Latest news with #JeddahAirport
Leaders
3 days ago
- General
- Leaders
INTERVIEW: A Spiritual Awakening — One Pilgrim's First Steps Toward Hajj
Hajj is far more than a physical journey; it's a profound spiritual and emotional transformation that begins long before a pilgrim sets foot in Makkah. For many first-time pilgrims, the experience is filled with awe, fear, reflection, and an overwhelming sense of humility. The rites of Hajj strip away worldly identities, connecting each person to something far greater: a shared purpose, a deeper understanding of faith, and a renewed commitment to spiritual growth In this personal interview, one pilgrim describes the emotional and spiritual preparation for Hajj and the unforgettable moments that shaped their experience Hajj Journey 1. What was your feeling upon arriving in Makkah for the first time? There was awe, fear, and anxiety. From the moment I left Jeddah Airport and approached the outskirts of Mecca, I felt overwhelmed, especially seeing the Clock Towers near the Grand Mosque. It felt like being reborn—as if my entire past was erased and I was starting anew. That feeling is indescribable, particularly because it was my first time performing any religious rite, including Hajj or Umrah. How did you prepare psychologically and spiritually for Hajj? Psychologically, it was challenging. There was a lot of fear and a need to understand the different types of Hajj: Ifrad, Tamattu', and Qiran. Since I was performing Tamattu', I had to learn the obligations, especially about the sacrificial offering. Spiritually, I felt unworthy of such a divine reward. I even started practicing Ihram-related restrictions days in advance—avoiding scented products and adapting to the Hajj environment gradually to ease the transition. What was the most impactful spiritual moment during your Hajj? The most profound moment wasn't during a ritual, but the first time I saw the Kaaba. It was overwhelming. Everyone, even those who had performed Umrah before, felt deeply moved. The only words I could utter were: 'O Allah, increase this House in honor, glory, and reverence.' That moment changed everything. What did you learn about yourself and faith during Hajj? I learned that we are all servants of Allah. No matter how powerful we think we are, that power collapses during Hajj. You can't wear what you want, use perfume, or act freely. The rituals humble you, stripping away your ego. I realized how inconsistent we are we obey God during Hajj but often forget once we return. That's what stayed with me the most. What advice would you give to someone preparing for Hajj? The key is commitment to rules, instructions, and religious principles. Don't assume Hajj wipes away your wrongs with people; it only settles your obligations to God. Be humble, follow the guidelines, and don't try to outsmart the process. Preparation, sincerity, and respect are essential. What role did the Saudi authorities and services play? Saudi Arabia did a lot. For example, they provided free shuttle buses around Makkah, like Route 60 from Aziziyah to the Haram. Transportation was efficient, healthcare was good, and the living conditions were manageable, though naturally under pressure due to the huge number of pilgrims. Nusuk App What role did technology and AI play in your Hajj experience? I mainly used the Nusuk app, which helped manage crowds and organize access to places like the Rawdah in Madinah. It reduced chaos and random entry. Although I didn't use advanced AI tools directly, Nusuk was a great step toward organized, tech-based pilgrimage management. The journey of Hajj is far more than a physical pilgrimage it is a deeply personal transformation. For first-time pilgrims, the experience brings a profound sense of spiritual clarity, emotional release, and renewed purpose. Short link : Post Views: 1
Gulf Today
7 days ago
- Gulf Today
'No Hajj Without a Permit:' Saudi employs drones to curb unauthorised pilgrims
Gulf Today Report Saudi authorities are employing innovative technologies particularly drones for surveillance to prevent the infiltration of unauthorised pilgrims into Makkah during Hajj this year. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is employing state-of-the-art technologies to boost its efforts in identifying illegal pilgrims ahead of the Hajj, foreign media reported. Saudi officials welcome a pilgrim upon his arrival at Jeddah Airport. SPA The General Directorate of Public Security of Saudi Arabia has also released a video showcasing a drone equipped with a high-resolution camera monitoring violators and vehicles attempting to transport unauthorized pilgrims without the mandatory official permits, commonly known as the Nusuk Card, the foreign media further said. As part of the high-profile campaign 'No Hajj Without a Permit,' Saudi security authorities are conducting a rigorous crackdown on illegal pilgrims and against their facilitators. The released footage shows a drone identifying a suspicious vehicle in the desert, suspected of carrying undocumented pilgrims. The drone relayed the vehicle's coordinates to security patrols, who promptly apprehended the violators. Meanwhile, spokesperson for Pakistan's Religious Ministry Muhammad Umar Butt while praising Saudi authorities' this initiative said, 'Saudi Arabia's commitment to modernising the pilgrimage experience through innovative technology demonstrates their dedication to ensuring pilgrims' comfort and convenience.'
