Latest news with #Ishmael
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Eid 2025 Holiday India: Are offices, banks, colleges, and schools closed on June 6 and 7? Here's what's open and what's closed state-wise
Eid al-Adha, or Bakrid, is anticipated in India around this weekend, contingent on the crescent moon sighting. Banks, government offices, and educational institutions nationwide will observe closures. On June 7, 2025, most banks will be closed, excluding a few cities, while stock markets remain open. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Eid Holiday 2025: Banks to remain closed in many cities Eid 2025 Holiday: Stock markets to remain open Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Eid 2025 Holiday for Government offices Eid 2025 Holiday: Schools and colleges to stay closed Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is expected to be observed in India this weekend, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. In observance of the Islamic festival, several institutions across the country including banks, government offices, and educational institutions will be al-Adha, one of the most significant Islamic festivals, marks the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ishmael. The holiday is observed across India and other Muslim-majority regions, and its exact date is subject to the appearance of the Friday, June 6, 2025, banks in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi will remain closed for Bakrid. On Saturday, June 7, 2025, banks across the rest of the country will be closed, except in Ahmedabad, Gangtok, Itanagar, Kochi, and June 7 is the first Saturday of the month, banks in these five cities will function as usual despite the Indian stock markets — NSE and BSE — will remain open on both Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7, 2025. As per the official holiday calendar, Bakrid is not a trading holiday for the stock government offices across India will observe a holiday on Saturday, June 7, 2025, as Bakrid is listed as a gazetted holiday. The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has issued a notification stating that any changes in holiday dates for offices in Delhi, based on moon sighting, will be confirmed in consultation with the Government of NCT of Delhi.'For offices outside Delhi, the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committees in State Capitals can change holiday dates for Idu'lFitr, Idu'l Zuha, Muharram, and Id-e-Milad, based on decisions from State Governments or Union Territories,' the Ministry notice schools and colleges across India are expected to remain closed on Saturday, June 7, 2025, for Eid al-Adha. However, the holiday date may vary depending on the official announcement following the moon institutions will follow state or local government notifications regarding holiday observance.
Mint
a day ago
- Business
- Mint
Eid al-Adha 2025 holiday: Are schools, banks, stock market closed on Eid? Check what's open, closed for Bakrid
Eid al-Adha, Eid ul-Zuha or Bakrid is considered to be the second-holiest festival of Islamic and is expected to be observed in India on Friday, June 7, according to reports. Notably, the exact date of Eid al-Adha depends on the sighting of the crescent moon will also determine the beginning of Hajj rituals this year. On this day, most public offices, educational institutions, and banks are expected to be closed to mark the festival. Here's a list of what's open and closed on Bakird 2025 — Banks in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi will be closed on Friday, June 6, 2025, for Bakrid, an Islamic festival that recognises Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. On Saturday, June 7, 2025, banks across the country except Ahmedabad, Gangtok, Itanagar, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram will be closed for Eid al-Zuha. Referred to as the 'goat festival,' this holiday commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son on this day. Notably, June 7, 2025, is the first Saturday of the month, hence banks in Ahmedabad, Gangtok, Itanagar, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram will be open. The Indian stock market will open on both Friday, June 6, 2025 and Saturday, June 7, 2025, according to the holiday calendar of NSE and BSE. Hence, the Indian stock market is not scheduled to be closed on Bakrid. Most government offices across the country will observe a holiday on Saturday, June 7, 2025 as it is a gazetted holiday. Any changes in holiday dates for the offices located in Delhi for Idu'l Fitr, Idu'l Zuha, Muharram, and Id-e-Milad, if needed, based on the moon sighting will be announced by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, after confirming the status with the Government of NCT of Delhi, according to a notice by Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. For offices outside Delhi, the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committees in State Capitals can change holiday dates for Idu'lFitr, Idu'lZuha, Muharram, and Id-e-Milad, based on decisions from State Governments or Union Territories, the notice states. Schools across the country are expected to remain closed for Bakrid on Saturday, June 7, 2025, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. Colleges and other educational institutions are scheduled to be closed on Saturday, June 7, 2025, for Bakrid. Notably, the holiday will be designated according to crescent sighting.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The water of Hajj: A simple illustrated guide to Zamzam
