Latest news with #UnionMinistryofMinorityAffairs
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Centre launches UMEED portal; registration of Waqf properties now mandatory within six months
The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) on Friday launched the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) portal to digitise and streamline Waqf property registration in line with the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The Ministry plans to coordinate with State Waqf Boards and judicial authorities to popularise the portal that promises transparent and time-bound registration of Waqf properties. The Central portal is a transformative digital platform to serve as a centralised repository of Waqf property records across India. Show more Show less
Mint
5 days ago
- Climate
- Mint
Hajj 2025: Over a million Muslims gather in Mecca. Know key rituals, dress code and weather in Saudi city
Hajj 2025: Over a million Muslims from around the world have gathered in the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca for the Hajj 2025 – the annual pilgrimage which is one of the five pillars of Islam. Begining Wednesday, June 4 until Sunday, June 8, the devouts, braving scorching Arab summer, will immerse themselves in religious rituals and acts of worship that originated more than 1,400 years ago. Last year, 1.8 million people took part in the pilgrimage from across the world. In 2025, India's quota for Hajj is 1.75 lakh pilgrims. Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, through the Hajj Committee of India, manages arrangements for the bulk of the quota allotted to India, which is 1,22,518 in 2025. The balance of the quota (over 50,000 pilgrims) was allotted to Private Tour Operators. The Hajj is a must for those Muslims who can afford the travel costs to Saudi Arabia from their home countries. Hajj 2025:The first day of Hajj begins The annual pilgrimage to Mecca - the holiest city of Islam in Saudi Arabia -- which houses the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site is performed during a particular period. Many pilgrims also visit the city of Medina, home to the Prophet Muhammad's tomb and the second-holiest site in Islam. While not an official part of the Hajj, visiting Medina remains a significant spiritual experience for many devout Muslims. The Hajj pilgrimage is held annually between the eighth and 13th days of Zil-Hajj, the 12th and final month on the Islamic lunar calendar. This year, the corresponding Gregorian calendar dates of Hajj 2025 in Saudi Arabia are between 4 June and 8 June. The pilgrims take part in four days of ceremonies, with the high point coming on the second day with mass outdoor prayers on Mount Arafat, the hill where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon. Last year's pilgrims struggled through burning sun and suffocating hot weather, with the mercury hitting 47 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit). More than 1,300 people died. This year, Saudi authorities have advised caution in direct sunlight, telling pilgrims to avoid going out during the day and uncovering their heads, except for rituals, unless necessary. But it is tough to avoid the heat and crowds when the Hajj is outdoors. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many, elevating the personal stakes further, and temperatures in Mecca are already 41 degrees Celsius (about 106 Fahrenheit). Although the desert kingdom spends billions of dollars on crowd control and cooling, the volume of pilgrims and climatic conditions make it difficult to guarantee people's safety. The price of a Hajj ranges from $4,000 to $20,000, depending on the length of the stay, level of comfort, and country of departure. Depreciating currencies, high inflation, and tax hikes in Saudi Arabia also have an impact on how much Muslims end up paying. The countries that typically send the most pilgrims are developing nations. Some have trimmed the price of government-backed Hajj programs to make them more affordable. But this step is not always enough. In Saudi Arabia, which has also introduced flexible payments, domestic pilgrims pay 20 per cent within 72 hours of booking, another 40 per cent during Ramadan and the final 40 per cent the following month. In April, to curb unauthorised Hajj pilgrimages and control inbound travel, Saudi Arabia suspended the issue of short-term visas for 14 countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen and Morocco. People have in the past travelled to Saudi Arabia on short-term visas and entered Mecca without official permission for the Hajj. Authorities said that many of those who died in the heat during last year's Hajj were unregistered and unable to access air-conditioned pilgrim amenities. The Interior Ministry warned in May that a fine of up to 20,000 riyals, or about $5,330, would be imposed on anyone attempting to enter Mecca during the Hajj without the correct visa. Pilgrims follow a dress code during the multi-day pilgrimage. Men wear a seamless shroudlike white garment that emphasises unity among believers. Women must wear loose dresses, also white, exposing only their faces and hands. Pilgrims are not allowed to argue, bicker or engage in sexual activity and are prohibited from wearing perfume, cutting their nails, or trimming their hair or beards. The first ritual involves walking seven times (called tawaf) around the Kaaba, the black, cube-shaped structure that is the focal point for daily prayers. Muslims across the world turn towards the Kaaba during Namaz. Hajj 2025: The first ritual involves walking seven times (called tawaf) around the Kaaba, the black, cube-shaped structure that is the focal point for daily prayers. Muslims across