Latest news with #spiritualJourney
Al Bawaba
7 hours ago
- General
- Al Bawaba
Millions to begin sacred Hajj journey tomorrow from Mina
ALBAWABA- Tomorrow, the white-tented valley of Mina will once again welcome the first waves of Hajj pilgrims, as millions of Muslims from across the globe gather to begin the spiritual journey of a lifetime. Clad in simple white garments, unified by devotion, race and rank forgotten, they come to seek God's mercy, forgiveness, and blessings. The 8th of Dhul Hijjah, marking the first day of Hajj, will see the faithful settling in Mina for a day devoted entirely to prayer, reflection, and supplication. This city of tents, transformed into a sanctuary of worship, symbolizes the humility and equality before God that the Hajj demands. It is a scene unlike any other: millions standing shoulder to shoulder, whispering their hopes into the heavens. On Thursday, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims will ascend the plains of Arafat, the spiritual climax of Hajj. There, beneath the burning sun, expected to reach 45°C, they will spend the afternoon in earnest prayer on the Mount of Mercy, pleading for divine forgiveness on the Day of Arafah, considered the most sacred day in Islam. For many, it is a moment they have waited for all their lives. The following day, Eid al-Adha (June 6), also known as the Day of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's submission to God. Pilgrims will return to Mina for the ritual stoning of the Jamarat, an act of defiance against evil, and remain there through June 9 during the Days of Tashreeq, continuing their rites and prayers. Saudi authorities have introduced strict permit enforcement this year to prevent unauthorized pilgrims from joining, following tragic stampedes in past seasons. Last year alone, hundreds of undocumented pilgrims perished during overcrowded rituals, the majority from Egypt, Jordan, and other nations. Despite the searing heat, which poses serious challenges, especially to elderly pilgrims, the spirit remains unshaken. The pilgrimage is a test of body and soul, and pilgrims embrace it with unyielding faith. Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is not merely a journey across land but an inward journey that every Muslim hopes to take at least once in their lifetime. As Mina opens its arms tomorrow, the air will be thick with du'a (supplication), and the hearts of millions will beat with hope for peace, forgiveness, and a life touched by the grace of this sacred experience.
The National
a day ago
- General
- The National
'A dream come true': Joy for Emiratis embarking on Hajj pilgrimage
Emiratis travelling to Saudi Arabia to embark on the annual Hajj pilgrimage have shared their joy at making the spiritual journey. About 3,100 citizens are expected to fly to the kingdom from Dubai this week to be part of the cherished ritual, which gets under way on Wednesday. The National visited Dubai International Airport (DXB) on Monday, where pilgrims were leaving for Hajj. A special committee of Dubai Police, immigration, customs and health authorities, along with airline staff, has been established as the pilgrimage coincides with the beginning of the busy summer travel season. Travellers were welcomed with dates, water, juice and sweets by volunteers at DXB, who also guided them through the airport. A medical team was on hand to offer free check-ups for pilgrims before boarding aircraft. The National spoke to some of the pilgrims making the journey through the airport. 'I'm thrilled. I can't describe the joy of travelling finally for Hajj. I broke down in tears when I arrived at the airport knowing my dream has became a reality," said Abdullah Al Mutawa, 45, from Ras Al Khaimah, who was making his first Hajj pilgrimage. 'I'm grateful to the authorities for making our unforgettable experience at the airport smooth and beautiful.' Sultan Mohammed, 29, from Abu Dhabi, was travelling with a group of friends to perform Hajj for the first time. 'I'm super happy knowing I'm travelling to perform Hajj this season. It is a dream come true," he said. 