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Al Etihad
3 days ago
- General
- Al Etihad
Awqaf enriches Emirati pilgrims' spiritual, practical knowledge with Hajj kit
4 June 2025 00:19 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)To support Emiratis going on Hajj, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat (Awqaf) has prepared a comprehensive kit to help them understand the essential values, virtues, and etiquette for the sacred kit is especially valuable given that nearly 91% of UAE pilgrims this year are performing Hajj for the first time. The annual pilgrimage officially begins on June 4. The kit — which has been put together in partnership with the UAE Council for Fatwa — is comprised of carefully curated brochures and booklets that aim to enrich the spiritual and practical knowledge of pilgrims, Awqaf told Aletihad . "This Hajj awareness kit reflects our deep commitment to guiding and supporting UAE pilgrims in performing their rituals with knowledge, faith, and peace of mind," the authority said.'It is our responsibility to make sure that each pilgrim is academically and spiritually ready for this auspicious voyage.'Among the key publications in the bag is 'Values of the Pilgrim', a booklet that offers lessons on essential moral and ethical values that a pilgrim should uphold during the sacred journey, the authority said. These values include humility, patience, generosity, and kindness — qualities that help pilgrims fulfill the true spirit of Hajj and enhance the likelihood of their pilgrimage being essential component of the kit is 'Supplication in Hajj', which highlights the significance of du'a (supplication) during the pilgrimage. It provides insights into the virtues, etiquette, and conditions of du'a, along with a collection of comprehensive prayers that pilgrims may need throughout their journey. The package also includes a scholarly guide titled 'They Ask You About Hajj: Fatwa Stations', compiled by the UAE Council for Fatwa. This publication addresses frequently asked religious questions and issues related to Hajj, offering reliable rulings and clarifications based on Islamic jurisprudence. It serves as a valuable reference for pilgrims seeking authentic answers during different stages of addition to the booklets, the kit features a map of the main Hajj stations, helping Emiratis understand the geographic and procedural flow of the pilgrimage. It serves as a practical guide to support planning, navigation, and the performance of rituals. Every pilgrim also received a copy of the holy Quran and a special Hajj prayer booklet as part of the kit, offering both spiritual guidance and easy access to essential religious text. This UAE initiative underscores the importance of proper religious preparation and spiritual awareness, ensuring that pilgrims are not only physically ready but also spiritually and intellectually equipped for this profound religious journey.
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat honours participants of Emirati Reciters Quranic Programme
3 June 2025 13:55 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat has honoured Emirati reciters who completed a recording of the Holy Qur'an as part of the Emirati Reciters Quranic Programme, launched in cooperation with Holy Quran Radio to support UAE National reciters and prepare them for local and international initiative aims to graduate proficient reciters of the Holy Qur'an with distinguished voices and seeks to promote and empower Emirati voices within the community. The programme also focuses on developing and showcasing their skills both locally and internationally. A second phase of the initiative will launch in the second quarter of 2025 and this phase will involve the complete recording of a Qur'an recitation by each talented Emirati reciter.
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Al Etihad
‘It feels surreal': Thousands of Emirati pilgrims now in Makkah for sacred Hajj
3 June 2025 01:00 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)Thousands of UAE pilgrims have arrived in the holy city of Makkah, ready to begin the sacred rites of Hajj after months of preparation and anticipation. Saudi Arabia announced that the annual pilgrimage will begin on June 4 upon the sighting of the Dhul-Hijjah crescent year, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat (Awqaf) approved a total of 6,228 UAE pilgrims for the 1446 AH / 2025 AD Hajj season, in accordance with the quota allocated by Saudi authorities. A significant 91% of the pilgrims are performing Hajj for the first time, while the rest include 'mahrams', companions, and supervisors from the UAE Hajj Affairs registration process for UAE residents was conducted between September 19 and 30, 2024, via the official Awqaf smart app and website. To be eligible, applicants had to be UAE citizens aged 12 or older and not have performed Hajj in the last five seasons. Priority was given to those who had never performed Hajj, especially people of determination, the elderly, and individuals with chronic tour operators in the UAE began preparations at the start of the year, with growing interest from eligible pilgrims until the final list was announced on February 5. 'Our pilgrims arrived in Makkah between May 28 and June 1,' Faisal Raheem, operations manager at a licensed Hajj and Umrah operator in Abu Dhabi, told Aletihad . 'After settling in, they performed Umrah right away. Now, they're resting, attending educational sessions, and preparing mentally and spiritually for the days ahead.' Peaceful and Surreal Abdullah, a 34-year-old Emirati pilgrim who is performing Hajj for the first time described his experience in Makkah as 'surreal'.'I'm now spending as much time as I can praying and making du'a,' he said. 