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My Umrah brought me peace

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I’d seen images of the Kaaba with Muslims of all nationalities circumambulating it – images which resembled the planets orbiting the sun.If had to summarise what I felt in a word, My Umrah brought me peace

Earlier this year, I felt a sense of urgency to do the Umrah – a lesser (but still significant) pilgrimage than the obligatory Hajj, which is one of the pillars of the Muslim faith. I didn’t know much about what I had to do and I had always contemplated putting it off until I was “ready,” but then I concluded that there was no time like the present!

I remember feeling excited, nervous and also quite scared as I boarded the Jeddah-bound plane, which in typical Saudi-style, departed over 40 minutes late.

I saw men dressed in the two white pieces of cloth which they are required to wear from the miqaat (the point at which Muslims performing the Hajj or Umra must enter into the correct spiritual and physical state i.e. ihram). The simplicity of it, I thought, was quite beautiful; basic clothing, no makeup, nothing fancy, just back to basics.

The colourful bustle of Jeddah was a welcome change from the monotony and stagnancy of the Saudi capital Riyadh, where I’d been living for the past year. The array of new faces, different languages and vibrant personalities from around the world really brought this port city to life.

There was a sense of deep-rooted history and soul in Jeddah, which was in stark contrast to the sterile and somewhat soulless Riyadh – home to the al Sauds (as well as an increasing number of pointless skyscrapers). From Jeddah, I would make my way to Islam’s holiest site.

Mecca

A 60-riyal taxi ride later, I was in Mecca, another metropolitan city with a rich history of trade – something that was quite obvious from the moment I arrived. But when I walked from the point the taxi dropped me off, to Al-Masjid Al-Haram (“the Grand Mosque”), the atmosphere transformed from bustle and noise, to tranquillity.

As I looked up and saw the mosque, the feeling was surreal. This could have been a dream. I just couldn’t believe I was there, in a land where past Prophets had live and died and where history had been written.

untitled (11)Now, I would love to say that this was going to be an entirely positive experience, but the sight of cranes, scaffoldings and the grotesquely imposing and bafflingly misplaced clock tower was disappointing. Nonetheless, I refused to let it cast much more than a physical shadow over me, as I continued on my way to perform Umrah.

I fulfilled the rituals; circumambulating the Kaaba which was reconstructed by the prophet Ibrahim, walking between the two hills where Hajar, the wife of Ibrahim, once ran, frantically searching for water to quench her baby’s thirst. Throughout my life, I’d seen images of the Kaaba with Muslims of all nationalities circumambulating it – images which resembled the planets orbiting the sun. There was a sense of unity and harmony in the motions, which I was now part of. If had to summarise what I felt in a word, it would be peace.

On my way home, I found myself reflecting on the true meaning of Islam and what it means to be a follower of the faith. I thought about the excellent examples of etiquette and conduct in speech and actions demonstrated by all the Prophets of the past; their messages were about justice, unity, equality, humility.

This made me sad, as I knew that many people had forgotten, ignored or were ignorant of these examples. However, the experience also renewed my resolve to strive to be better, to do the right thing no matter what the consequences, and ultimately, to live the way that God intended.

As the plane departed from Jeddah, I took out a pocket-sized Quran from my bag and opened it. My eyes were drawn to a particular verse, which seemed to be the best and most fitting end to my Umrah experience:

“Oh you who believe, be persistently standing firm for justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not personal inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort your testimony or refuse to give it, then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.” (Quran 4:135)

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Source: 5pillarsuk.com

Is it permissible to perform umrah repeatedly?

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Shaykh Ibn Baaz was asked in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (17/432): Is it permissible to perform umrah repeatedly in Ramadaan, seeking the reward for that?

There is nothing wrong with repeating ‘umrah. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) encouraged us to perform Umrah and he did not define the time period that should elapse between two umrahs.

