Hajj pilgrims arrive in Arafat, attend annual sermon

Amid strict security and health measures, this year’s Hajj pilgrims arrived in Arafat early Saturday morning, the ninth day of Dul Hijjah, and attended the annual Hajj sermon at Namirah Mosque. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
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Amid strict security and health measures, this year’s Hajj pilgrims arrived in Arafat early Saturday morning, the ninth day of Dul Hijjah, and attended the annual Hajj sermon at Namirah Mosque. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
Amid strict security and health measures, this year’s Hajj pilgrims arrived in Arafat early Saturday morning, the ninth day of Dul Hijjah, and attended the annual Hajj sermon at Namirah Mosque. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
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Amid strict security and health measures, this year’s Hajj pilgrims arrived in Arafat early Saturday morning, the ninth day of Dul Hijjah, and attended the annual Hajj sermon at Namirah Mosque. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
Amid strict security and health measures, this year’s Hajj pilgrims arrived in Arafat early Saturday morning, the ninth day of Dul Hijjah, and attended the annual Hajj sermon at Namirah Mosque. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
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Amid strict security and health measures, this year’s Hajj pilgrims arrived in Arafat early Saturday morning, the ninth day of Dul Hijjah, and attended the annual Hajj sermon at Namirah Mosque. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
Amid strict security and health measures, this year’s Hajj pilgrims arrived in Arafat early Saturday morning, the ninth day of Dul Hijjah, and attended the annual Hajj sermon at Namirah Mosque. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
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Amid strict security and health measures, this year’s Hajj pilgrims arrived in Arafat early Saturday morning, the ninth day of Dul Hijjah, and attended the annual Hajj sermon at Namirah Mosque. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 15 June 2024
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Hajj pilgrims arrive in Arafat, attend annual sermon

Hajj pilgrims arrive in Arafat, attend annual sermon
  • Arafat is where Prophet Muhammad gave his final sermon more than 144 decades ago

ARAFAT: Amid strict security and health measures, this year’s Hajj pilgrims arrived in Arafat early Saturday morning, the ninth day of Dul Hijjah, and attended the annual Hajj sermon at Namirah Mosque.

As the sun rose, pilgrims camping in the tent city of Mina performed dawn prayers, then began their journey to Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad gave his final sermon more than 144 decades ago. On Saturday, one could hear nothing louder than the crowd chanting supplications.

Ansarul-Haq Rasheed, a 63-year-old Indonesian pilgrim, expressed a heartfelt desire to pray to Allah for as long as possible.

“I wish time could pause so I could continue praying to Allah with all my heart,” he told Arab News. “These moments are unforgettable. I want to lay bare all my emotions to my creator, who knows everything. I seek His blessings for my needs in this life and the hereafter.”

 

Reflecting on the pilgrimage experience, he expressed gratitude for the services provided to pilgrims. He compared it with stories he had been told of his late father’s Hajj, some 45 years ago. “My mother shared the hardships my father faced during Hajj; I wish he could see how much more comfortable Hajj has become,” Rasheed said. 

Meanwhile, 49-year-old Khadija Yakoubi, a Moroccan pilgrim, anticipated a transformative experience from his pilgrimage.

“When all sins are forgiven, life inevitably changes for the better, leading to a renewed enjoyment. This feeling motivates pilgrims to continue doing good throughout their lives,” Yakoubi said, adding that the services pilgrims have received at the holy sites have been “exemplary.”

The Day of Arafat is the most important part of the Hajj — one of Islam’s five pillars; without it, a pilgrimage is not valid. Pilgrims typically combine and shorten the Dhuhr and Asr prayers before staying in Arafat until sunset. They then move on to Muzdalifah before returning to their tents in Mina.

Sheikh Maher bin Hamad Al-Muaiqly, one of the imams of the Grand Mosque, who delivered this year’s sermon, described Hajj as a “sincere act of worship for Allah.”

 

He urged pilgrims to seize “the great blessings” during their time in Arafat, reminding them that “in this honorable place and virtuous time, the Almighty multiplies his rewards” for their good deeds and forgives their sins.

In his sermon, Al-Muaiqly emphasized that Islam is a religion of peace and that Shariah “mandates justice, noble ethics, and kindness to parents, along with the importance of maintaining family ties, truthfulness in speech, and safeguarding rights to ensure they are rightfully upheld. It also emphasizes respect for contracts and encourages obedience to rightful authorities.”