'I want to thank everyone for the warm welcome at the airport." Emirati pilgrims are set to depart from DXB on 28 dedicated flights operated by the airlines Emirates, flydubai, Saudia and Flynas. Tables at Terminal 1 were decked out with items including bottles of water, umbrellas, hand-fans and chocolates for those making the journey. Pilgrims are able to scan a barcode at the airport to receive information on how to avoid dehydration, where to find drinking water and what to do if they feel tired, and contact numbers have also been provided in case of emergencies. Pilgrims can also take free blood pressure and sugar tests before departing. "These journeys are personal, profound, and often once in a lifetime," said Essa Al Shamsi, senior vice president of terminal operations at Dubai Airports. 'Through the efforts of our people and the DXB community, we want to ensure every pilgrim departs with confidence and returns with ease.' Tips for pilgrims Be aware of the latest travel regulations and ensure that you have all the necessary documents with the required validity before going to the airport. Weighing luggage at home, checking documents in advance and being prepared for security checks can save time at the airport. Arrive at the airport at least four hours before departure. Use the Dubai Metro to travel to and from the airport to avoid traffic on the roads. Friends and families using private vehicles are advised to use the airport's designated car parks or valet service to receive their guests as access to the arrivals forecourt in Terminals 1 and 3 is limited to public transport and other authorised airport vehicles. Making the pilgrimage Millions of Muslims travel to Makkah to perform Hajj each year, while many also head further north to the city of Madinah. All Muslims who are able to do so are required to make the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in their lifetime. Hajj and the other four pillars of Islam form the foundation of life for Muslims. The annual pilgrimage takes place during Dhu Al Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, and lasts for about four to six days. The Hajj pilgrimage is to begin on Wednesday, June 4, with Arafat Day, the second day of the week-long Hajj pilgrimage, marked for Thursday, June 5. Eid Al Adha celebrations will begin on Friday, June 6 and run until Sunday, June 8. It was announced last week that both the public and private sectors would be granted leave from Thursday to Sunday, June 5 to 8, with work resuming on Monday, June 9.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
How Harry Styles uses his tattoos to map secret ‘sadness' and as artist reveals what his designs really mean
When the globally recognisable Harry Styles braved a crowd of 150,000 people to witness the new Pope's first address in person, it highlighted how important the star's spiritual journey is to him - as evident in his body art. However, one artist behind some of his body art believes there is a 'sadness' tinged with some of Harry's curious designs. 7 7 7 The singer, who was spotted in St. Peter's Square watching Pope Leo XIV being debuted at the Vatican, has a series of religious-inspired tattoos, including an inking of a Holy Bible on his left arm, and a cross on his left hand. A source said: 'Harry's body is like a scrapbook of his life. He would always get tattoos as little representations of specific moments in time - they're all like little mementos now, and you can trace his journey through his spiritual discoveries through his body art. 'Scrapbook of his life' 'One Direction used to be stuck in their hotel rooms on tour, because anywhere they went was swarmed with fans. Getting tattoos in their hotel rooms was their escape from the madness and a way to express themselves and feel free. 'Sometimes they would just muck around with little cartoons, that really aren't that deep, but others seem symbolic of what was going on inside their heads at the time. 'You could say getting body art was their first outlet to cope with fame - now Harry's chronicles all the different paths he has explored to help be at peace with fame, and life in general.' The former One Direction star, 31, has previously stated he is 'more spiritual than religious' - though with typical dry humour, he admitted that it 'sounds a little w***y' to describe himself as spiritual. 'Outlet to cope with fame' 'I'm not super tied-in to certain rules,' he stated in 2018. 'But I think it's naïve to say nothing exists and there's nothing above us or more powerful than us. I think that's a little narrow-minded. 'I definitely believe in karma…. I definitely think there's something, that it's not just us.' Yet despite his tattoos having clear religious inspiration, tattoo artist Kevin Paul says Harry's body art is often spur-of-the-moment, as epitomised when he played "tattoo roulette" and got an inking live on the Late, Late Show. 