Ibn Qudaamah said in al-Mughni:

There is nothing wrong with doing ‘umrah several times in the year. That was narrated from ‘Ali, Ibn ‘Umar, Ibn ‘Abbaas, Anas, ‘Aa’ishah, ‘Ata’, Tawoos, ‘Ikrimah and al-Shaafa’i, because ‘Aa’ishah did ‘umrah twice in one month on the command of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “From one ‘umrah to another is an expiation for whatever (sins) come between them.” Agreed upon.

He replied:

There is nothing wrong with that. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “From one ‘umrah to another is an expiation for whatever (sins) come between them, and an accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise.” Narrated by al-Bukhari, 1773; Muslim, 1349.

If a person does ‘umrah three or four times, there is nothing wrong with that. At the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), at the Farewell Pilgrimage, ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) did ‘umrah twice within a space of fewer than twenty days.

And the Standing Committee was asked (11/337):

I live in a town 100 kilometers away from Makkah. In Ramadaan every year I go to Makkah for ‘umrah, and I pray Jumu’ah and ‘Asr there, then I go back to my town. I discussed that with some of my brothers and they said that it is not permissible to do ‘umrah every week in Ramadaan.

They replied:

If the situation is as you describe, that is permissible, because there is no text that specifies the length of time that should elapse between one ‘umrah and the next.

Some scholars are of the view that time should be allowed between two ‘umrahs for hair to grow that the pilgrim can shave in the second ‘umrah. This time period is approximately one week or ten days.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said in al-Sharh al-Mumti’ (7/242):

Imam Ahmad said: he should not do ‘umrah until his head has turned black with hair.

Based on this, what many people do nowadays of performing ‘umrah repeatedly, especially in the month of Ramadaan every day, or once each day and once each night, is contrary to what the Salaf used to do.

Ibn Qudaamah said in al-Mughni:

‘Ali (may Allaah be pleased with him) said (‘umrah may be done) once each month. When his hair had grown back, Anas would go out and do ‘umrah again. Both reports were narrated by al-Shaafa’i in his Musnad. ‘Ikrimah said: He should do ‘umrah when his hair can be shaved by the razor. ‘Ata’ said: If he wishes he can do ‘umrah twice each month. Ahmad said: If he does ‘umrah, then he has to shave his head or cut his hair. In ten days he can shave his head.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 26/45:

What Ahmad stated is that it is not recommended to repeat ‘umrah often from Mecca or elsewhere, rather one should allow time in between for the hair to grow back so that it can be shaved.

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Source: go-makkah.com

Preparations for Umrah

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Jeddah — Preparations for the Umrah season have already begun with the successful completion of this year’s Haj.

Announcing this Minister of Haj and Umrah Muhammad Saleh Bentan said the outstanding success of Haj won applause and appreciation of those who came for the pilgrimage from around the world.

Benten was addressing the heads and members of offices of Haj affairs and the guests of Haj Grand Symposium as well as the winners of the ministry’s prize for media work at a reception on Saturday evening.

This is still below the ministry’s ambitious plan of receiving about eight million Umrah pilgrims.

The revenues to be generated by the Umrah season are expected to soar over SR200 billion by the year 2020.Preparations for the Umrah 2020 will be started soon.

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Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Returning Home from the Hajj Trip

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It is sunnah for the pilgrim who completed the Hajj and is Returning Home from the Hajj Trip to his hometown to say: No one is God except Allah, Who has no partner.

He is the One attributed with Dominion. He is the One Who deserves to be thanked and praised. He has Power over everything.

لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، له الملك وله الحمد وهو على كل شىء قدير

We are going back to our hometown worshipping Allah after performing hajj, prostrating to Him, and thanking Him.

آيبون عابدون ساجدون لربنا حامدون،

He is the One Who fulfilled His promise and gave victory to His slaves,

صدق وعده، ونصر عبده

and He alone defeated the allied blasphemers.

وهزم الأحزاب وحده

Returning Home from the Hajj Trip our soul become fresh and get so much blessing.

