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Gulf Today
13-07-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
VIDEO: Holy Kaaba washed with Zamzam and rose water in sacred ceremony
Gulf Today Report The ceremony of washing the Holy Kaaba unfolds in three main, meticulously executed stages, each characterised by extreme care and precision. The process begins with the preparation phase, utilising a special blend of 20 liters of Zamzam water, 80 ml of specialised oud oil, and 540 ml of Taif rose water. Following preparation, the washing stage involves the application of 11 liters of dedicated perfume for washing the Holy Kaaba, along with 3 ml of musk. Finally, the ceremony concludes with the perfuming and fumigation stage, employing 500 ml of Taif rose oil and 500 grams of fine oud incence. MAKKAH DEPUTY GOVERNOR WASHES HOLY KAABA ON BEHLAF OF KING SALMAN On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud Bin Mishaal Bin Abdulaziz was honoured with the task of washing the Holy Kaaba. Upon his arrival, the deputy governor performed the ritual washing of the interior of the Holy Kaaba using Zamzam water mixed with rose water. This was carried out by rubbing the interior walls with pieces of cloth pre-soaked in the specially prepared mixture, provided by the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. Several officials, members of the Islamic diplomatic corps accredited to the Kingdom, and the custodians of the Kaaba joined the deputy governor in washing the Holy Kaaba. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque affirmed that the Holy Kaaba's washing is conducted with the utmost care and precision, a reflection of the Kaaba's elevated status and in keeping with its sanctity and deeply rooted place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. The washing process, known as 'Ghusl,' always follows the replacement of the Kiswa which took place on the first day of the Islamic New Year. The authority also emphasised that all materials used are carefully prepared in advance to ensure the highest levels of purity and sanctity, following the latest and most advanced standards and service systems for this globally significant event.
Gulf Today
27-06-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Kiswa of Holy Kaaba replaced to mark the beginning of Hijri New Year
Gulf Today Report The Kiswa of Holy Kaaba was replaced to mark the commencement of new Islamic year 1447. The Kiswa refers to the black silk embroidered cloth that covers the Holy Kaaba. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has completed the annual replacement of the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah on Thursday, continuing a tradition of care that spans over 100 years. The process began with the removal of the gilded curtain from the Kaaba's door, measuring 6.35 metres by 3.33 metres. A specialised team of 154 Saudi professionals from the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa carried out the replacement process. The team was strategically assigned to various sides and the roof of the Kaaba based on their areas of expertise. Muslims take photos with their smart phones as workers change the Kiswa. Reuters The process began with dismantling the old Kiswa and installing the new one, which was then secured at the corners and across the roof of the Holy Kaaba. The new Kiswa features 47 expertly embroidered black silk panels, embellished with 68 Quranic verses intricately stitched using gold-plated silver threads. The new Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilogrammes and stands 14 metres high. It consists of four separate panels along with the door curtain (sitara). Workers change the cover of Kaaba known as Kiswa. Reuters Each panel was individually raised and aligned over the previous one, with the new Kiswa being gradually lowered as the old one was removed. This process was repeated for all four sides. Once in place, the decorative band (hizam) was aligned and stitched along a straight line around the Kaaba. Next, the corners were sewn vertically from top to bottom to ensure a seamless and secure finish. The sitara, which requires precision and considerable time, was then installed. A cut was made in the black silk fabric to fit the curtain — measuring 3.30 metres wide and 6.35 metres long — and three openings were created beneath the fabric to insert the curtain. It was then sewn into the Kiswa from both the inside and outside to ensure proper placement. The making of the Kiswa consumed approximately 825 kilogrammes of raw silk, dyed black at the complex, 120 kilogrammes of gold-plated silver thread, 60 kilogrammes of pure silver thread, and 410 kilogrammes of raw cotton. Workers bring in a new cover of Kaaba, known as Kiswa in the Grand Mosque in the Holy City of Makkah. Reuters
Gulf Today
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Pakistan 'saddened' by deadly plane crash in India
Gulf Today Report Leaders from Pakistan expressed sorrow and grief over the loss of at least 242 lives in the tragic plane crash incident in Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday. Minutes after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, the London-bound Air India flight 171 crashed with 242 on board. Reacting to the plane crash indecent, Prime Minister Shahbaz said: 'Saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight near Ahmedabad today.' He added: We extend our condolences to the families of the victims grieving this immense loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.' Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday he was "saddened" by a plane crash in neighbouring India, where all 242 people on board an Air India flight are believed killed. "Condolences over the loss of precious lives in this tragic incident. Our sympathies are with the families of the victims in this hour of grief," Dar, who also serves as deputy prime minister, said on social media platform X. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has also offered condolences on Air India crash tragedy. "We are deeply saddened by the tragic crash of #AirIndia Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad today. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all aboard. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected," he said. The defence minister said, "Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all aboard. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected." Former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said he was 'saddened to hear a tragic incident occurred', mentioning the Air India crash. 'I express my profound condolences to the people of India,' he said on X. Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has also expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Nawaz Sharif offered heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the Air India plane crash. In his message, he wrote that the devastating tragedy goes beyond borders and reminds us of our shared humanity. He extended his deep sympathy to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India, saying that his thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families. Sharif's message struck a note of compassion and unity, highlighting how such incidents touch hearts on both sides of the border. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Pakistan International Airline (PIA) also extended condolences to the families of all those who lost loved ones in the crash. Taking to X, the spokesperson said: Our hearts go out to the families & loved ones affected by today's tragic crash. At #PIA, we stand in solidarity with our fellow aviation community, offering our deepest condolences to Flight 171 and all those impacted.'
