pipo advice to do physical training, especially for those wey no dey used to dey waka long distance for high temperatures. Di pilgrimage involve a series of rituals wey dey spread across different locations around Mecca. On average, one pilgrim go waka five to 13 kilometres a day between sites. To build stamina and reduce risk of fatigue or injury, experts advise pipo to begin a routine of light to moderate physical activity at least three weeks in advance to help di body adapt. Coping wit extreme heat Temperatures for Saudi Arabia fit reach up to 51C. For human being body, dat na like to stand in front of open preheated oven wit no escape. Wit dat kain extreme heat, di body go start to struggle to cool itself down, e fit lead to heat cramps, exhaustion and even heatstroke. Despite warnings from di Saudi Health Ministry to avoid heat exposure and stay hydrated, many pilgrims dey fall victim to heat stress and heatstroke. Dis year, di goment say dem don expand dia health personnel capacity and set up 400 water coolers as well as water misting machines to help pilgrims deal wit di high temperatures. "Dis year, di focus na on heat-related conditions, becos Hajj dey coincide wit extreme heat. Dis year di heat index dey at its highest," Saudi Arabia deputy minister for population health Abdullah Asiri tell di news agency AFP. Pilgrims dey advised to hydrate constantly even wen dem no dey thirsty, and wia possible, carry insulated or copper bottles wey go keep di water cool. Time your outdoor activities to avoid peak heat hours, wey tend to be between 11:00 and 15:00. Avoid crowded areas and always seek shade or well-ventilated areas. Sunscreen wit a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more na sabi pipo avise pipo to use and dem advise pipo to reapply am every 2 hours to avoid sunburn. Breathable, light-coloured clothing also go help to keep di body cool becos e dey reflects sunlight. Well ventilated shoes with good arch support dey recommended. Light-coloured or reflective umbrellas fit deflect heat. No ignore any signs of fatigue, dizziness or nausea, becos e fit prove dangerous. Safety for crowds Wia pipo dey gada for large numbers, di risk of infection go increase, and a lapse in hygiene can turn a simple cough into an outbreak. To prevent disease, pilgrims dey encouraged to wash dia hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitisers. Dem also recommend face masks to avoid spreading respiratory diseases. Many indoor areas dey air-conditioned, so you fit find out say to wear a face covering dey easier for cooler places. Keep yourself updated on any announcements from authorities. Saudi officials say dem get to set up systems to provide health and weather alerts during di most extreme conditions and overcrowding. E also dey advisable to keep a card wit your medical history and emergency contact information with you at all times. Find out wia di nearest medical facilities dey to you. Hajj na once in a lifetime journey for Muslims, and while spiritual pressure dey to fulfil dis act of faith, experts advise pipo to listen to your body and prioritise your health.
The National
28-05-2025
- General
- The National
Eid Al Adha 2025 holidays announced for UAE public sector employees
Workers in the public sector will enjoy a four-day holiday for Eid Al Adha next week. The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Federal Authority For Government Human Resources. The four-day holiday will begin on Thursday, June 5, and end on Sunday, June 8, with work resuming on Monday, June 9. Eid Al Adha will begin on Friday, June 6, authorities confirmed on Tuesday evening. The announcement came after the UAE's moon-sighting committee observed the crescent moon, which heralds the start of Dhu Al Hijja, the 12th and final month in the Islamic calendar, on Tuesday evening. It means Dhu Al Hijja will begin on Wednesday, allowing for the start dates of both Hajj – which falls on the eighth day of the month – and Eid Al Adha, which starts on its 10th day, to be determined. The Hajj pilgrimage is to begin on Wednesday, June 4, with Arafat Day, the second day of the week-long Hajj pilgrimage, marked on Thursday, June 5.