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Source:darulfatwa.org.au

Tent city ready to welcome the guests of Allah

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Tent city ready to welcome the guests of Allah

MAKKAH — On Saturday (Dhul Hijjah 8), pilgrims will start moving to Mina, a tent city 5 kilometers to the east of Makkah, for the Day of Tarwiyah.

The Day of Tarwiyah, which marks the beginning of Haj rituals, means the day of fetching water and quenching the thirst.

The day traces its name to the fact that in the past when there was a scarcity of water in Mina, pilgrims used to fetch water and fill containers and feed their animals and make sure their camels had enough water.
About 30 government and private departments will be receiving the guests of Allah in Mina.

The tent city is ready to receive the pilgrims who will stay for three nights during which they will stone the Satan (devil) at the Jamrat area, shave their heads, change their ihrams and slaughter sacrificial animals.

Mina has 25 hospitals and health centers manned by about 26,000 medical cadres of doctors, nurses, technicians, and administrators to extend medical services to pilgrims.

Civil Defense units, the security forces, the Red Crescent Authority are also stationed in Mina to serve the pilgrims.

The last batch of the 717,000 pilgrims who visited Madinah before Haj arrived in Makkah on Thursday on board 119 buses.

According to the General Authority for Statistics, the exact number of pilgrims who came from abroad and inside would be announced on Monday evening.

The Ministry of Health has prevented buses carrying pilgrims from stopping at camel enclosures along the roads because of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

A number of pilgrims usually ask bus drivers to stop to take memorial photographs with the camels which have been tainted to be the main carriers of coronavirus.Tent city ready to welcome the guests of Allah.

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Source: saudigazette.com.sa

British Muslims gear up for Hajj

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ASPIRING British Muslims embarking on the upcoming Haj pilgrimage were given training on how to perform the rituals for the Journey of a Lifetime hosted by the Council of British Hajjis (CBHUK) in partnership with the London Central Mosque & Islamic Cultural Centre. The training was delivered by qualified scholars over a series of events hosted in towns and cities across the United Kingdom. Hundreds attended eagerly to learn about Haj with doctors and travel industry experts delivering health & safety advice too.

Dr. Ahmad Al Dubayan, director general of the London Central Mosque, urged pilgrims to learn the rituals of Haj so that they can gain maximum benefit from this act of worship as Haj touches peoples hearts and changes them for the better. He thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman for hosting the pilgrims and services provided to them and the commitment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the development of the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah and Masjid Al Haram to accommodate the faithful. He lauded efforts by Lord Adam Patel in leading the British Haj delegations and welcomed a new era of support for British pilgrims in partnership with CBHUK.

Rashid Mogradia, CEO of the Council of British Hajjis (CBHUK), offered travel advice and how to stay safe during Haj. With millions performing various rituals of Haj at the same time at the same place, he stressed the importance of following instructions from the Tour Operators and Saudi officials on the ground for a smooth journey. The Council also offered health and safety advice preparing pilgrims for the Journey of a Lifetime. Mogradia thanked the Saudi Embassy in London for their continued help and support to British pilgrims and the Islamic Cultural Centre for a fruitful partnership in educating pilgrims.

The City of London Police offered Haj fraud prevention advice to pilgrims to book with reputable and licensed tour operators and asked the community to report unscrupulous tour operators and fraudsters to Action Fraud and Trading Standards so that the authorities could take action against them.
Haj is a journey of faith and one that every abled Muslim male and female, who has the financial means, is mature and sane must perform at least once in their lifetime. Around 19,000 British pilgrims are expected to travel to Makkah for Haj.

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Source: saudigazette.com.sa

No entry into Makkah without Haj permits

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No entry into Makkah without Haj permitssaudigazette.com.sa

No entry into Makkah without Haj permits

MAKKAH – The Haj Security Forces Command, represented by Road Security Forces Command, have started carrying out arrangements on use of vehicles in Makkah Province and the holy sites. They have also begun preventing people without Haj permits from entering Makkah. Such violators are turned away, apart from imposing penalties on those who try to circumvent the regulations and directives, Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday.

