News and Events
Saudi Arabia has called upon foreign pilgrims to postpone their Haj plans this year due to ongoing expansion work at Makkah's Grand Mosque, Xinhua reported. According to Arab News, this was highlighted through a series of announcements through the Holy Quran television channel from Makkah, the government advised pilgrims intending to perform Haj and Umrah this year to postpone their plans to the Grand Mosque. The unprecedented move aims at preventing congestion and stampedes as well as ensuring the safety of pilgrimages. The call came after the government's decision to reduce the number of foreign pilgrims by 20 per cent and domestic pilgrims by 50 per cent this year. Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh has backed the measure, saying that it was taken in public interest. According to official figure, 3.161 million pilgrims preformed Haj last year; if the illegal Haj pilgrims are taken into account, the figure could be around 4 million -
The Tiruchi District Muslim United Jamaath urged the Centre and the State government to take steps for operating flights from Tiruchi for the benefit of the Haj pilgrims of the central and southern districts.
A large number of Muslims of the central and southern districts undertake Haj pilgrimage every year and they have to board the flights at Chennai. Operation of flights from Tiruchi will immensely benefit them. A resolution has been adopted at a guidance programme for the Haj pilgrims from Tiruchi, Pudukottai, Perambalur, and Ariyalur districts. Another resolution demanded that the State government take steps for constructing a branch of the Haj House run by the Haj Committee in Chennai in Tiruchi. The meeting pleaded with the Tamil Nadu Haj Committee to nominate one expert guide for every 100 pilgrims from the State during the pilgrimage.
The meeting demanded the government to increase the assistance sanctioned through the Tamil Nadu Wakfs Board for the construction and maintenance of mosques. The government should increase the reservation for Muslims from 3.5 per cent to 5 per cent and provide free house site pattas to the ulemas. M. Mohamed Ansari, president of the Jamaath, presided over the guidance programme. E.K. Jeelani Basha, president of the Al Mohammadiya Mosque, spoke. The representatives of the Tamil Nadu Haj Committee and Tamil Nadu Wakfs Board were present.
TWO Islamic banking customers of the National Bank of Commerce (NBC) are expected to win a full package trip to Mecca to attended annual Muslims pilgrimage event popularly known as Hajj later this year.
This was revealed in Dar es Salaam on Friday during the launching ceremony of the second Hajj Promotion campaign that will last in two and a half months. Speaking during the ceremony, the NBC Head of Islamic Banking Department, Yassir Masoud said last year two customers won the promotion and attended the Hijjah in Mecca.
"The winners who attended Hajj came back happily and blessed. NBC is the first bank to organize this kind of a campaign and we hope to keep on doing like this now and again.
We advise our Islamic banking customers not to lose this opportunity," said Mr Masoud. On behalf of the bank's Managing Director, the NBC Head of Treasury, Mr Pius Tibaza rwa said the bank was aware of the importance of the relationship between it and its customers and that was a reason behind the Hajj Promotion campaign. "It is the second time for us to organise this campaign and we hope and promise that in the coming years we will widen the winning chances to accommodate more winners to travel to Mecca to accomplish one of the important Islamic pillars," said Tibarazwa. The participation is free for all Islamic Banking customers who will be needed to make transaction through their ATM cards or Internet banking thrice and enter the winning draw that will be held on September 3 and apart from return tickets to Mecca winners will be given funds for accommodation by NBC and given some money during the trip. Last year Hajj Promotion campaign winners, Ally Mbarak and Hamis Mohamed who both took their mothers to Mecca, attended yesterday's event, along with the Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Ally Muhidini Mkoyogore . NBC launched banking services under Islamic regulations and shariah on May, 2010 after fulfilling all needed requirements, according to Islamic laws.
Some of the services provided under this department are Islamic Savings Account, Islamic Currents Account, Islamic Retail Banking Account and Islamic Corporates Account; all are interest free services under Islamic rules and regulations; open for all customers regardless of their beliefs.
Hajj visas will be issued on passports that are digitally scanable documents. Therefore, pilgrims are expected to present machine-readable passport documents. For those pilgrims whose passports are manually written, please renew your passport and obtain a machine-readable one.