The Hajj pilgrimage began on Wednesday. Some 1.8 million Muslims from across the globe are expected to gather in the Saudi holy city of Mecca for the annual gathering that will conclude on June 8. Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for all adult Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey. Throughout the sacred pilgrimage, pilgrims drink from Zamzam, a wellspring believed to have been flowing for more than 4,000 years, nourishing them to this day. But where does this water come from, and why does it hold such deep significance? Zamzam water comes from a well, located within the Grand Mosque of Mecca (Masjid al-Haram), some 21 metres (69 feet) east of the Kaaba. The Zamzam well is beneath the Mataf area, which is the white marble-tiled space surrounding the Kaaba where pilgrims perform Tawaf. In 1962, King Saud commissioned the expansion of the Mataf area to better accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. As part of this project, the opening of the Zamzam well was lowered and enclosed in a basement approximately 2.7 metres (9 feet) deep beneath the Mataf. In 2003, the basement entrances were closed, and drinking fountains were relocated to the sides of the Mataf to allow for further expansion. Today, pilgrims access Zamzam water through dispensers and fountains spread throughout the Grand Mosque. Zamzam water is deeply connected to the origins of Mecca and the story of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim), his wife Hagar (Hajar), and their son Ishmael (Ismail). According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Abraham left Hagar and baby Ishmael in the desert valley of Mecca by God's command as a test of faith. When their provisions ran out, Hagar ran back and forth seven times between the two small hills of Safa and Marwa searching for water. God responded to her faith and struggle with a miracle: water began to gush from the ground near baby Ishmael's feet – this became the Zamzam well. This spring saved their lives and led to the settlement of Mecca, which today has a population of about 2.2 million. During Hajj and Umrah, pilgrims re-enact Hagar's search for water by walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa in the ritual of Sa'i and drink Zamzam water following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, who praised its purity and healing qualities. According to Islamic tradition, when the Zamzam spring miraculously gushed forth near baby Ishmael's feet, Hagar tried to contain the water, fearing it would run out. She is said to have exclaimed 'Zamzam', which is often understood to mean 'stop! stop!' or 'hold! hold!' as she tried to stop the water from flowing away by gathering it around the spring. Zamzam water comes from a natural underground source beneath the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The well draws water from an aquifer, a layer of rock and sand that holds water, which is refilled by rainwater that seeps in from the surrounding Ibrahim Valley (Wadi Ibrahim) and nearby hills. The Zamzam well is about 31 metres (101 feet) deep and was originally hand-dug. Water enters the well through loose sand and gravel in the top part, and also from cracks in the solid rock below. Today, electric pumps bring the water up instead of the old rope-and-bucket method. The well itself is now closed to the public, but the water is available through fountains and dispensers around the Grand Mosque. The Zamzam well is considered to have flowed uninterrupted for more than 4,000 years. The continuous flow of water and its central role in Hajj and Umrah have been well-documented for centuries. According to the General Authority for the Care & Management of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, extraction and consumption of Zamzam vary by season: On regular days: Water supply: At least 950,400 litres (251,000 US gallons) daily Consumption: About 700,000 litres (185,000 US gallons) daily During peak seasons (Hajj and Ramadan): Water supply: Up to 1.6 million litres (423,000 US gallons) daily Consumption: Can reach 2 million litres (528,000 US gallons) daily due to the surge in pilgrims According to the Saudi visa office, Mecca is expecting to welcome 15 million Umrah pilgrims in 2025. To manage this demand, the Zamzam well is monitored in real time using digital sensors that track water level, pH (potential of hydrogen; a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a liquid), temperature, and conductivity. Additional monitoring wells across Wadi Ibrahim help assess how the entire aquifer responds to water use and rainfall. The Zamzam Studies and Research Centre (ZSRC) estimates how much water can be safely extracted and advises the Grand Mosque authority on sustainable pumping levels. Each year, the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) issues a pumping schedule, with peak demand during Ramadan and Dhul-Hijjah and the lowest in Muharram. If