Statistics issued until last Friday (the day before yesterday) by the Road Security Forces Command showed that 70,000 people coming to Makkah without Haj permits were turned away. The Command confirmed that over 28,000 vehicles were sent back and impounded, as they violated the conditions for transporting pilgrims. These vehicles had a load of fewer than 25 passengers. Other vehicles fulfilled the load requirements, but the owners did not carry special permits for transporting pilgrims as required by the regulations. The Command stressed that penalties will be imposed on violating vehicles and their drivers, in line with the regulations and directives.

The Haj Security Forces Command stressed to all who have come to perform Haj that it is necessary to obtain the required permits. The Command will not be lenient with anyone. It emphasized that all must comply with the directives for transporting pilgrims by obtaining the necessary permits. It called on them to cooperate with the security men and enable them to carry out their duties. The Command said anyone who violates the directives would be liable to penalties, as stipulated by the regulations.

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Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Madinah airport’s Haj lounge opens today

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MADINAH: To deal with the mass influx of Umrah pilgrims, Madinah’s Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport plans to open its Haj terminal on Friday with 28 extra counters available, according to a report in a local publication.
Col. Hisham Al-Radadi, Madinah Passport Department spokesman, said a meeting was held last week, which decided to open the lounge for the expected rush of visitors.
All procedures would be performed at these counters including checking the identities of passengers with the electronic fingerprint database of the Ministry of Interior, he said.
Al-Radadi said the time taken to process passengers depends on various factors including whether people are familiar with the procedures and the pace at which the children and the elderly are processed.
Ahmad Sharqawi, deputy general manager at Tibah Company for Airport Operations said the service counters were set up to process passengers in an average of 60 seconds.
He said that it was largely the processing of the elderly and children that was slowing down the pace at the airport’s counters. However, everything is being done to ensure there is a smooth flow of passengers through the airport, he said.
Al-Sharqawi said the meeting concluded that the Haj Plaza lounges be reopened and staffed starting from Jan. 1, with extra counters and officials from the Haj Ministry, passport department and customs available.
He said Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman has urged that everything should be done to ensure that pilgrims are accorded quality service at the airport when they arrive and leave
Local media reported earlier that passengers, visitors, citizens and residents coming through the airport in Madinah face many difficulties including lengthy procedures at counters.

Article by: arabnews.com

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Islam isn’t a religion of hatred

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Pigeon-Of-Peace
A British Catholic priest Idris Tawfiq accepts Islam after reading the Qur’an and his interactions with Muslims and found that Islam isn’t a religion of hatred. The following is excerpts from a speech that he delivered at the British Council in Cairo.
I ENJOYED being a priest helping the people for some years. However, deep inside I was not happy and I felt that there was something not right. Fortunately, and it is God’s will, some events and coincidences in my life led me to Islam.

Egypt tour:

An important coincidence was the decision to quit my work at the Vatican, a step followed by making a trip to Egypt.
I used to think of Egypt as a country of Pyramids, camels, sand and palm trees. I actually took a charter flight to Hurghada.
Shocked to find it similar to some European beaches, I took the first bus to Cairo where I spent the most wonderful week in my life.
This was my first introduction to Muslims and Islam. I noticed how Egyptians are such gentle, sweet people, but also very strong.

misconceptions:

Like all Britons, my knowledge about Muslims up to that time didn’t exceed what I heard from the TV about suicide bombers and fighters, which gave the impression that Islam is a religion of troubles.
However, getting into Cairo I discovered how beautiful this religion is. Very simple people selling goods on the street would abandon their trade and direct their face to Allah and pray the moment they heard the call to prayer from the mosque. They have a strong faith in the presence and will of Allah. They pray, fast, help the needy and dream to have a trip to Makkah with the hope of living in Heaven in the Hereafter.
On my return I resumed my old job of teaching religion. The only compulsory subject in British education is Religious Studies. I was teaching about Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and others. So every day I had to read about these religions to be able to teach my lessons to the students, many of whom were Arab Muslim refugees. In other words, teaching about Islam taught me many things.