Based on experience in past Hajj seasons, the Ministry of Hajj is well aware of the problems of lost luggage left behind by pilgrims on their departure from the Kingdom, often because of excess baggage charges.
In an effort to assist pilgrims in recovering their luggage and personal belongings which may be of special value to them, the Ministry of Hajj would like all Hajj Missions and Hajj Travel Agencies to inform all pilgrims of the absolute necessity of fully labelling all their luggage by placing stickers both on the outside and inside of luggage showing the Pilgrim Name, Nationality, Passport Number, Air Carrier and Flight Number. In addition, the Ministry would like all individuals in Hajj Missions and Hajj Travel Agencies concerned with this issue to understand the importance of giving their full cooperation to the Ministry of Hajj by accepting the luggage of the pilgrims for whom they are responsible
Note: The exact dates of Islamic holidays cannot be determined in advance, due to the nature of the Islamic lunar calendar. Estimates are based on expected visibility of the hilal (waxing crescent moon following a new moon) and may vary according to location.
Hajj the pilgrimage to Mecca, is one of the greatest religious observances in Islam. What are the dates for Hajj in 2013?
Answer: Hajj is expected to fall between October 13-18, 2013.
Note: The exact dates of Islamic holidays cannot be determined in advance, due to the nature of the Islamic lunar calendar. Estimates are based on expected visibility of the hilal (waxing crescent moon following a new moon) and may vary according to location.
Note: The exact dates of Islamic holidays cannot be determined in advance, due to the nature of the Islamic lunar calendar. Estimates are based on expected visibility of the hilal (waxing crescent moon following a new moon) and may vary according to location.
Note: The exact dates of Islamic holidays cannot be determined in advance, due to the nature of the Islamic lunar calendar. Estimates are based on expected visibility of the hilal (waxing crescent moon following a new moon) and may vary according to location.
The
kingdom of oil-rich nation Saudi Arabia has advised pilgrims to the annual Mecca
Hajj season to defer to next year their plans of going to the holy city, citing
delayed expansion works at the Grand Mosque as well as fears over the Middle
East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The Saudi Arabia government, in a series of announcements through the Holy
Qur'an television channel aired from Makkah, it urged pilgrims to postpone their
plans for this year. "By making this announcement our government is not preventing anybody from
Haj, but asking them to postpone in order to avoid congestion and help
first-time Hajis to perform their religious duties without difficulties," Saeed
Al-Qurashi, a member of the Haj & Umrah Committee at Makkah Chamber of
Commerce and Industry, told Arab News. Earlier, the government slashed the number of foreign pilgrims by 20 per cent
and domestic pilgrims 50 per cent for the year 2013. The government forecast this year's pilgrims to reach around 4 million, based
from the official 2012 figures of 3.161 million. Mr Al-Qurashi said the mataf or the place surrounding the Holy Kaaba inside
the Grand Mosque can only accommodate 39,000 people per hour. A number larger
than that would congest the interior of the mosque.
"Once the mataf expansion is completed, it can accommodate more than 130,000
pilgrims per hour. So, it would be better for our brethren to come for Haj next
year or after two years, when they will be able to perform their rituals with
ease," he explained.
Although it was not mentioned when the expansion works will finish, "the
period for cutting the number of pilgrims will not exceed two years," Hatem
Qadi, deputy Haj minister and spokesman of the ministry, said.
The pilgrim slash is also part of the government's measures to control the
MERS-CoV which could turn into a potential pandemic fanned by the expected
congestion during the annual Mecca Hajj season.
Do I need any kind of vaccinations?
It is the requirement of Saudi Ministry of Health that all visitors should have a valid vaccination certificate against Meningococcal Meningitis The certificate must have been issued not more than three years and not less than 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.
All travelers arriving from countries known to be infected with yellow fever (as shown in the World Health Organization [WHO] Weekly Epidemiological Record) must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate in accordance with the International Health Regulations.
Where do I go if I am ill? Are there any hospitals in Makkah?