water levels fall below a set threshold, pumping is paused to allow the well to recover, ensuring a stable, long-term supply. Zamzam water is clear and odourless, but it has a distinct taste due to its rich mineral content. It is slightly alkaline, with a pH between 7.9 and 8.0, higher than regular drinking water. A study by King Saud University found no biological contamination or algae in Zamzam water, which are common in other wells and can affect taste and safety. The minerals in Zamzam water offer several health benefits: Fluoride: Helps prevent tooth decay, especially important in hot climates. Calcium and magnesium: Present in higher amounts. Calcium is in an ionic form, making it easier for the body to absorb. Sodium and potassium: Support hydration, nerve function and muscle health. Overall, the total mineral count for Zamzam is 835mg/litre compared with Riyadh's tap water at 350mg/litre. The Saudi government prohibits the sale of Zamzam water for commercial purposes and strictly regulates its distribution to ensure it is provided as a sacred gift to pilgrims and not exploited for profit. Pilgrims returning from Hajj or Umrah often bring back a 5-litre bottle of Zamzam water to share with family and friends back home. Because Zamzam water is considered a special gift, airlines typically do not include it in the regular luggage allowance, so pilgrims often carry it separately or follow specific guidelines when transporting it home. Saudi authorities have established a sophisticated, multistage system to store and distribute Zamzam water, ensuring it remains clean, safe and easily accessible. Electric pumps transport Zamzam water 5km (3 miles) south to the King Abdullah Zamzam Water Project in Kudai. There, the water is purified and then bottled. After treatment, the water is stored in two main reservoirs: Kudai reservoir: holds 10,000 cubic metres (10 million litres) King Abdulaziz Sabeel reservoir in Madinah: holds 16,000 cubic metres (16 million litres)
Al Jazeera
2 days ago
- Health
- Al Jazeera
The water of Hajj: A simple illustrated guide to Zamzam
The Hajj pilgrimage began on Wednesday. Some 1.8 million Muslims from across the globe are expected to gather in the Saudi holy city of Mecca for the annual gathering that will conclude on June 8. Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for all adult Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey. Throughout the sacred pilgrimage, pilgrims drink from Zamzam, a wellspring believed to have been flowing for more than 4,000 years, nourishing them to this day. But where does this water come from, and why does it hold such deep significance? Zamzam water comes from a well, located within the Grand Mosque of Mecca (Masjid al-Haram), some 21 metres (69 feet) east of the Kaaba. The Zamzam well is beneath the Mataf area, which is the white marble-tiled space surrounding the Kaaba where pilgrims perform 1962, King Saud commissioned the expansion of the Mataf area to better accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. As part of this project, the opening of the Zamzam well was lowered and enclosed in a basement approximately 2.7 metres (9 feet) deep beneath the Mataf. In 2003, the basement entrances were closed, and drinking fountains were relocated to the sides of the Mataf to allow for further expansion. Today, pilgrims access Zamzam water through dispensers and fountains spread throughout the Grand Mosque. Zamzam water is deeply connected to the origins of Mecca and the story of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim), his wife Hagar (Hajar), and their son Ishmael (Ismail). According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Abraham left Hagar and baby Ishmael in the desert valley of Mecca by God's command as a test of faith. When their provisions ran out, Hagar ran back and forth seven times between the two small hills of Safa and Marwa searching for water. God responded to her faith and struggle with a miracle: water began to gush from the ground near baby Ishmael's feet – this became the Zamzam well. This spring saved their lives and led to the settlement of Mecca, which today has a population of about 2.2 million. During Hajj and Umrah, pilgrims re-enact Hagar's search for water by walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa in the ritual of Sa'i and drink Zamzam water following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, who praised its purity and healing qualities. According to Islamic tradition, when the Zamzam spring miraculously gushed forth near baby Ishmael's feet, Hagar tried to contain the water, fearing it would run out. She is said to have exclaimed 'Zamzam', which is often understood to mean 'stop! stop!' or 'hold! hold!' as she tried to stop the water from flowing away by gathering it around the spring. Zamzam water comes from a natural underground source beneath the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The well draws water from an aquifer, a layer of rock and sand that holds water, which is refilled by rainwater that seeps in from the surrounding Ibrahim Valley (Wadi Ibrahim) and nearby hills. The Zamzam well is about 31 metres (101 feet) deep and was originally hand-dug. Water enters the well through loose sand and gravel in the top