islam is peaceful religion;

Unlike many troublesome teenagers, these students set a good example of what a Muslim could be. They were polite and kind. So a friendship developed between us and they asked if they could use my classroom for prayers during the fasting month of Ramadan.
Luckily, my room was the only one with a carpet. So I got accustomed to sitting at the back, watching them praying for a month. I sought to encourage them by fasting during Ramadan with them, even though I wasn’t yet a Muslim.
Once while reciting a translation of the Holy Qur’an in class I reached the verse: “And when they listen to the revelation received by the Messenger, thou wilt see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they recognize the truth.” (Qur’an, 5:83) To my surprise, I felt tears welling up in my eyes and I tried hard to hide it from the students.
A turning point in his life, however, came in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the US on Sept. 11, 2001.
The following day, I was taking the underground and noticed how terrified the people were. I was also afraid of the repetition of such acts in Britain. At the time, the western people started fearing this religion they blamed for terrorism. However, my previous experience with Muslims took me to a different direction. I started wondering ‘Why Islam? Why do we blame Islam as a religion for the action of terrorists who happened to be Muslims, when no-one accused Christianity of terrorism when some Christians have acted the same way?’

Islam isn’t a religion of hatred:

One day I headed to the biggest mosque in London, to hear more about this religion. Getting into London Central Mosque, there was Yusuf Islam, the former pop singer, sitting in a circle talking to some people about Islam. After a while, I found myself asking him ‘What do you actually do to become a Muslim?’ He answered that a Muslim should believe in one God, pray five times a day and fast during Ramadan. I interrupted him saying that I believed all this and had even fasted during Ramadan. So he asked, ‘What are you waiting for? What is holding you back?’ I said, ‘No, I don’t intend to convert.’
At that moment the call to prayer was made and everyone got ready and stood in lines to pray. I sat at the back, and I cried and cried. Then I said to myself, ‘Who am I trying to fool?’
After they ended their prayers, I headed to Yusuf Islam, asking him to teach me the words by which I announce my conversion. After explaining its meanings to me in English, I recited after him in Arabic that ‘There is no God but Allah and that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah.”

wrote book:

My life since then took a different course. Living in Egypt, I wrote a book about the tenets of Islam, Gardens of Delight: A Simple Introduction to Islam. Everyone is saying that Islam is not a religion of terrorism and isn’t a religion of hatred, but no-one tries to explain what it is.
So I decided to write this book to give non-Muslims an idea about the basic principles of Islam. I tried to tell people how beautiful Islam is and that Islam has the most extraordinary treasures, the most important being Muslims’ love for each other. The Prophet (peace be upon him)
says ‘Even a smile to your brother is a charity.’

Article by: arabnews.com

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‘Our goal is to make the pilgrims’ trip outstanding and memorable’

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JEDDAH: Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar confirmed that the number of Umrah performers is expected to be consistent with the policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which allows Muslims from all over the world to perform the pilgrimage.
In an exclusive interview, he said that the e-track for Umrah performers has contributed to streamlining the procedures to get visa and service packages. This initiative resulted in an increase in the number of Umrah pilgrims to about six million last year and a decrease in the number of overstayers to 0.1 percent.
Following are the excerpts of the interview:
Q: The Umrah season has approached and the Kingdom has started receiving pilgrims, so what are the preparations of the Ministry of Haj?
A: We, the ministry staff and I, are pleased to welcome the Umrah pilgrims from all over the world and wish them a happy stay in the Kingdom. We are glad to provide them with all available services. The ministry’s preparations start from the moment a pilgrim applies to perform Umrah in his/her home country till their arrival and stay in Makkah, Madinah and other holy places. The services continue until their departure for their home countries. Our goal is to make the pilgrims’ trip outstanding and memorable so that they act as the Kingdom’s ambassadors in their countries to convey the achievements and aspirations of the Kingdom, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, his government and the citizens in serving the guests of Allah.