the world turn towards the Kaaba during Namaz Pilgrims next walk seven times between the two hills of Safa and Marwa. They then move on to Mina, around five kilometres away, ahead of the main ritual of the pilgrimage at Mount Arafat. The next day on Friday pilgrims will gather at Mount Arafat, about 10 kilometres (six miles) from Mina, where it is believed the Mohammed, Islam's last prphet, delivered his final sermon. Pilgrims assemble on the 70-metre (230-foot) high hill and its surrounding plain for hours of prayers and Quran recitals, staying there until the evening. After sunset they head to Muzdalifah, halfway between Arafat and Mina, where they each gather dozens of pebbles so they can perform the symbolic 'stoning of the devil'. The last major ritual of the hajj is back at Mina, where pilgrims throw symbolic seven stones at each of three concrete walls representing Satan on 10 Zil Hajj which corresponds to June 6 in Saudi Arabia The ritual is an emulation of Prophet Abraham's stoning of the devil at the three spots where it is said Satan tried to dissuade him from obeying God's order to sacrifice his son, Ismael. After the first stoning, the Eid al-Adha feast of sacrifice begins. The central ritual of offering a sacrifice (qurbani) commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, as a test of his obedience to God. On 7 and 8 June, after Eid, pilgrims return to Mina and again perform rami (stoning) of all three stone pillars on each day. Pilgrims who remain for an extra day repeat the stoning ritual at all three pillars once more. The Hajj is a must for those Muslims who can afford the travel costs to Saudi Arabia from their home countries. Before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a final tawaf around the Kaaba, known as the tawaf al-wada or a 'farewell tawaf', signifying a spiritual farewell to the holy city
Mint
28-05-2025
- Mint
When is Hajj 2025? Key dates, rituals, and significance — all you need to know
Hajj 2025: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday announced that Hajj 2025 will begin this year on June 4 after the crescent moon was sighted marking the first day of Dhul-Hijjah or Zil-Hajj, the twelfth month of Islamic calender on 28 May. Saudi Hajj Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah said more than one million pilgrims from around the world had already arrived in the country for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Last year, 1.8 million people took part in the pilgrimage. For Indian pilgrims, Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, through the Hajj Committee of India, manages arrangements for the bulk of the quota allotted to India, which is 1,22,518 in 2025. The balance of the quota (over 50,000 pilgrims) was allotted to Private Tour Operators. The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken at least once by all Muslims who can afford the travel costs to Saudi Arabia from their home countries. Hajj is an annual pilgrimage toMecca, the holiest city of Islam in Saudi Arabia, which houses the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site. The pilgrimage is performed during a particular period that culminates with Eid-ul-Adha. Many pilgrims also visit the city of Medina, home to the Prophet Muhammad's tomb and the second holiest site in Islam. While not an official part of the Hajj, visiting Medina remains a significant spiritual experience for many devouts. The Hajj pilgrimage is held annually between the eighth and 13th days of Zil-Hajj, the 12th and final month on the Islamic lunar calendar. This year the corresponding Gregorian calendar dates of Hajj 2025 in Saudi Arabia will be between June 4 and June 9. The pilgrims take part in four days of ceremonies with the high point coming on the second day with mass outdoor prayers on Mount Arafat, the hill where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon. The pilgrims take part in four days of ceremonies with the high point coming on the second day with mass outdoor prayers on Mount Arafat, the hill where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon. This year, the day of Arafat will fall on June 5, followed by Eid al-Adha on June 6 in Saudi Arabia. In India the lunar calender is usually a day after Saudi. In India, Eid al-Adha 2025, which falls on 10th day of Zil-Hajj is on June 7, Saturday. Pilgrims from India began their journey to Saudi Arabia as early as the end of April. Eid-ul-Adha marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage and is also known as the 'Feast of Sacrifice.' Eid-ul-Adha or Eid al-Adha is one of the two Eids celebrated by Muslims. It marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage and is also known as the 'Feast of Sacrifice." Usually, there is a gap of 70 days between Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. The central ritual of offering a sacrifice (qurbani) commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, as a test of his obedience to God. As mentioned in the Quran (Surah As-Saffat, verses 99-113), Prophet Ibrahim received a divine command in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son, Isma'il (Ishmael), as a test of his faith. As Ibrahim prepared to carry out the sacrifice, God intervened and provided a ram to be sacrificed instead, signifying Ibrahim's devotion and submission to God's will. Thus the sacrifice on Eid al-Adha symbolises the significance of faith, sacrifice, and obedience in Islam. Key Takeaways Hajj 2025 will take place from June 4 to June 9 in Saudi Arabia. Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on June 6 in Saudi Arabia and on June 7 in India. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and a significant spiritual journey for Muslims.