There are many hospitals which provide free healthcare for pilgrims.
Are over-the-counter medicines available in Makkah? Where do I buy them?
Most over-the-counter medicine is available at pharmacies in Makkah. If you are used to a particular brand of medicine or if you take prescribed medication, it is recommended you bring adequate supplies of these.
–
Ministry of Health (Saudi Arabia)
The Ministry of Health plays a principal role in extending Hajj services. More than two million pilgrims assemble at various Hajj sites. Despite their different nationalities and backgrounds they are equal before Allah Almighty on this great Hajj occasion. The Ministry of Health is responsible for following up their health condition during Hajj season. The following measures help to achieve this end:
a) Stipulating the health conditions that should be satisfied by pilgrims and the type of food they are allowed to carry. Their countries and the World Health Organization are informed of these conditions, which may require the inoculation of all or some of the pilgrims against certain diseases and the presentation of inoculation certificates at entry points.
b) Coordination with the Municipalities of the Holy Capital and Al Madinah Al Munawwarah as well as the Water and Sewage Departments to appoint supervision teams to inspect environment and general hygiene at the Hajj sites. They also supervise water sources, sewage drainage and efforts aimed at combating insects.
c) The implementation of wide-scale health education programs in pilgrims’ countries and at Hajj sites. The programs deal with health precautions to be taken, particularly in case of sunstrokes and contagious diseases. Prevention methods are also highlighted.
d) Early in Shaaban every year, the Ministry of Health launches disease prevention campaigns, including the inoculation of personnel at Hajj sites. More than thirteen epidemic investigation teams are operating in hospitals, primary health care centers, various Hajj sites and the two Holy Cities.
e) The implementation of intensive multi-language education programs to explain to pilgrims how to avoid diseases and how to react in case of illness, particularly sunstrokes and heat exhaustion.
f) Organization of tours by the Ministry’s environment sanitation teams to regularly inspect food stores, drinking water sources and pilgrim residences to verify the application of the specified conditions. And ensure the spraying of insecticides and removal of garbage.
Guidance on Visa Applications through Hajj Travel Agents for Pilgrims Coming from Abroad
- Hajj visas are granted by the Saudi Government free of charge.
- The approved travel agent will nevertheless have some administrative costs in applying for and obtaining a Hajj visa.
- Lists of approved travel agents for both Hajj and Umrah are published on the Ministry’s website and updated each year to help pilgrims avoid being cheated by unauthorized travel agents.
- The Ministry would like to emphasize to all pilgrims the importance of having an official written contract, signed by both the Hajj organizer and the pilgrim, that clearly states the relationship between the two parties including the rights and duties of each party, the grade of service to be provided, the grade of accommodation arranged in Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites and any other details which the two parties have agreed upon.
Do I need any kind of vaccinations?
It is the requirement of Saudi Ministry of Health that all visitors should have a valid vaccination certificate against Meningococcal Meningitis The certificate must have been issued not more than three years and not less than 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.
All travelers arriving from countries known to be infected with yellow fever (as shown in the World Health Organization [WHO] Weekly Epidemiological Record) must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate in accordance with the International Health Regulations.
Where do I go if I am ill? Are there any hospitals in Makkah?
There are many hospitals which provide free healthcare for pilgrims.
Are over-the-counter medicines available in Makkah? Where do I buy them?
Most over-the-counter medicine is available at pharmacies in Makkah. If you are used to a particular brand of medicine or if you take prescribed medication, it is recommended you bring adequate supplies of these.