Q: You want the Umrah performer to be the Kingdom’s ambassador to his/her homeland and worldwide, how can you achieve this?

A: It is the ministry’s vision to increase the level of services, including reception, farewell, housing, transport and catering. The ministry cooperates with the institutions that provide direct services to the pilgrims and visitors with a view to building a hospitality industry and related services, conforming to international standards, while focusing on continuous training for all Haj and Umrah workers. Companies and service providers play an active and effective role in these areas. However, we always aspire to bring integration between the support provided by the state in the form of projects and the level of services provided by the private sector.
Q: Back to our first question about the logistics of the Ministry of Haj?

A: The Umrah season begins on 1st Safar and ends on 15th Shawwal. The ministry starts developing an operational master plan by the beginning of Dul Qaada. The Umrah season this year is the fourth stage of implementing the Umrah Performers Regulations issued by the Cabinet, which starts in 1437 A.H. and ends in 1441 A.H. This season also coincides with the resolution of the Cabinet dated 20/11/1435 A.H. on the amendment of certain articles of Umrah Performers Regulations. During the current year, all matters relating to determining the locations of Umrah performers’ housing, room numbers, travel and transport bookings to and from the Kingdom will be included in the Umrah E-Track to be linked with the Automatic Reservation Program for hotels and furnished apartments, which will be a condition for visas.

Q: When will the ministry open the door for licensing new Umrah service companies? How many companies will be licensed?

A: The date and time to accept the applications will be announced shortly. An electronic program has been developed, whereby the applicant for license can enter all required particulars about himself and his/her company, including the commercial registration, capital, number of workers, experience and financial guarantee and other information. Points will be granted per element of the required data. To ensure transparency and clarity, applicants may review the points and degrees obtained. As to the number of such companies, it is under consideration and will take into account the company’s profitability and ability to effectively render services.
Q: What are the most important conditions to be primarily met in order to qualify for Umrah company license?

A: The company’s track record in the field, solvency and administrative competence in addition to other conditions and requirements. Such conditions are designed to ensure presence of financially and administratively strong companies that in total can form the service industry governed by international standards and operated by Saudi manpower. The requirements will be posted in details.

Q: Saudi Umrah companies have external agents and the Ministry of Haj is the licensing authority thereof. What are the licensing conditions?

A: There are currently 41 Saudi Umrah companies with 3,500 external agents working in 81 countries. For license, the ministry stipulates that the external agent should be licensed by a government authority at home, member of IATA and produce a bank guarantee. Prior to licensing, it is coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry is currently preparing mechanisms to ensure increase in the level of services provided by the Umrah travel agents and more transparency to the Umrah performers themselves.

Q: It is said that external agents of Saudi Umrah companies collect additional amounts for visas, is this true?

A: The embassies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia worldwide do not collect any fees to issue Haj and Umrah visas. Such visas are granted to any pilgrim or Umrah performer free of charge. The ministry posts this announcement on the electronic portal in Arabic, English and French languages through the communication center. Furthermore, there are clear instructions to Umrah companies and their external agents in this regard. In case any Umrah performer is asked to pay for the visa, he should call the ministry at the toll-free number from within the Kingdom or abroad.

Q: What is the number of Umrah program days?

A: The validity of the Umrah visa is one month and each Umrah company determines the number of program days.

Q: What is the basis on which the visa allocation for each Umrah company is determined? Why do some companies get more visas than the others?

A: The number of visas per Umrah company is based on the average visas obtained during the past years. Each company determines the number of visas it needs through the programs it launches. If the Umrah performers depart once their programs are completed, the company may obtain a similar number of visas. However, if the Umrah performers overstay, the company’s ability to get new visas is affected. Therefore, a compliant company that operates in accordance with these instructions can obtain the number of visas it wants.

Q: Following the completion of religious tourism programs, can the Umrah performer visit other cities in the Kingdom?

