Latest news with #DhulHijjah
Saudi Gazette
7 hours ago
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
120 catheterization procedures and 11 open-heart surgeries performed for Hajj pilgrims
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi medical teams have performed 120 cardiac catheterizations and 11 open-heart surgeries, and treated 25 heat stress cases among the Hajj pilgrims from the beginning of the current Hajj season until Friday, Dhul Hijjah 3. This is part of an integrated field response system supported by specialized teams and advanced equipment. The health system provided more than 81,000 services to pilgrims, receiving more than 48,900 pilgrims at health centers. Emergency departments admitted 19,219 patients, outpatient clinics received 949 patients, and 3,515 patients were hospitalized, including 1,730 in intensive care. The health system continues to provide its services with high efficiency, based on proactive plans and an integrated system that ensures the highest quality standards. This is aimed at providing a safe and comfortable environment for pilgrims during the Hajj season, as part of its ongoing commitment to achieving the highest levels of healthcare.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Markets in twin cities buzz with Eid prep
The twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are abuzz with Eid preparations as shoppers flock to markets, malls, and shopping centres. The festive spirit is in full swing, with families, youth, and children eagerly searching for the best deals, turning the cities into a lively spectacle of colour, joy, and celebration. The commercial hubs are bustling with activity as vendors display vibrant Eid collections, ranging from traditional attire to festive delicacies. Shopkeepers attract customers with special discounts, adding to the excitement and anticipation of the upcoming celebration. This year, rising tailoring costs make off-the-rack outfits a practical choice, offering affordability and diverse fashion options. For many, these pre-stitched options strike the right balance between affordability and trendiness. Inamur Rehman, a resident of Islamabad, while talking to the media, said, "It's overwhelming to witness such massive crowds yet encouraging for local businesses." he highlighted how ready-made garments have streamlined Eid shopping for many while stressing the need for more discounts. "Shopkeepers should offer promotions to help more people celebrate Eid with ease," he said, adding that it's essential to support the underprivileged during this time. "As Muslims, we have a duty to remember and support those who are less fortunate," said Romana, a shopper from Rawalpindi. "This year, I chose ready-to-wear clothes because of their variety and affordability," she said. "I found everything I needed, in line with the latest trends and traditional styles." She urged authorities and business owners to introduce more price cuts on Eid-related items. "If discounts are offered, lower-income families would be able to participate in the celebrations without financial strain," she added. After spotting the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah on coming Wednesday, the shopping frenzy is set to intensify as malls and bazaars extend hours to accommodate surging crowds.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabia confirms Hajj 2025. When does it start? More on spiritual journey for Muslims
The final month of the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah, has begun. Some Muslims will prepare to make their way to Saudi Arabia to perform an obligatory spiritual journey called Hajj, or pilgrimage. The month of Dhul Hijjah began the night of May 28 with the sighting of the waxing crescent moon. So, what is Hajj? When does it start? When is Eid al-Adha? Here is what to know. The period of Hajj is to begin on the eighth day of Dhul Hijjah and end on the thirteenth day, lasting five to six days. According to Al-Jazeera, observatories from Saudi Arabia have determined Hajj will start on June 4. Hajj, or pilgrimage, is one of the basic foundations of Muslim beliefs and is one of the five pillars of Islam, according to Islamic Relief. It takes place at holy sites in and around Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The five pillars of Islam include: Profession of faith (Shahadah) Prayer (Salah) Charity (Zakat) Fasting (Sawm) Pilgrimage (Hajj) The history of Hajj dates back thousands of years to the Prophet Abraham, who built the Kaa'ba. Later, Prophet Muhammad began the pilgrimage in 628 CE during the month of Dhul Hijjah. The Kaa'ba, known as the 'Baitullah' or the House of God, is ultimately a mosque — Muslims do not worship it. It was built by Prophet Abraham and his son Prophet Ishmael. It was later used by polytheistic Pagan Arabs until the founding of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad made it a holy site, initiating the Islamic duty of pilgrimage. Now, as Muslims observe their five daily obligatory prayers, they specifically pray in the direction of the Kaa'ba in any part of the world. Hajj is obligatory and is required to be done once in a lifetime, but only for adult Muslims with the financial capacity to travel and who are healthy enough to perform it, both physically and emotionally. Muslims also have the option to go more than once if they have the means. Approximately 2–3 million Muslims participate in Hajj every year. Anyone performing Hajj is called a pilgrim. Hajj takes place at holy sites in and around Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Hajj is a special, spiritual time for pilgrims; many have spent their lives waiting for this time to come. Some may have spent years saving money to finally attend Hajj, or are waiting for a permit from Saudi authorities. To perform Hajj correctly, pilgrims must follow step-by-step rules to fulfill this journey, according to Islamic Relief. This includes maintaining a state of intention — to please God and fulfill the religious duty — and entering a state of Ihram, or spiritual state, to perform Hajj. To maintain a state of Ihram, pilgrims must refrain from wrongdoings and be mindful of their words and actions. Pilgrims must refrain from smoking, engaging in sexual relations, swearing, shaving hair, and cutting nails. Ihram includes wearing the proper clothing for Hajj. Men wear a two-piece white cloth wrapped around the waist and over the shoulder, and women observe the rules of hijab, which require a head covering (hijab) and loose clothing that covers the body from head to toe. Footwear must be in the form of sandals. Because Hajj brings unity to the Muslim community, rich and poor, all pilgrims must dress simply without any stitching on the garments. Though Ihram is simple, it must be followed and adhered to. So, what happens when pilgrims enter Mecca to begin their pilgrimage? It begins with Tawaf, which is walking around the Kaa'ba counterclockwise seven times. Then, pilgrims will perform S'ai, which is walking or running between the hills of Safa and Marwah, which reenacts the struggle of Prophet Abraham's wife, Hagar, searching for water for her son, Ishmael. Both of these actions take place in Mecca's Grand Mosque, known as Masjid al-Haram. Hajj is a long journey comprising 17 steps. A more detailed description of these steps can be found on Islamic Relief's website, which is verified by Islamic scholars. Eid al-Adha, the second major holiday for Muslims, translates to "Festival of Sacrifice." The day commemorates the Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, for God. But God stopped him and sent him a ram to sacrifice instead. Eid al-Adha will take place during Hajj. It is expected to begin on the night of June 5 and will be celebrated worldwide on June 6. On this day, Muslims will attend a community prayer in the morning, often in a mosque or Islamic center, donate to those in need, and celebrate with friends and family, eating and enjoying each other's company. Pilgrims attending Hajj will offer Qurbani, which is the sacrifice of a permitted animal, to reflect Prophet Abraham sacrificing a ram sent to him by God after his willingness to sacrifice his son. Goats, cows, lambs and camels are some of the animals permitted to be sacrificed. It is mandatory for a portion of the meat to be donated to the needy. Not only does performing Hajj fulfill one of five religious duties, but it also demonstrates the struggles Prophet Abraham and his family went through in Mecca and serves as a reminder to Muslims of Prophet Abraham's devotion to God. The completion of Hajj wipes away a Muslim's sins, builds spirituality, demonstrates submission to God and brings unity to those in attendance. Hajj, the major pilgrimage, can only be done between the eighth and 13th days of Dhul Hijjah and is to be completed in five to six days. However, there is a minor pilgrimage called Umrah, which can usually be completed in a day. Umrah is not obligatory but is highly encouraged for those who have the financial capacity and are in good health. It has fewer steps than Hajj and can be done at any time of the year. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Has Saudi Arabia confirmed Hajj 2025? More on holy Islamic pilgrimage
Al Jazeera
a day ago
- General
- Al Jazeera
What and when is Hajj? An illustrated guide, answers to 10 common questions
An estimated 1.8 million Muslims are preparing to embark on the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca which begins on June 4. The Hajj is the largest annual gathering of Muslims from all over the world and a once-in-a-lifetime journey for many. In this visual explainer, we cover 10 frequently asked questions about the Hajj, providing insights into its significance, rituals and preparations. The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and it is the fifth and final pillar of Islam, along with declaration of faith (shahada), five daily prayers, obligatory charity (zakat), and fasting during the month of Ramadan. The word comes from the Arabic root 'h-j-j', which means 'intending a journey' or 'to set out for a definitive purpose'. It is obligatory once in a lifetime for all adult Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey. The Hajj is performed between the 8th and 12th (or 13th) of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar. The timing falls roughly 70 days after the end of Ramadan, though this can vary slightly depending on the lunar cycle. In 2025, the Hajj will take place from June 4 to June 9, but many start arriving in the days and weeks ahead to prepare for the journey. Because the Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle, with months lasting 29 or 30 days, the Hajj shifts 10 to 12 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. Notably, this year marks the last time for the next 16 years that the Hajj will fall during Mecca's peak summer believe that the Hajj is a direct commandment from Allah (God), as outlined in the Muslim holy book, the Quran. It was affirmed during Prophet Muhammad's 'farewell pilgrimage' in 632 AD, in