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Saudi Gazette
25-06-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Ceremony of replacing Holy Kaaba's Kiswa begins
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The annual customary ceremony of replacing the Kiswa (cover) of the Holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah started officially on Wednesday evening. The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, through the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa, is undertaking the ceremony of replacing Kiswa, which is a tradition that has been carried out for over a century. The ceremony of replacing the Kiswa will be completed by Thursday morning, the first day of the new Hijri year. Earlier in a ceremony on June 8, Deputy Emir of Makkah Prince Saud bin Mishaal handed over the new Kiswa to Abdul Malik bin Taha Al-Shaibi, the senior keeper of the Grand Mosque. The new Kiswa was produced by the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa using natural black-dyed silk, embroidered in gold and silver threads. Officials and employees from the complex began the ceremony by removing the gilded curtain from the Kaaba door, which measures 6.35 meters in length and 3.33 meters in width, as well as dismantling the chandeliers and decorative ornaments. This marks the beginning of replacing the old Kiswa with a new one, crafted with exceptional precision and spiritual significance. A fully Saudi team of 154 trained craftsmen, each scientifically and practically qualified, is overseeing the process. Their duties include raising the old Kiswa, detaching the gilded elements, and installing the new Kiswa, which comprises 47 intricately embroidered black silk panels featuring 68 Qur'anic verses stitched with 24-karat gold-plated silver threads. The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms. To create the new Kiswa, the team used 120 kilograms of gold-plated silver thread, 60 kilograms of pure silver, 825 kilograms of silk, and 410 kilograms of raw cotton. Additionally, 54 gilded pieces were produced using eight specialized weaving machines within the complex. The ceremony is a profound expression of the Kingdom's dedication to serving Islam's holiest sites. The continued renewal of the Kaaba's Kiswa stands as a majestic and enduring symbol of reverence, care, and spiritual legacy upheld by Saudi Arabia for over a century.
Saudi Gazette
17-06-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Hajj Permanent Committee discusses early preparations for Hajj 2026
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — Deputy Emir of Makkah Region and Vice Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah Prince Saud bin Mishaal chaired a meeting of the committee to discuss early preparations for the Hajj season of 2026. This is in line with the directives of Advisor to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Emir of Makkah Region, and Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah Prince Khaled Al-Faisal. Prince Saud conveyed Prince Khaled Al-Faisal's appreciation to committee members for their efforts during Hajj 1446 AH, which enabled pilgrims to perform their rituals in ease and comfort. He emphasized the importance of taking advantage of the positive outcomes of this year's Hajj and urged all stakeholders to intensify their efforts, enhance cooperation, and begin early planning to meet the aspirations of the leadership through further improving the pilgrimage experience. The committee reviewed key measures to develop the Hajj system further and deliver improved services to pilgrims in the upcoming season. The meeting also examined the operations during pilgrims' departure through various entry and exit points, as well as other items on the agenda. Several recommendations were issued to support continued development and readiness for the next Hajj season.
Morocco World
14-06-2025
- Morocco World
Morocco to Hold Hajj 2026 Lottery from June 23 to July 4
Rabat – Morocco's Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs announced that the national lottery to select pilgrims for Hajj 1447 AH (2026) will take place from June 23 to July 4. The ministry said the draw will be held at the local level, in provinces and districts, for those applying through the official Moroccan Hajj program. For pilgrims registering through travel agencies, the draw will be conducted at the regional level. The final list of selected pilgrims will be made public immediately after the draw is completed. In addition, the ministry will also release a waiting list to replace anyone who may cancel from the main or backup lists. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a religious pilgrimage that every Muslim who is physically and financially able must perform at least once in their lifetime. The journey takes place in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. Each year, millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Mecca to take part in this deeply spiritual event. It includes a series of rituals such as circling the Kaaba, praying at Mount Arafat, and other sacred acts meant to purify the soul and strengthen faith. Saudi Arabia said earlier this week that the 2025 Hajj season was a success. The pilgrimage was completed peacefully and safely, and authorities commended the smooth organization and the commitment of all involved in ensuring the safety and comfort of the pilgrims. Prince Saud bin Mishaal, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, specifically celebrated the pilgrimage's seamless execution in keeping participants safe, healthy and well provided for on all levels. and service levels. The operational plan ensured that pilgrims performed all rituals comfortably and safely, with authorities providing full logistical and organizational support to manage the massive crowds, he said.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Annual Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi city of Mecca draws to a close
The annual Hajj pilgrimage drew to a close on Monday without major incident, despite a number of deaths. A total of 1.6 million Muslims from all over the world participated in this year's pilgrimage to the Saudi city of Mecca. The event was successful and passed without major incidents, said Prince Saud bin Mishaal, vice chairman of the Permanent Hajj and Umrah Committee, adding that it had been free of health or service-related incidents. There were nonetheless reports of deaths from Iran's IRNA state news agency, which said 13 Iranian pilgrims had died in temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius. Last year, more than 1,300 died in temperatures that reached up to 50 degrees. This year, the Saudi authorities took measures to avoid a repeat of the disaster, taking stricter measures against pilgrims without an official permit, who have in the past received less care. The Hajj, which moves with the lunar calendar, will take place in cooler months over the years ahead, the Saudi weather service said. It will be 25 years before it is again held in the hottest summer months. The large crowds present the authorities with problems every year. On Sunday, more than 100,000 people were entering the Great Mosque of Mecca every hour, the official Saudi Press Agency reported. Performing the pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime is one of the five religious duties for Muslims who are physically and financially able to do so. During the record year of 2012, more than 3 million people are estimated to have taken part.
Saudi Gazette
08-06-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia announces successful and incident-free Hajj 1446
Saudi Gazette report MINA — Prince Saud bin Mishaal, deputy emir of the Makkah Region and vice chairman of the Permanent Hajj and Umrah Committee, announced the successful conclusion of Hajj 1446, declaring it free of any security, health, or service-related incidents. Speaking from the governorate's headquarters in Mina, Prince Saud extended congratulations to the Kingdom's leadership, saying: 'On behalf of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, adviser to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and emir of the Makkah Region, and Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, minister of interior and chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee — and in the name of all Hajj workers — I offer heartfelt congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for the distinguished execution of the operational plans, which enabled pilgrims to perform their rites in safety and peace.' Prince Saud expressed gratitude to members of the security, health, and service sectors, as well as to the many volunteers who contributed to the success of the season, emphasizing their sincerity and commitment to serving the guests of God in accordance with the directives of the Kingdom's leadership. He also praised the pilgrims themselves, noting their cooperation and compliance with the regulations and instructions, which played a key role in the success of the season. In closing, Prince Saud affirmed that preparations for next year's Hajj will begin immediately. 'The Kingdom — its leadership, government, and people — takes great pride in serving the holy sites and their visitors,' he said. 'We ask God Almighty for success in all our efforts moving forward.'