A: I do not back the idea of calling Umrah as religious tourism. They should be two separate activities. Umrah is a ritual and tourism is something else. There is an agreement between the Ministry of Haj and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH), whereby the pilgrim, following the completion of Umrah program, and through companies licensed by the Commission for Tourism can make his/her tourist program. Once the Umrah performer moves to the tourist company, the responsibility of the Umrah company and the Ministry of Haj ends.

Q: The numbers of overstaying Umrah performers are increasing year after year. Why the ministry does not take more stringent measures to prevent overstaying?

A: If we review the numbers of Umrah performers and overstayers during the past ten years and their ratio, then your statement is not accurate. In 1427 A.H., the number of Umrah performers was less than three million and overstayers about 500,000. In 1436 A.H., the number was six million and overstayers about 6,000, i.e. 0.1%. The ministry has taken stringent measures to eliminate overstaying. The action includes suspension of more than 100 Umrah companies. For the existing companies, in case the number of overstaying Umrah performers reaches a certain figure, the e-system automatically suspends the violating company until the situation is rectified. The Umrah companies are compliant with the ministry’s instructions. The ministry looks forward to eliminating the overstaying numbers by the Will of Allah.

Q: What is the deadline for Umrah performers to depart so that they are not deemed overstaying?

A: By the end of Dul Qaada.
Q: Was the housing capacity in Makkah and Madinah affected by the expansion projects at the Two Holy Sites? What are the actions taken?
A: The Umrah performers housing sector in Madinah was affected by the expansion projects, but the housing capacity in Makkah was not affected. To address this exceptional situation, the ministry made a proposal approved by the Cabinet whereby the Umrah performers are allowed to live in the pilgrims’ designated housing in accordance with certain limitations. The proposal led to increase the housing capacity in both Makkah and Madinah and also to price stability due to the balance created between supply and demand. The proposal has also given the opportunity to the owners of housing licensed by the Haj Housing Inspection Committee to have their housing registered in the Umrah e-track to be used for Umrah performers. The SCTNH is the competent authority. The owners are required to visit the commission for classification. Making the possible minimum classification is among other necessary requirements for accommodating Umrah performers in addition to the operational and constructional safety requirements. The proposal has also provided for the implementation of the procedures through the e-link between the Ministry of Haj, SCTNH, General Directorate of Civil Defense and the Pilgrims Housing Inspection Committee in order to cut short the period for issuing and renewing licenses.

Q: Roughly speaking, how many buildings designated for pilgrims’ housing will be allowed to house Umrah performers?

A: In Makkah around 6,000 and in Madinah around 1000 housing units will be licensed to house Umrah performers. This will achieve good returns for investment throughout the year for the owners because the units will be used in both Haj and Umrah seasons. At the same time, this will increase the capacity of the Two Holy Cities and will allow more Muslims to perform Umrah. The Kingdom is very interested in meeting the wishes of Muslims of the world.

Q: The greeting programs to welcome the pilgrims were met with acceptance and acclaim by the pilgrims. The media showed touching footages full of tears of happiness and joy. Why these programs are not continued during Umrah seasons?

A: The ministry launched the greetings program to welcome the pilgrims upon arrival and departure. The program includes welcoming the pilgrims at airports, buses and field service offices. The reception includes giving gifts, flowers and chants as an expression of joy and happiness of Saudi citizens’ at the arrival of pilgrims and Umrah performers.

Q: There are citizens other than professionals to look forward to serving the Pilgrims. Does the ministry has a vision to provide them an opportunity?

A: Yes, the ministry has established the “Piligrims, Umrah Performers and Visitors Friends Unit”, which is designed to attract volunteers from different academic, age and professional segments to take part in serving the pilgrims under certain conditions, various plans and programs developed by the Unit Officials.

Q: Last word to close the interview.
A: Among the blessings of Allah to this country is the leadership that rules in the light of the Holy Qur’an and is guided by the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Following in the footsteps of the founder of this country, the late King Abdulaziz, our leaders have made Haj and Umrah their top priority, deploying all potentials and resources for the pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors to perform the rituals in tranquility, assurance and peace of mind.

Article by: arabnews.com

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