Latest news with #Sa'i
Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SA enhances pilgrims' journey with exceptional services
Seamless travel experience through strategic coordination Al Raisi highlighted the airport's dedication to delivering a comfortable and efficient experience. This is achieved through close coordination with strategic partners to ensure designated rest areas for pilgrims of all nationalities, streamlined procedures using smart gates, accelerated baggage weighing, additional trolley availability, guidance services and Arabic hospitality, and distribution of gifts and souvenirs. Well wishes for pilgrims In closing, Al Raisi wished all pilgrims a blessed Hajj, a spiritually fulfilling Sa'i, and a safe return to their homelands.
Muscat Daily
20-05-2025
- Muscat Daily
Haj preparations finalised for Oman's 14,000 pilgrims
Muscat – Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA) announced on Tuesday that a total of 13,944 pilgrims from the sultanate have completed formalities to perform haj this year. The remaining 56, from the country's full quota of 14,000, are currently completing procedures. The figures were released at a press conference on the 2025 haj season held on Tuesday. H E Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, MERA Undersecretary and Head of Oman Haj Mission, informed that Oman's quota includes 13,530 citizens and 470 expatriates. Allocation across governorates was based on population density of residents aged 18 and above. Muscat received the highest share at 24%, followed by North Batinah with 19%, while Musandam received less than 1%. According to H E Rashdi, eligibility was determined through an electronic registration system using mathematical models grounded in sharia and jurisprudential principles. The process also took into account social and ethical criteria. Of the total, 11,780 pilgrims (84%) are undertaking haj as an obligatory religious duty. The remaining are voluntary pilgrims – individuals performing haj on behalf of the deceased, the incapacitated or terminally ill patients. H E Ahmed bin Saleh al Rash-di, MERA Undersecretary and Head of Oman Haj Mission Thirty-nine per cent pilgrims are in the 30-45 age group, followed by those aged 45-60. Pilgrims aged over 60 account for 16%, while 5% are aged between 18 and 30. Travel preferences showed 63% pilgrims chose to travel by air, while 37% opted for land transport. The average cost by land is RO1,417, compared to RO2,063 by air. Several new initiatives have been introduced by Oman Haj Mission this year. Beit al Rabat Endowments Initiative is providing support worth more than RO150,000 to over 150 pilgrims from social security categories. To assist the elderly and disabled pilgrims, vehicles have been introduced for use during the Tawaf and Sa'i rituals, benefiting approximately 450 individuals. Electronic bracelets have also been issued to the elderly and medically vulnerable pilgrims to enhance tracking and safety.
Arab News
06-03-2025
- Arab News
Grand Mosque authority introduces hair cutting service for exiting ihram
MAKKAH: Five stations have been set up in the courtyard of Makkah's Grand Mosque for pilgrims to have their heads shaved in the Islamic practice of exiting from the state of ihram. The new service allows pilgrims to shave their head or cut their hair at designated locations. The initiative was introduced for the first time this Ramadan by the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. These stations can be relocated as needed during periods of high congestion and are staffed by experienced specialists using sterilized equipment. Mohammed Asiri, a Hajj and Umrah affairs specialist and religious researcher, said that exiting from ihram after completing the Umrah rituals is an essential final step in completing Umrah, where pilgrims shave their heads or trim their hair after completing the Sa'i walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa. 'This practice follows the Prophetic Sunnah, as Prophet Mohammed instructed his companions to shave or trim their hair after performing Umrah,' Asiri said. He added that men typically prefer complete shaving, while women need only trim a small portion of their hair. The ritual symbolizes purification and renewal after worship and marks the end of ihram restrictions that began when pilgrims entered the miqat, or boundary, where ihram is required. Fahd Al-Hamidi, who used the service at the Grand Mosque, said the initiative was 'an extension of Saudi Arabia's significant efforts to serve pilgrims from around the world.' He said that the service is just one of thousands provided by Saudi Arabia to simplify the rituals of Umrah performers. Al-Hamidi described the exit from ihram as a joyful moment that brings a sense of relief and spiritual closeness to Allah. He said that this simple procedure carries deep spiritual meaning, symbolizing renewal and purification from sins and beginning a new page full of faith and piety. The ritual is 'a profound spiritual symbol of submission to Allah's commands and the Prophet's Sunnah,' Al-Hamidi said. 'With these modern solutions, like mobile barbershop units, this important final step of Umrah has become more convenient and efficient for pilgrims.'