'The heat is tough, but the spirit here makes you forget the discomfort,' he told Aletihad. Aisha Al Hammadi, a 41-year-old teacher from Sharjah, noted the importance of both physical and spiritual readiness ahead of the pilgrimage. 'I started preparing months ago,' she told Aletihad. 'I attended workshops, listened to lectures online, and walked daily to build stamina. But the most important part was preparing my heart and making peace with people.'Hamda, 25, is attending the pilgrimage with her father, sister, and aunt. 'It feels so surreal seeing this many people gather in one spot to worship Allah,' she told Aletihad. 'Although the place is very packed, the peacefulness of these great days is overwhelming.' Hajj Guide Hajj packages from the UAE are priced between Dh27,000 and Dh55,000, depending on hotel category, duration of stay, and proximity to the holy sites, according to Heba Ahmad, an agent at a licensed tour operator in Abu Dhabi. These packages include flights, accommodation, local transportation, and logistical support.'Our team arrives a day or two early to make sure everything is in place,' Ahmad told Aletihad. 'We also have staff who accompany the groups throughout the pilgrimage.'Pilgrims are encouraged to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' 'Twajudi' service to ensure easy communication and receive assistance in case of an emergency. Additionally, 62 supervisory personnel from the UAE Hajj Affairs Office are on the ground to oversee the delivery of top-quality services, adherence to health guidelines, and proper performance of religious rites.
Khaleej Times
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
UAE: 20 platforms penalised for holding unlicensed Quran classes
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat has filed more than 20 reports against various platforms and individuals who have been conducting Quran memorisation activities through different social media channels without a license issued by the authority or the relevant authorities in the UAE. Dr Omar Al Derei, Chairman of the authority, affirmed that the laws and regulations of the UAE are strict in prohibiting any activity related to religious awareness, preaching in gatherings and homes, or teaching and interpreting the Quran without an official license from the recognised authorities in the country — whether such activities take place in the virtual space or through direct interaction. He pointed out that violators of these regulations and instructions are subject to legal accountability, including strict penalties and sanctions designed to maintain the stability and safety of the nation. He emphasised that the authority continues its ongoing efforts to warn against such practices, which threaten national security and societal safety and pose risks that could harm various segments of the population. He called on Emirati society, both citizens and residents, to remain vigilant and committed to protecting their homes, sons, daughters, and all family members by safeguarding them from any means that may lead them to adopt extremist ideas through contact with terrorist groups that exploit opportunities to infiltrate minds. He added that the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat provides the public with Quran teaching and memorisation services across the country through specialized centers, memorization circles in affiliated mosques, and a smart platform for remote Quran education. These services are available to all segments of society, and those interested are encouraged to join them to protect themselves and their children from falling into the trap of distorted ideologies that undermine national and social values.
Dubai Eye
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Dubai Eye
UAE President performs Eid Al-Fitr prayer at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan performed Eid Al-Fitr prayer at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. The Eid Al-Fitr sermon addressed the value of righteousness in faith and worship, as well as the importance of embracing responsibilities towards the community. Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat, Dr Omar Habtoor Al Darei, who delivered the sermon, said, ''Birr' in the Arabic language means universality and extensiveness, and from this, righteousness was named as part of its vast scope. Thus, righteousness is essentially the extension of good deeds and benevolence.' He explained that, in affirmation of the importance of righteousness, the Holy Quran mentions the concept more than 30 times, and God Almighty refers to Himself by it, indicating the breadth of His benevolence toward His creation, for He is the Most Kind, the Most Merciful. Al Darei added that an ideal society is based on righteousness, and believers must treat all members of society with the utmost measure of righteousness. He urged worshippers to make Eid a time of piety and loyalty in upholding the values of their ancestors, who paved the way for society to become righteous and marked by achievement. He noted that they lived steadfastly by their principles and loved and defended their land. As a result of these efforts, he stated, God has blessed UAE society with security, safety, stability, and prosperity. Following the Eid prayer, the UAE President exchanged greetings with worshippers on the blessed occasion. His Highness and the Sheikhs then recited Al-Fatiha for the soul of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, praying to God Almighty to bestow His mercy upon him and grant him eternal peace in Paradise. Earlier on Sunday the UAE President received congratulatory messages from the Kings, Emirs, and Presidents of Arab and Islamic nations on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and the Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, received similar messages from the Arab and Muslim leaders and prime ministers on the holy occasion.