–
Ministry of Health (Saudi Arabia)
The Ministry of Health plays a principal role in extending Hajj services. More than two million pilgrims assemble at various Hajj sites. Despite their different nationalities and backgrounds they are equal before Allah Almighty on this great Hajj occasion. The Ministry of Health is responsible for following up their health condition during Hajj season. The following measures help to achieve this end:
a) Stipulating the health conditions that should be satisfied by pilgrims and the type of food they are allowed to carry. Their countries and the World Health Organization are informed of these conditions, which may require the inoculation of all or some of the pilgrims against certain diseases and the presentation of inoculation certificates at entry points.
b) Coordination with the Municipalities of the Holy Capital and Al Madinah Al Munawwarah as well as the Water and Sewage Departments to appoint supervision teams to inspect environment and general hygiene at the Hajj sites. They also supervise water sources, sewage drainage and efforts aimed at combating insects.
c) The implementation of wide-scale health education programs in pilgrims’ countries and at Hajj sites. The programs deal with health precautions to be taken, particularly in case of sunstrokes and contagious diseases. Prevention methods are also highlighted.
d) Early in Shaaban every year, the Ministry of Health launches disease prevention campaigns, including the inoculation of personnel at Hajj sites. More than thirteen epidemic investigation teams are operating in hospitals, primary health care centers, various Hajj sites and the two Holy Cities.
e) The implementation of intensive multi-language education programs to explain to pilgrims how to avoid diseases and how to react in case of illness, particularly sunstrokes and heat exhaustion.
f) Organization of tours by the Ministry’s environment sanitation teams to regularly inspect food stores, drinking water sources and pilgrim residences to verify the application of the specified conditions. And ensure the spraying of insecticides and removal of garbage.
1st Day of Hajj – 8th Dhul Hijjah – 13th October, 2013
Arafat Day – 9th Dhul Hijjah – 14th October, 2013
Eid Ul Adha – 10th Dhul Hijjah – 15th October, 2013
- First day of arrival in the Kingdom for pilgrims is 1st of Dhu al-Qidah 1434 H – 7th September 2013.
- Last date for arrival of pilgrims in the Kingdom by air, at the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, or at the Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Madinah is 4th of Dhu al-Hijjah 1434 H – 9th October 2013.
- Last date for pilgrims to travel from Jeddah to Madinah by bus is 25th of Dhu al-Qidah 1434 H – 29th September 2013.
- Last date for pilgrims to travel from Jeddah to Madinah by air is 2nd of Dhu al-Hijjah 1434 H – 7th October 2013.
- Last date for pilgrims to travel from Madinah to Makkah by bus (before Haj) is 5th of Dhu al-Hijjah 1434 H – 10th October 2013.
- Last date for pilgrims to travel from Madinah to Jeddah by air (before Haj) is 6th of Dhu al-Hijjah 1434 H – 11th October 2013.
- Final date for departure (return trip) is 15th of Muharram 1435 H – 18th November 2013.
Central Hajj Committee has finalized the programme for Hajj 2013 according to which the application forms will be released from February 2013. Applicants will have to pay Rs 300 (non-refundable) per head.
Chairman Hajj committee Mr. Syed Khaleeluddin Ahmed and Executive Officer Mr. Abdul Hameed told that only international passport holders with validity at least upto 31-03-2014 can apply for Hajj 2013. They advised the aspirants who don’t have such passport, to get their passports ready and to check the validity of their passports and get them renewed if they are going to expire.
Apart from this it is mandatory to submit original passport for the aspirants of reserved categories. Aspirants will have to deposit Rs 76000 per head as first installment beside this aspirants must have his or her account in any of the national banks
Central Hajj Committee has finalized the Hajj proigrame for 2013. Dr. S.Shankir Husain (IRS) disclosed this while talking to staff Reporter of Siasat. Hajj applications would be issued in the middle of 2013. There will be 45 days for submission of Hajj applications. The form costs Rs.300. Earlier its cost was Rs.200.
The first installment to be paid would be Rs.76, 000. It was Rs.51, 000 earlier. All those applicants whose age is more than 70 years and who have not been selected for the past three years in the draw have to submit their passports alongwith their applications.
Dr. Shakir Hussain told that full fees were collected from the Hajj pilgrims of A.P. towards airport user charges but 50% concession was announced later. Central Hajj Committee will send this amount to all such Hajj pilgrims through cheques. Reservation for the State Wakf Board has been abolished from next year.
Note: The exact dates of Islamic holidays cannot be determined in advance, due to the nature of the Islamic lunar calendar. Estimates are based on expected visibility of the hilal (waxing crescent moon following a new moon) and may vary according to location.
