Latest news with #Qibla
Asharq Al-Awsat
27-05-2025
- Science
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Sun to Align Directly with Kaaba on Tuesday in Rare Phenomenon
The holy city of Makkah will witness a precise astronomical phenomenon on Tuesday as the sun passes directly overhead the Holy Kaaba. According to the Noor Astronomy Association in the Qassim Region, this perpendicular solar event will take place during the noon call to prayer in Makkah at 12:18 p.m., resulting in the complete disappearance of the Kaaba's shadow. President of Noor Astronomy Issa Al-Ghafili explained that this event occurs as the sun traverses between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Monday. The alignment allows the determination of the Qibla direction from any location worldwide without the need for additional tools. During this moment of perpendicularity, the Qibla's direction is exactly opposite to the shadows cast by mosque minarets, lampposts, and tall towers, he added.
South China Morning Post
11-03-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong could do more to match global momentum during Ramadan
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share ycuour views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Advertisement This Ramadan is particularly special, as it began on March 1, an alignment with the start of the Gregorian month that only happens roughly every 33 years. Because the official start depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, variations are to be expected across regions. In Hong Kong, for example, many Muslims began their fast on March 2. In recent years, Hong Kong has made notable strides towards becoming more Muslim-friendly. The city has introduced an accreditation system for hotels and key tourist attractions, complementing existing halal certification for restaurants. One milestone was the first halal certification awarded to a Hong Kong fine-dining Chinese restaurant. Meanwhile, Ocean Park, Disneyland and Ngong Ping 360 now offer halal dining options and prayer facilities. The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre was awarded a gold certification for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) venues by CrescentRating last December. In addition, an increasing number of hotels offer halal meals, prayer mats, Qibla indicators and washrooms designed for ablution. However, my recent experience in Tsim Sha Tsui highlighted a significant oversight: the Qibla indicator in one hotel's bedside drawer was not accurately pointing towards the Kaaba. For devout Muslims, such inaccuracies may result in misdirected prayers and spiritual disquiet. Advertisement Clear signage and dedicated prayer rooms in hotels and shopping centre lobbies could indicate enhanced service and respect. Qibla indicators should be placed in visible areas, rather than tucked away in a drawer.
Leaders
06-03-2025
- Leaders
‘Tawakkalna' App Elevates Ramadan Worship with Comprehensive Services
The national Tawakkalna app enriches the Ramadan experience by providing a suite of religious services tailored to users' diverse worship needs. The app features a precise Qibla direction tool and keeps users updated on the imams of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, allowing them to follow prayers seamlessly. It also includes a digital Holy Quran for reading, along with a prayer timetable for different regions of the Kingdom, ensuring users stay informed about adhan, iqamah, and suhoor timings. For those looking to give back, Tawakkalna app integrates Ehsan services, enabling easy charitable donations in just a few steps. Users can also sponsor orphans, contributing to their stability and well-being. Additionally, the app's Manasik gateway streamlines the process of obtaining permits for Umrah and prayers at the Rawdah, offering a smooth and user-friendly booking experience. With more than 650 government services integrated into a single, secure platform, Tawakkalna app continues to enhance digital accessibility through collaboration with various government entities. Moreover, the app supports the well-being of citizens, residents, and visitors while aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. Related Topics : Tawakkalna App Revolutionizes Saudi Digital Transformation with Access to 600 Services Through Tawakkalna, SDAIA launches the Ihsan platform's donation service. Nusuk Introduces 2 New Booking Options for Praying at Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah SDAIA, Ministry of Hajj Collaborate to Digitize Pilgrim Services Short link : Post Views: 22