'Harry is very random,' he says. 'I was halfway through stencilling another design that he wanted when he decided that he didn't want that now, he wanted to have '17 Black'. Watch as Harry Styles goes unnoticed by fans in London 7 'It was all very erratic how he had his tattoos. I think he's calmed down a lot though now.' But Kevin recalls how Harry's tattoo sessions, which would take place in a hotel room while the group were touring, seemed to be a method of escape from the constant glare of the spotlight. 'When I met him, you could see the sadness oozing through him,' says Kevin. 'Because they were locked in - they could never go anywhere. 'He just wanted to be normal' 'We used to call it 'the billion pound pension' because everyone was going to get rich off the back of it, but they just had to do as they were told and be where they were told to be. 'I got really sad for him, because he was really sweet. There was a moment when I told him I didn't have any kitchen roll and said I needed some, and he said: 'There's a Sainsbury's over the road, I'll go and get some.' And then he went: 'Oh s***. I can't.'' Naturally, at the time, wherever the band were holed up was besieged by armies of devoted fans, desperate for a glimpse, which left them locked in hotel rooms across the globe. 'More spiritual than religious' 'He just wanted to be normal,' says Kevin. 'He wanted to walk across the road.' While there is an 'erraticism' to some of Harry's tattoos, it is possible that another of Harry's tattoos - a bird cage inked in 2012 - is representative of this feeling. Equally, his growing collection of religious art seems to reflect his interest in discovering about different faiths. In 2014, he covered up a tattoo on his arm which read 'things I can't' - thought to be taken from a serenity prayer - with a picture of a Holy Bible. Harry, who says he 'is christened but not really that religious', was brought up in a family of church goers. His late paternal grandfather Brian Selley laughed that the young parishioners in Harry's hometown of Holmes Chapel knew more about his grandson's goings on than he did. 'They always want to know the latest when they see me on a Sunday,' Brian laughed in 2013. 'It's the first thing they ask me – I think they're hoping he'll come with me one Sunday.' 7 7 And despite wearing a St Christopher - the patron saint of safe travels - on stage, as well as regularly making the sign of the cross during performances, Harry has also shown a keen interest in the teachings of numerous religions besides Christianity. In 2014, he wore a Kabbalah bracelet - a red string with a charm - on stage at Wembley, prompting speculation he had started following the religion popularised by Madonna at the time. The bracelet is believed to protect the wearer from bad energy, or feeling negative emotions such as jealousy, that those possessed by the 'evil eye' otherwise encounter. Kabbalah bracelet In March 2015, during One Direction's tumultuous tour stop in Thailand, which saw Zayn Malik sensationally quit the group, Harry embarked on a spiritual journey, visiting temples in Bangkok and practising yoga and meditation. Meditation, he says, makes him feel like he is 'living', and helps 'with worrying about the future less, and the past less'. He later told how Hermann Hesse's novel Siddhartha, which tells the story of a young man's journey of self-discovery during the time of Gautama Buddha, 'makes a lot of sense' to him, and was an 'important' book. Among his travels, he has exchanged theological ideas with some of the world's most profound thinkers - he once met with the philosopher Alain de Botton to discuss 'Plato, Aristotle, love and beauty'. 7 During his time in 1D, he had such affection for the Jewish religion, he Tweeted friends with Yiddish words and had his sister Gemma's name tattooed in Hebrew, and though his dad Des clarified 'categorically, he is 0% Jewish'. Harry also has several inkings to remember late relatives including his step-father Robin, and his grandparents, including the letters R and B. Kevin - who has also drawn many of Ed Sheeran and Rihanna's tattoos, and has been tipped to appear on ITV2's Big Brother - says this is all part of Harry feeling comfortable to show the world who he is, and adds: 'It's nice he's able to express himself. 'When people ask who the nicest person I've worked with is, I would still say Harry.'