part, and also from cracks in the solid rock below. Today, electric pumps bring the water up instead of the old rope-and-bucket method. The well itself is now closed to the public, but the water is available through fountains and dispensers around the Grand Zamzam well is considered to have flowed uninterrupted for more than 4,000 years. The continuous flow of water and its central role in Hajj and Umrah have been well-documented for centuries. According to the General Authority for the Care & Management of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, extraction and consumption of Zamzam vary by season: According to the Saudi visa office, Mecca is expecting to welcome 15 million Umrah pilgrims in 2025. To manage this demand, the Zamzam well is monitored in real time using digital sensors that track water level, pH (potential of hydrogen; a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a liquid), temperature, and conductivity. Additional monitoring wells across Wadi Ibrahim help assess how the entire aquifer responds to water use and rainfall. The Zamzam Studies and Research Centre (ZSRC) estimates how much water can be safely extracted and advises the Grand Mosque authority on sustainable pumping levels. Each year, the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) issues a pumping schedule, with peak demand during Ramadan and Dhul-Hijjah and the lowest in Muharram. If water levels fall below a set threshold, pumping is paused to allow the well to recover, ensuring a stable, long-term water is clear and odourless, but it has a distinct taste due to its rich mineral content. It is slightly alkaline, with a pH between 7.9 and 8.0, higher than regular drinking water. A study by King Saud University found no biological contamination or algae in Zamzam water, which are common in other wells and can affect taste and safety. The minerals in Zamzam water offer several health benefits: Overall, the total mineral count for Zamzam is 835mg/litre compared with Riyadh's tap water at 350mg/ Saudi government prohibits the sale of Zamzam water for commercial purposes and strictly regulates its distribution to ensure it is provided as a sacred gift to pilgrims and not exploited for returning from Hajj or Umrah often bring back a 5-litre bottle of Zamzam water to share with family and friends back home. Because Zamzam water is considered a special gift, airlines typically do not include it in the regular luggage allowance, so pilgrims often carry it separately or follow specific guidelines when transporting it home. Shipping Zamzam water through Saudi airports is simple and convenient—just follow the guidelines and use the designated containers for a smooth and hassle-free journey.#Makkah_And_Madinah_Eagerly_Await_You#Ease_And_Tranquility — Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) March 28, 2025Saudi authorities have established a sophisticated, multistage system to store and distribute Zamzam water, ensuring it remains clean, safe and easily accessible. Electric pumps transport Zamzam water 5km (3 miles) south to the King Abdullah Zamzam Water Project in Kudai. There, the water is purified and then bottled. After treatment, the water is stored in two main reservoirs:
Al Jazeera
3 days ago
- General
- Al Jazeera
The Hajj explained visually
From June 4-8, millions of Muslims will be performing the annual Hajj, a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage for all adult Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey. But have you ever wondered what this journey looks like on the ground? The animated video below illustrates the five-day process. Prefer a detailed view? Keep scrolling for a day-by-day the Hajj commences, pilgrims must enter a physical and spiritual condition known as ihram. This begins with the niyah, or intention to perform Hajj, and includes wearing specific garments of two simple white cloths for men and modest attire for women. These identical white garments strip away visible markers of class, wealth or nationality, symbolising that all pilgrims stand equal before God. After entering Mecca in ihram, many pilgrims perform an initial tawaf by circling the Kaaba, a black stone structure at the heart of the Great Mosque in Mecca (Masjid al-Haram), seven times in a counterclockwise direction. This symbolises unity in the worship of the one God. Pilgrims can then perform the sa'i, a ritual of walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, located within the mosque. The Kaaba, meaning cube in Arabic, is Islam's holiest site and serves as the qibla, the direction that Muslims face during prayer. Muslims believe Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) and his son Ishmael (Ismaeel) built the Kaaba by God's command, symbolising the return to pure monotheism. The Kaaba measures 13.1 metres (43 feet) high, 12.8m (42ft) in length, and 11.03m (36ft) in width. The Kaaba is covered in a black cloth known as the kiswah and is decorated with gold Arabic text featuring Quranic verses. Pilgrims then proceed to Mina, located about 8km (5 miles) east of the Kaaba, where they will spend the night in prayer and reflection. Mina is famously known as the 'city of tents' due to the vast expanse of 100,000 white tents to house the millions of pilgrims.
