Latest news with #GeneralAuthorityfortheAffairsofthe
CairoScene
20-03-2025
- General
- CairoScene
33,000 Saudi-Made Luxury Carpets Added to Grand Mosque for Ramadan
These high-quality carpets are intended to enhance comfort for worshippers in Makkah. Saudi authorities have furnished the Grand Mosque in Makkah with 33,000 luxury carpets for Ramadan to enhance comfort for worshippers during the holy month. Made in Saudi Arabia, these carpets are known for their high quality, craftsmanship, and durability. They are primarily used on Fridays, during Ramadan, and in other peak seasons to accommodate the large influx of visitors. Each carpet measures either 1.2 metres by 4 metres, or 1.2 metres by 3 metres, with a thickness of 1.6 cm. These dimensions ensure resilience against heavy foot traffic. The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque oversees these provisions, ensuring optimal services for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Alongside the carpet installations, nearly 11 million iftar meals were distributed to Umrah pilgrims and worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah during the first half of Ramadan. Other recent improvements include the installation of AI-powered robots to assist worshippers and help them answer their questions on fatwa at the Grand Mosque.
Saudi Gazette
07-03-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
20,000 Zamzam water containers distributed at Grand Mosque for Ramadan
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — A total of 20,000 Zamzam water containers have been distributed throughout the Grand Mosque to accommodate the needs of worshippers and pilgrims during Ramadan, the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque announced. The authority urged visitors to follow awareness guidelines when using the designated Zamzam water facilities. It emphasized the importance of properly disposing of plastic cups in designated waste bins and refraining from opening Zamzam water containers to maintain hygiene and order. In addition to the widespread availability of Zamzam water, well-equipped ablution facilities have been provided to ensure convenience for worshippers. These facilities are strategically placed across different parts of the Grand Mosque, including the King Fahd expansion ablution areas, accessible via escalators and elevators, as well as those in the Mas'a area, serving worshippers near Al-Marwah and Al-Mas'a. Other locations include the eastern courtyard near Al-Qashashiyah, the western courtyard opposite the Makkah Construction and Development Company, and areas near the King Abdulaziz Endowment Towers. Additional ablution facilities are available inside the bathrooms between Makkah Company and Dar Al-Tawhid, as well as in the northern courtyards. The presidency stressed the importance of utilizing these designated ablution facilities and reserving Zamzam water strictly for drinking. It emphasized that maintaining cleanliness and adhering to the guidelines would help create a spiritual and tranquil environment, allowing worshippers to perform their religious rituals with ease and devotion.
Arab News
06-03-2025
- Arab News
Grand Mosque authority introduces hair cutting service for exiting ihram
MAKKAH: Five stations have been set up in the courtyard of Makkah's Grand Mosque for pilgrims to have their heads shaved in the Islamic practice of exiting from the state of ihram. The new service allows pilgrims to shave their head or cut their hair at designated locations. The initiative was introduced for the first time this Ramadan by the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. These stations can be relocated as needed during periods of high congestion and are staffed by experienced specialists using sterilized equipment. Mohammed Asiri, a Hajj and Umrah affairs specialist and religious researcher, said that exiting from ihram after completing the Umrah rituals is an essential final step in completing Umrah, where pilgrims shave their heads or trim their hair after completing the Sa'i walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa. 'This practice follows the Prophetic Sunnah, as Prophet Mohammed instructed his companions to shave or trim their hair after performing Umrah,' Asiri said. He added that men typically prefer complete shaving, while women need only trim a small portion of their hair. The ritual symbolizes purification and renewal after worship and marks the end of ihram restrictions that began when pilgrims entered the miqat, or boundary, where ihram is required. Fahd Al-Hamidi, who used the service at the Grand Mosque, said the initiative was 'an extension of Saudi Arabia's significant efforts to serve pilgrims from around the world.' He said that the service is just one of thousands provided by Saudi Arabia to simplify the rituals of Umrah performers. Al-Hamidi described the exit from ihram as a joyful moment that brings a sense of relief and spiritual closeness to Allah. He said that this simple procedure carries deep spiritual meaning, symbolizing renewal and purification from sins and beginning a new page full of faith and piety. The ritual is 'a profound spiritual symbol of submission to Allah's commands and the Prophet's Sunnah,' Al-Hamidi said. 'With these modern solutions, like mobile barbershop units, this important final step of Umrah has become more convenient and efficient for pilgrims.'
Arab News
05-03-2025
- General
- Arab News
Online registration for itikaf at Two Holy Mosques begins
RIYADH: Authorities are now accepting online applications for itikaf at the Grand Mosque and Prophet's Mosque. Itikaf is the act of remaining in seclusion at a mosque for the last 10 days of Ramadan. While doing so, individuals devote themselves to the worship of God during what Muslims consider to be the best 10 nights of the year. The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque urged those who wish to perform the ritual to choose a mosque, submit an application, watch an awareness video to familiarize themselves with the service, and review the conditions that must be fulfilled during the period of seclusion, which runs from Ramadan 20 until the end of the Isha prayer on the night before Eid Al-Fitr. An applicant must be at least 18 years old and a citizen of the Kingdom, or hold valid residency status. Itikaf permits are free and registration requests can be submitted at