Gulf Today
11-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Pakistan's PM Shahbaz set to embark on UAE visit on Thursday
Gulf Today Report Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to undertake an official visit to the UAE on Thursday, along with a high-level delegation. A press release issued by the Foreign Office on Wednesday said that the visit reflected the 'deep-rooted fraternal ties' between Pakistan and the UAE, marked by mutual trust, shared values, and close cooperation across multiple sectors. 'The PM will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, and other senior officers,' the press release said. During the visit, PM Shahbaz will hold high-level meetings with the UAE leadership, including a bilateral meeting with the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. A wide range of bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest and concern will be discussed during the high-level interactions. According to the Foreign Office, the prime minister's visit will serve to further strengthen the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and the UAE, deepen economic ties, and foster multifaceted collaboration. It said that the visit was a 'manifestation of Pakistan's and UAE's shared commitment to bolstering the mutually beneficial strategic partnership, enhancing cooperation in existing areas of mutual interest, and exploring new avenues for further strengthening the bilateral cordial relations.' In February, Shahbaz was invited by UAE leader to participate in the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai, where he delivered a keynote address highlighting Pakistan's vision for inclusive economic growth, digital transformation and governance reforms. The UAE is one of Pakistan's largest trading partners in the Middle East and a major source of remittances, with a large Pakistani expatriate population living and working there.
Gulf Today
11-06-2025
- Gulf Today
Newlywed couple commits suicide by jumping before train over honeymoon money
Gulf Today Report A newlywed couple committed suicide by jumping in front of a train after not receiving money for their honeymoon in Pakistani city of Faisalabad, police said on Wednesday. Police said Sajid, a 34-year-old power loom worker and resident of 202 Rab Bhaiwala Adeel Town in the jurisdiction of Millat Town Police Station, Faisalabad, had married Razia about two and a half months ago. The couple had planned to go to Naran, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, for their honeymoon after Eid Al Adha. Sajid asked his elder brothers, Fahad and Zahid, for money, but they were unable to arrange any funds. Early on Tuesday morning, Sajid left home with his 30-year-old wife, Razia Bibi, and went to the Bhaiwala railway crossing near Chairman Stop in Faisalabad district of Punjab. He called his brother Zahid and told him, "I am going to commit suicide with my wife. Come and collect our bodies." After the phone call, Sajid and his wife lay down on the railway tracks. At that moment, the Badr Express train heading from Lahore to Karachi arrived and both husband and wife committed suicide by coming under the train. They died on the spot as their heads were severed from their bodies. Upon seeing the bodies on the railway track, Sajid's elder brother Zahid reached the site and, with the help of passersby, collected their remains. Passersby informed the police. Soon after receiving the report, a Millat Town police team arrived at the scene and, after completing legal formalities, handed the bodies over to the family. Police further revealed that Sajid made a final phone call to Zahid from the railway tracks. Despite his brother's efforts to stop him, Sajid ended the call and lay down on tracks with his wife. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case. Police said that the brother of deceased Sajid informed the police on phone about the incident. Millat Town police registered a case and started its investigation to determine real purpose behind the suicide. Police said the deceased worked at a power loom and had married Razia Bibi two and a half months ago. The couple took their own lives after becoming disheartened when Sajid's brothers could not provide the money they had requested for the honeymoon. Neighbours said that just 15 days after the marriage, the couple was forced to live separately by their families.
