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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.


Khaleej Times
11-07-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Holy Kaaba washed using 40 litres of Zamzam water in annual ritual
In a revered annual tradition, the Holy Kaaba in Makkah was ceremonially washed for the Hijri year 1447, in the presence of dignitaries and ambassadors from several Muslim countries accredited to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 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. During the Ghusl ritual, the doors of the Kaaba — Islam's holiest site — are opened, and its interior is cleansed by wiping the walls with cloths soaked in a blend of Zamzam water and rose water. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. This year's Kaaba washing was performed by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region on behalf of Saudi King alman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Following the ritual, Prince Saud performed Tawaf prayer. The event, which took place after Fajr prayer on Thursday, saw heavy security presence. ð��¹ جÙ�Ù�د اÙ�Ù�Ù�اذ اÙ�خاصة Ù�Ø£Ù�Ù� اÙ�ØØ¬ Ù�اÙ�عÙ�رة Ø®Ù�اÙ� â�§ #ذسÙ�_اÙ�Ù�عبة â�© اÙ�Ù�شرÙ�Ø©. — اÙ�Ø£Ù�Ù� اÙ�عاÙ� (@security_gov) July 10, 2025 State guests including ambassadors of Muslim countries participated in the Ghusl Kaâ��bah ceremony — Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) July 10, 2025 What is Kaaba washed with? The process of washing the Kaaba consists of three main stages. First, the preparation stage using 40 litres of Zamzam water divided into two gallons and mixed with Taif rose water and a special oud oil. Then there is the actual washing stage, where the walls and interiors of the Kaaba are washed. Finally, there is the perfuming and incense stage which involves Taif rose oil and premium oud incense. The whole process uses: 40 litres of Zamzam water divided into two gallons of silver 540 millilitres of Taif rose water 24 millilitres of high-quality Taif rose oil 24 millilitres of Oud oil 3 millilitres of musk to perfume the walls and floor of the Kaaba Saudi authorities clarified that all materials used in the ritual were carefully prepared in advance "to ensure the highest levels of purity and sanctity". Take a look at photos from the annual religious ceremony here:


News18
08-07-2025
- General
- News18
Muharram 2025: Are Schools Closed Today Across India? Check Details
Last Updated: Muharram, observed today, marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and is a solemn day of mourning and reflection observed across many Indian states. Muharram (Ashura) is being observed in many parts of India today, Monday, July 7, 2025. As the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, Ashura holds significant religious importance for the Muslim community and is a public holiday in several states. There had been some uncertainty about the date of Muharram this year, as the Islamic calendar is lunar-based and depends on moon sighting. Initially, the tentative government holiday calendar had marked July 6 (Sunday) as the possible date. However, with the moon sighted on June 26, the Islamic New Year began on June 27, placing Ashura on July 7. Schools, colleges, banks, and government offices may remain closed today in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, West Bengal, Kerala, and Karnataka. However, no official government order has been issued so far, and observance may vary based on local announcements and religious consultations. Muharram is a solemn occasion, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala. The day is marked by processions, prayers, and public gatherings across the country. Citizens are advised to check with their local administration for specific holiday status, as some institutions may remain open depending on regional decisions. Significance Of Muharram Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds deep spiritual and historical importance for Muslims across the world. It marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, but more importantly, it is a time of mourning and reflection—especially the 10th day, known as Ashura. Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, along with his companions. Imam Hussain stood for justice, truth, and sacrifice, refusing to pledge allegiance to an unjust ruler. For Shia Muslims, Muharram is a period of deep mourning, observed with processions, prayers, and symbolic rituals to honour the sacrifices made in Karbala. Sunni Muslims also observe Ashura with fasting and prayers, recalling various historical events associated with the day. Muharram is not a festive celebration but a solemn occasion to remember courage, faith, and standing up against oppression. First Published: July 07, 2025, 07:28 IST


What's On
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
UAE National Day 2025 could mean a 5-day long weekend
National Day in the United Arab Emirates is always a highlight of the year, but for 2025, festivities are shaping up to be larger and possibly longer than ever. Officially observed on December 2 and 3, this year's celebrations fall on a Tuesday and Wednesday, opening the door to an extended holiday weekend for residents and visitors alike. Could it be a five-day weekend? With National Day landing midweek, many are hoping the government will declare Monday, December 1 as an additional public holiday — effectively kicking off a five-day break from Friday, November 28 through Wednesday, December 3 . While this extension hasn't been officially confirmed, past announcements and the UAE's commitment to enhancing work-life balance suggest it's a possibility worth watching. December 1 is usually when Commemoration Day is observed, although it's officially recognised on November 30. This would follow the government's recent practice of shifting midweek holidays to create longer, more practical breaks — as seen earlier this year with the Islamic New Year. What makes National Day special? National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, celebrates the founding of the UAE in 1971 when the seven emirates united under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It's a time for patriotic pride — from dazzling fireworks and light shows on landmarks like the Burj Khalifa to military parades, air displays by Al Fursan, and cultural showcases in heritage villages across the country. Don't miss these events Expect streets, malls, hotels and homes to be decked in the red, green, white and black of the UAE flag. Fireworks night will light up Dubai Festival City, Abu Dhabi Corniche and Sharjah's Al Majaz Waterfront. Don't miss cultural parades, drone shows, concerts featuring both Emirati and international artists, and children's performances by schools in traditional dress. Outdoor arenas will host flag-raising ceremonies, while the skies above ADNEC will be electrified with air acrobatics. Whether it ends up being a three-day or five-day holiday, National Day 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest yet — full of community pride, patriotic fun and cultural depth. Keep an eye out for official announcements in the coming months, but go ahead and start planning your festive celebrations now. Stay tuned to What's On for all the latest public holiday updates. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in


Indian Express
07-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Bank Holidays 2025: Are banks open or closed today, June 7?
Bank Holidays 2025: With a rising number of searches for the 'is today a holiday' keyword on Google Search Trends, many Indians are unsure if Monday, July 7, 2025, would be a public holiday on account of Muharram. Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, which was marked yesterday, on July 6, 2025 (Sunday), as the date for Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram. It is the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of the holiest times for Muslims. The day is marked by the Muslim community with prayers, religious gatherings, and mourning processions. The 10th day, called Ashura, is especially important for Shia Muslims. It remembers the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who died in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Banks across India were closed this weekend, on Saturday, on account of Guru Hargobind Ji's Birthday and a mandatory weekly off on Sunday – in addition to seven listed bank holidays in July this year, as designated by the RBI. According to the RBI Calendar for 2025, banks in India will operate as usual, with no holidays indicated for Monday, July 7, 2025. The RBI lists bank holidays based on national and local occasions, operational requirements, religious celebrations, and other cultural observances. Customers should be aware that, notwithstanding the holidays, internet banking services continue to operate normally on bank holidays. Most schools in India reopen in early July after summer vacation ends in June. In northern states like Uttar Pradesh, classes have already started. Other than Muharram, there are no major holidays in early July. The CBSE has released the 2025–26 academic calendar, which includes holidays for national festivals, regional events, and seasonal breaks.