Emirates Woman
27-05-2025
- General
- Emirates Woman
Eid Al Adha 2025: UAE prepares for moon sighting, here's all you need to know
The UAE's Moon Sighting Committee will convene on Tuesday evening to observe the crescent moon of Dhu Al Hijja, marking the final countdown to Eid Al Adha 2025, which is expected to begin on Friday, June 6. Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has called for Muslims to look for the crescent moon on Tuesday, increasing the likelihood of Eid Al Adha falling on June 6. If sighted, the Islamic month of Dhu Al Hijja will begin on Wednesday, May 28, with Eid celebrations starting on Friday, June 6, and lasting until Sunday, June 8. A Four-Day Weekend Expected According to the UAE Cabinet's official holiday schedule, residents can anticipate a four-day break, with Arafat Day observed on Thursday, June 5, followed by Eid Al Adha holidays from June 6 to 8. Turn your 4 day Eid holiday into a 16 day vacation this year How Moon Sighting Works in the UAE The UAE follows a meticulous process to confirm the start of Islamic months, combining traditional observation with advanced technology. The Moon Sighting Committee will meet after Maghrib prayers on Tuesday, using high-powered telescopes and drones to scan the skies. Earlier this year, the UAE deployed over 100 drones to assist in locating the Ramadan crescent, setting a new precedent for accuracy. The International Astronomical Center, supported by the UAE Fatwa Council, oversees the process, incorporating astronomical data, witness testimonies, and Sharia compliance. Residents are encouraged to participate by reporting sightings to the Crescent Sighting Committee via phone (027774647) or an online form. The Significance of Dhu Al Hijja Dhu Al Hijja is the holiest month in Islam, during which millions of pilgrims perform Hajj in Makkah. The pilgrimage begins on the 8th of Dhu Al Hijja, with the Day of Arafah (9th Dhu Al Hijja) being the most sacred. Muslims worldwide observe this day with fasting and charity. What Happens Next? If the moon is sighted on Tuesday, Dhu Al Hijja begins Wednesday, May 28, and Eid Al Adha will be celebrated on Friday, June 6. If not, the month starts a day later, pushing Eid to Saturday, June 7. Eid Al Adha Escape Plan: 7 unusual getaways less than 4 hours from Dubai Either way, UAE residents can expect an extended holiday, blending spiritual observance with well-deserved rest. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Pinterest Feature Image: Pinterest
The National
26-05-2025
- The National
Saudi Arabia calls on Muslims to sight Dhu Al Hijja Moon ahead of Hajj
Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has called on Muslims in the Kingdom to sight the crescent moon on Tuesday evening that would signal the start of the Muslim lunar month Dhu Al Hijja ahead of the Hajj pilgrimage season. Tuesday is the 29th of Dhu Al Qadah and if the crescent moon is sighted that day, the month of Dhu Al Hijja, during which Hajj takes place, will start on Wednesday May 28. In this case, the first day of Eid Al Adha will take place on Friday June 6. If the crescent moon is not sighted on Tuesday evening, Dhu Al Hijja will start on Thursday and the first day of Eid will be on Saturday June 7. The court also urged anyone who sights the crescent moon with the naked eye or through binoculars to promptly report to the nearest court and submit their testimony. A total of 961,903 pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the kingdom's General Directorate of Passports has announced. About 912,598 pilgrims entered through airports, 45,028 through land crossings, and 4,277 by sea, according to the directorate, and reported by Saudi Press Agency Spa. The directorate said it is committed to enabling smooth entry procedures by equipping all international entry points with advanced technology and posting highly trained, multilingual staff. The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, must be undertaken by all Muslims who have the means at least once in their lives. It is one of the world's largest religious gatherings. The kingdom had announced a range of penalties for people violating regulations during the event, one of the largest mass gatherings in the world. Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry said on Monday that security troops arrested five residents and nine citizens for violating Hajj regulations by transporting 44 individuals without Hajj permits. The ministry said that seasonal administrative committees issued decisions against the transporters, their accomplices and the unauthorised pilgrims, Spa reported. Penalties included imprisonment, fines of up to 100,000 riyals (26,666 US dollars), public naming of the violators and deportation of resident offenders with a 10-year re-entry ban to Saudi Arabia after serving their sentences, the ministry said The ministry also initiated judicial measures to confiscate the vehicles used in the offences and imposed a fine of up to 20,000 riyals on visitors who attempt to perform Hajj without a permit. The ministry urged all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations to ensure a safe and secure Hajj for all. Preparations in full swing The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has announced the readiness of the Mataf (circumambulation area) to receive pilgrims during this year's Hajj season, Spa reported. The authority confirmed that the Mataf area is now equipped to accommodate up to 107,000 circumambulatory per hour across several levels, including the ground floor, first floor, first mezzanine, second mezzanine and rooftop. The total worshipper capacity across all levels has reached 203,000. It further noted that the entire Mataf area has been dedicated exclusively for circumambulation, with several primary and secondary entrances allocated to enable access. Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid has been appointed preacher at this year's Hajj on the Day of Arafah (the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah), the Presidency of Religious Affairs announced. Mount Arafat is a granite hill about 20km from the Kaaba. Ascending it is the most important rite in the annual pilgrimage of Hajj for millions of Muslims. The Day of Arafah takes place on the second day of Hajj, when pilgrims make their way to Mount Arafat where the Prophet Mohammed gave his last sermon.
The National
26-05-2025
- General
- The National
Eid Al Adha 2025 expected on June 6 with calls for moon sighting tomorrow
Eid Al Adha moved a step closer to being confirmed to begin on Friday, June 6. The likelihood of it falling on that date increased on Sunday when Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court called for Muslims to look for the Dhu Al Hijja crescent moon on Tuesday evening. Eid Al Adha is expected to begin on Friday, June 6, until Sunday, June 8. A four-day break could be likely for many with Arafat Day set to take place on Thursday, June 5. An occasion celebrated by millions of Muslims around the world, Eid Al Adha begins on the 10th day of Dhu Al Hijja, the last month in the Islamic calendar. The first day of the Islamic month is expected to start on Wednesday, May 28.