Arab News
5 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Saudi Hajj gift association Hadiyah to serve 2.9 million pilgrims this year
RIYADH: The Hajj and Mutamer's Gift Charitable Association, or Hadiyah, has launched its field and creative service programs to benefit nearly 3 million pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported. According to SPA, the initiative aims to enrich the spiritual journey of pilgrims by upholding human and moral values from the moment of arrival to departure. Hadiyah's efforts extend across all points of entry — land, sea and air — facilitating access to Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites. Turki Al-Hetershi, Hadiyah's executive director, said that the association was preparing to serve 2.9 million Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors this year. He said that Hadiyah would focus on enhancing the pilgrim experience through innovative initiatives and strategic community partnerships.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Saudia Unveils New Plans to Support Hajj Spiritual Journey
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the 2025 Hajj season approaches, Saudi Arabia stands ready to welcome pilgrims from around the world to partake in this spiritual journey. Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, known as a sacred and obligatory once-in-a-lifetime worship experience for those who are capable, representing a profound act of spiritual submission, unity, and humility before God. In 2025, Hajj season is expected to take place from June 4-9, depending on lunar observations. This year, the minimum age for participation is 12 years old, and all pilgrims must obtain a Hajj visa to attend. For those considering participating in Hajj or visiting Saudi Arabia, Saudia Airlines (Saudia) provides a world-class travel experience to support your spiritual journey. As the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Saudia's non-stop service from New York, Washington, Toronto, and Los Angeles offers an easy entry point from the United States and Canada to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Medina. Saudia Group has announced its ambitious plans for the 2025 Hajj season, marking its official entry into the Hajj services sector with the aim of transforming the pilgrimage experience. For the first time, Saudia will act as a comprehensive Hajj service provider, expanding its offerings beyond air travel to encompass a wide array of innovative services that address every aspect of the pilgrim journey. On World Creativity and Innovation Day, Saudia unveiled "The Coolest Ihram," a revolutionary, high-tech garment developed with Landor and brrr® to cool the body during Hajj and Umrah rituals. The Coolest Ihram uses advanced cooling technology to lower skin temperature by 1 – 2 degrees Celsius and offers UPF 50+ sun protection, creating a comfortable microclimate for pilgrims. This innovation reinforces Saudia's leadership in enhancing the religious tourism experience. Saudia is allocating over one million seats utilizing a modern fleet of 158 aircraft. With a projected market share of up to 35%, the airline will serve pilgrims from over 100 global destinations. The end-to-end travel experience is designed to maximize comfort and efficiency, from ticket issuance to streamlined arrival and departure processes. Saudia is coordinating extensively with public and private sector partners to ensure smooth operations across all airport touchpoints, with more than 11,000 frontline staff and aircraft maintenance technicians mobilized to serve pilgrims across a 74-day operational window. Further enhancing the luxury experience, Saudia Group will introduce Business Class-style beds and dedicated rest areas inspired by Alfursan lounges at the holy sites. To improve the overall pilgrimage experience, Saudia provides a range of services, including easy boarding pass issuance for both outbound and return flights, supported by multilingual staff for seamless communication. Onboard, pilgrims can enjoy diverse meal options, timely prayer and Miqat announcements, and specially curated educational programs developed with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Additional services for individuals with special needs, such as transportation for people with disabilities, onboard oxygen, and medical stretcher services, will also be available, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive journey for all. About Saudia Saudia (Saudia Airlines) is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company has grown to become one of the Middle East's largest airlines. Saudia has invested significantly in upgrading its aircraft and currently operates one of the youngest fleets. The airline serves an extensive global route network covering around 100 destinations across four continents, including all 28 domestic airports in Saudi Arabia. A member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), Saudia has also been a member airline in SkyTeam, the second largest alliance, since 2012. Saudia was recently recognized as the World's Most Improved Airline 2024 by Skytrax, marking the third time it has received this accolade, alongside 14 other distinguished awards. Saudia has been honored as the World Class Airline for 2024 at The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ awards, marking the third consecutive year the airline has received this prestigious recognition. Additionally, ranked top among global airlines for best on-time performance (OTP) according to a report by Cirium. For more information on Saudia, please visit Media Center Saudi Arabian Airlines Headquarters Jeddah 21231, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Email: mediacenter@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