Egypt Today
7 days ago
- Egypt Today
6.779 pilgrims arrived Saudi Arabia since start of Hajj pilgrimage on May 18th, Solidarity Ministry
CAIRO – 26 May 2025: The Civil Society Hajj Mission in Saudi Arabia has received 6.779 pilgrims since the start of the Hajj pilgrimage on May 18th, according to Ayman Abdel Mawgoud, Permanent Undersecretary of Egypt's Ministry of Social Solidarity and Head of the Civil Society Hajj Mission. Abdel Mawgoud, stated that 2.625 pilgrims arrived at Jeddah Airport, while 4.154 pilgrims arrived at Medina Airport. This was amid extensive arrangements and full coordination with relevant authorities to facilitate all procedures from the moment of arrival until they settle into their accommodations. Head of the Civil Society Hajj Mission confirmed that flights will continue daily according to a precise schedule until the full pilgrims are dispatched next Friday, May 30. The ministry is fully committed to providing an integrated system of services, including comfortable accommodations and safe transportation. The Head of the Civil Society Hajj Mission explained that the mission is working around the clock to monitor the conditions of the pilgrims, through a central operations room and field committees in Mecca and Medina. He emphasized that all procedures are being carried out in coordination with the Saudi authorities to ensure smooth flow of traffic and ease of procedures at airports.
Morocco World
23-05-2025
- Morocco World
Moroccan Pilgrims to Enter Ihram During Flight as Hajj Trips Head Straight to Mecca
Rabat – The Moroccan Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has announced that starting Monday, May 26, all Moroccan pilgrims traveling under the official Hajj program will fly directly from airports in Morocco to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. All these flights will land at Jeddah Airport, after which pilgrims will go straight to Mecca, according to a statement from the ministry. Pilgrims are required to carry their Ihram garments and wear them on the plane, as they will enter the state of Ihram during the flight when they pass over the Miqat zone of Rabigh. The first flight to follow this new route will be SV3320, departing from Rabat-Sale International Airport at 5:05 a.m. on Monday, May 26. Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, and it is one of the five pillars of Islam. Every Muslim who is physically and financially able must perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime. It is a deeply spiritual journey, where Muslims from around the world gather to worship, reflect, and seek forgiveness. Pilgrims, also known as 'Hajjis,' wear simple white garments called Ihram to show unity and equality. The journey includes a series of rituals performed over several days in and around Mecca. As the Hajj season begins, King Mohammed VI recently addressed Moroccan pilgrims with a message reminding them that they are ambassadors of Morocco and urged them to represent their country with dignity and honor. The King called on the pilgrims to display values of tolerance, respect, solidarity, and discipline throughout their journey. He said that these values reflect the true image of Morocco and its culture. Tags: HajjihramMoroccoSaudi Arabia
New Straits Times
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Saiful Apek: I was arrested due to a fight
KUALA LUMPUR: Popular comedian Saiful Apek has confirmed his identity as the individual depicted in a viral video of a recent police arrest. "I can confirm that it is indeed my photo. I know many are now wondering about the circumstances of my arrest," Saiful told BH Online. "What I can say at this time is that it stemmed from an altercation. That's all I'm prepared to reveal for now. I will provide a full explanation later," he added. The incident, which surfaced yesterday, involved a portal report of a comedian resembling Saiful Apek, clad in a pink shirt, being detained by two police officers. The location and specific reasons for the arrest were initially unclear. Saiful, a member of the renowned comedy troupe Scenario, expressed his regret over how quickly sensationalised news can spread. "It's a familiar refrain: good deeds often go unnoticed, while missteps are amplified, and in the absence of information, speculation runs rampant," he said. "I urge everyone to refrain from spreading unverified information until you hear the full story directly from the source," said the 56-year-old artiste, whose real name is Mohd Saiful Azam Mohamed Yusoff. "Avoid jumping to conclusions, regardless of where your sympathies lie." "Rest assured, I will provide a comprehensive explanation in due course. In the meantime, I ask for your prayers and refrain from sharing unconfirmed reports," he said. This incident follows closely on the heels of another recent controversy involving a Scenario member. In March, Yassin Yahya was reportedly detained by Saudi Arabian authorities at Jeddah Airport while performing Umrah with friends. The comedian is believed to be serving a six-month prison sentence, following his conviction in November of last year, on suspicion of carrying prohibited substances.