News18
20-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
'I've Visited Churches, Dargahs...': CJI Gavai Counters Kapil Sibal During Waqf Hearing
Last Updated: During the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioners, said the idea behind the Waqf Act is to "capture" entire the Muslim body A hearing is underway in the Supreme Court on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih is hearing the batch of pleas challenging the new act. During the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioners, said the idea behind the Waqf Act is to 'capture" entire the Muslim body. 'This is a case in which the 2025 Act has been framed for protection of Waqf but the design is such that it is to capture the Waqf. If you go to the Mosque, there is no chadaava (offering), they don't have thousands of crores like temples," Sibal said. Countering Sibal's argument, CJI Gavai said, 'I've visited churches, Dargahs.. it is often done." Sibal further said that the state cannot finance a religious institution. During the hearing on May 20, the top court said it would hear arguments for passing interim directions on three issues including the power to denotify properties declared as waqf by courts, waqf-by-user or waqf by deed. The bench had clarified it will not be considering any plea for a stay of provisions of the erstwhile 1995 waqf law on May 20. Former CJI Sanjiv Khanna, whose bench was hearing the matter, demitted office on May 13, and the matters were transferred to the bench headed by Justice Gavai. On April 17, the Centre assured the top court that it would neither denotify waqf properties, including 'waqf by user", nor make any appointments to the central waqf council and boards till May 5. The Centre had opposed the apex court's proposal to pass an interim order against the denotification of waqf properties, including 'waqf by user" aside from staying a provision allowing the inclusion of non-Muslims in the central waqf councils and boards. On April 25, the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs filed a preliminary 1,332-page affidavit defending the amended Waqf Act of 2025 and opposed any 'blanket stay" by the court on a 'law having presumption of constitutionality passed by Parliament". The Centre notified the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 last month after it got President Droupadi Murmu's assent on April 5. The bill was cleared by Lok Sabha with the support of 288 members while 232 MPs were against it. The Rajya Sabha saw 128 members voting in its favour and 95 against it. First Published: May 20, 2025, 12:00 IST
Hans India
12-05-2025
- Hans India
‘Fake news' cause decline in Haj pilgrim numbers this year
Hyderabad: Haj pilgrims from the State witnessed a drop in numbers this year, raising concerns. So far 2,400 have cancelled, bringing down the number to less than 7,000 from over 9,000, after getting selected by the Telangana Haj Committee. The State authorities have attributed this to the fake news spread by social media. Compared to the previous year where over 11,000 applications were received by the State Haj Committee, this year it received 9,061 applications. However 2,400 have cancelled, bringing down the number to 6,947. This has raised concerns, as the initial flights of pilgrims have already begun in April last week. 'Presently, around 2,400 have been cancelled and how many more are there we do not know. The reasons include extreme heat in Saudi Arabia, fear of getting crushed in stampede like situation, poor arrangements and increased anxiety amongst children who do not wish their parents to risk their lives,' informed official sources. In 2024, a total of 208 Indian pilgrims died as per a report from the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs. These include eight from Telangana. The previous year's Haj pilgrimage witnessed an unprecedented heat wave in Makkah, with temperatures soaring over 50 degrees celsius. This resulted in reported deaths of over 1,300 from pilgrims participating from different countries, mostly elderly. However, the State Haj Committee has squarely put the blame on the social media in the State, which has allegedly gone overboard in reporting the issue. It has been pointed out that the social media has created panic amongst the aspiring Hajis in the past year, which caused discouragement to those who wish to join, particularly when the aspirants are aged. This has prompted a few to spend massive amounts of money and opt for private tour operators, promising comfortable and secure service throughout the pilgrimage. 'Some of those cancelling have already paid initial installments to the committee and now they wish to get back their money. Mostly, extreme heat is cited as the reason,' said sources. However, the State Haj Committee has promised that all the arrangements are made for hitch-free pilgrimage this time. Chairman of Telangana Haj Committee Syed Ghulam Afzal Biyabani said that the present government was taking all the precautions this year. 'We are taking all the steps needed for the smooth pilgrimage of those leaving from Telangana and also those from neighbouring States who will be boarding the flight from Hyderabad. Different groups have been formed of Khadimul Hajjaj (volunteers), maintenance, officers. We are monitoring the situation 24x7 with proper coordination on ground. We hope that fake news is not spread this time around. Those reporting on the events in Saudi Arabia must verify the facts before airing and act more reponsibly,' said the Chairman.