the 10th year of the Islamic calendar. Islamic tradition holds that the Kaaba, a stone structure draped in black silk at the centre of Mecca's Grand Mosque where many Hajj rituals take place, was built by Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) and his son Ishmael (Ismaeel) under God's command. This marks the origins of the Hajj, which was instituted as a divine ritual for the first time. The journey is a spiritual one, and it is considered to allow Muslims to seek forgiveness, purify their souls and demonstrate their submission to God. The word Hajj is mentioned 12 times across the Quran, including one chapter named after it. Hajj also serves as a reminder of the Day of Judgement, and by performing it, Muslims follow the example of Prophet Abraham and his family, whose actions are commemorated during the pilgrimage rituals. Ultimately, it is a way to fulfil a key religious obligation and strengthen one's faith. The Hajj lasts five to six days, depending on how it is performed. It begins on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, a day known as Tarwiyah, when many pilgrims travel to Mina, a desert valley located about 8 kilometres (5 miles) from Mecca, where they spend the night in preparation for the next day's rituals. It ends with Tashreeq days, where pilgrims return to Mina for the symbolic stoning of the Devil at a site called Jamarat, after which they perform final rituals to symbolise the end of the Hajj. Some may leave on the 12th if they complete their rites early, while others stay until the 13th. While the Hajj is a compulsory pilgrimage for all able-bodied Muslims once in their life, Umrah is a recommended smaller and simpler pilgrimage that Muslims can perform any time throughout the year. The graphic below shows some of the key differences between the Hajj and Umrah:Muslims perform many rites and rituals during the days of the Hajj, which can be explained in the following this day, Muslims from around the world celebrate the first day of Eid al-Adha, or the celebration of the sacrifice. Farewell Tawaf Before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a final Tawaf around the Kaaba, known as the Tawaf al-Wada or a 'farewell tawaf,' signifying a spiritual farewell to the holy sanctuary. There are three types of Hajj to facilitate the pilgrimage for Muslims from different locations and abilities: The etiquette of the Hajj bans several actions that are otherwise permitted in Islam, including sexual relations (and anything leading to it, like embracing or kissing), cursing, arguing, hunting, shaving or cutting hair and nails, using perfume, arranging or conducting a marriage, wearing stitched clothes (for men), covering the head (for men), and covering the face (for women). If a pilgrim unintentionally or unknowingly does something prohibited during the Hajj, there are usually specific actions and steps to rectify their situation. This often involves repentance, as well as making up for the mistake by offering charity or an animal sacrifice. Packing for the Hajj requires careful planning to ensure you have everything you need without overloading. The graphic below provides a practical checklist of things one should pack before embarking on the journey. Muslims mark the end of the Hajj with Eid al-Adha, celebrated on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah and lasting up to three days in many countries. The day begins with a special prayer shortly after sunrise, as Muslims gather in mosques or open areas wearing their finest clothes. The rest of the day is spent sharing meals, exchanging gifts, and visiting family and friends. The greeting 'Eid Mubarak', meaning 'Blessed Eid,' is commonly exchanged. Eid al-Adha also involves the ritual of animal sacrifice, known as Qurbani. Muslims who are able to do so sacrifice a sheep, goat, cow or camel, and the meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for those in need.
Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Over 78,000 medical services provided to pilgrims as Saudi health system reports 5 heat exhaustion cases
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — Saudi Arabia's healthcare system has treated five cases of heat exhaustion among pilgrims since the beginning of the Hajj season until the second day of Dhul Hijjah, the Ministry of Health confirmed. All cases were successfully managed, reflecting the Kingdom's comprehensive efforts to ensure optimal medical care under the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Pilgrim Experience Program. As of this point in the Hajj season, the Saudi health system has provided over 78,000 medical services to pilgrims. More than 46,000 pilgrims have been received at primary healthcare centers, while emergency departments have handled 17,000 cases. Outpatient clinics have recorded over 860 visits. In terms of hospital admissions, more than 3,000 pilgrims have been hospitalized, including over 1,600 in intensive care units. The Ministry of Health has also performed eight open-heart surgeries and 104 cardiac catheterization procedures during the ongoing pilgrimage. The Health Call Center 937 received more than 27,000 medical consultations, underscoring the preparedness of Saudi Arabia's healthcare infrastructure and its responsiveness in delivering reliable and immediate medical support to pilgrims. Health authorities continue to provide services at the highest standards throughout Hajj 1446 to ensure the well-being of pilgrims and the continuity of safe, efficient medical care across all facilities.