He added that Shariah also emphasizes the obligation to obey the five central religious laws: safeguarding religion, and protecting the soul, the mind, one’s possessions, and one’s dignity — all important principles in Islamic jurisprudence and ethics, and, he said, guiding principles for the well-being and growth of individuals and society.

“Indeed, Shariah considers any transgression against these basics a crime deserving punishment. Furthermore, safeguarding these essentials is a path to entering paradise and attaining Allah’s satisfaction. It also serves as a key to stability, happiness, progress, and advancement in this world,” the imam said.


Saudi counter-narcotics authorities thwart drug smuggling attempts in several regions

Saudi counter-narcotics authorities thwart drug smuggling attempts in several regions
Updated 22 sec ago
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Saudi counter-narcotics authorities thwart drug smuggling attempts in several regions

Saudi counter-narcotics authorities thwart drug smuggling attempts in several regions
  • Border Guard seized 100 kg of hallucinogenic khat leaves, valued at approximately $5,300
  • In Jizan, authorities arrested a gang of Yemeni nationals for smuggling khat

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s counter-narcotics authorities thwarted drug smuggling and dealing attempts, including of hashish, khat, and methamphetamine, in various cities on Thursday.

The General Directorate of Border Guard arrested an Ethiopian citizen for attempting to smuggle 49,350 tablets of unlicensed medical pills in the Red Sea region of Asir, located in southwest Saudi Arabia.

The Border Guard thwarted another smuggling attempt in Asir, which borders Yemen, where they seized 100 kg of hallucinogenic khat leaves, valued at approximately $5,300.

In Jizan, located in the southwest of the Kingdom, authorities arrested a gang of Yemeni nationals for smuggling 5.5 kg of hashish and 30 kg of khat; in another incident, they seized 108 kg of khat.

In Dammam in the eastern region, the General Directorate of Mujahideen arrested a Saudi citizen for selling the toxic methamphetamine drug known locally as Al-Shabu.

Drug smuggling is a serious crime in Saudi Arabia. It is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, along with 50 lashes and a fine for first-time offenders involved in smuggling, consuming or marketing drugs. However, individuals who repeatedly commit this crime may face the death penalty, according to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control.

Security authorities urged the public to report drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.

Reports can also be made to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at [email protected]. All information will remain strictly confidential.


Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award established to strengthen Saudi-China cultural ties

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award established to strengthen Saudi-China cultural ties
Updated 13 February 2025
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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award established to strengthen Saudi-China cultural ties

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award established to strengthen Saudi-China cultural ties
  • Special launch, social event in Riyadh

RIYADH: The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award for Cultural Cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China was launched at a special cultural and social event in Riyadh on Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event was held with the support of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the minister of culture and the chairman of the award’s board of trustees.

It highlighted the award’s objectives, categories, and various initiatives designed to enhance cultural collaboration between Riyadh and Beijing.

Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Muaammar, the deputy chairman of the board of trustees, was also in attendance.

The deputy chairman emphasized the significance of the award — which bears the name of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — as a symbol of the relationship between Saudi Arabia and China, one of cultural interaction, strengthening ties and enriching cross-cultural exchanges.

He added that Saudi Vision 2030 placed a strong emphasis on cultural openness — aligning seamlessly with China’s Belt and Road Initiative — which seeks to enhance global connectivity.

The award, he said, reflected a new era of cultural cooperation to drive mutual development and prosperity for both nations.


Saudi Arabia condemns two suicide attacks in Afghanistan

Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced on Thursday two separate suicide attacks that took place in Afghanistan recently. File/AFP)
Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced on Thursday two separate suicide attacks that took place in Afghanistan recently.(File/AFP)
Updated 13 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns two suicide attacks in Afghanistan

Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced on Thursday two separate suicide attacks that took place in Afghanistan recently. File/AFP)
  • Foreign Ministry statement reiterated the Kingdom’s categorical rejection of the terrorist acts, and its support for the Afghan people against all forms of violence

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced on Thursday two separate suicide attacks that took place in Afghanistan recently.

In the first attack, a suicide bomber attacked the front of a bank in the northern city of Kunduz on Tuesday, killing eight people. Daesh later claimed the bombing, saying it was targeting Taliban government employees collecting salaries.

In the second attack, a person was killed and at least three wounded in a suicide attack on the Afghan ministry of urban development and housing on Thursday.

A Foreign Ministry statement reiterated the Kingdom’s categorical rejection of the terrorist acts, and its support for the Afghan people against all forms of violence, terrorism and extremism.

The statement also expressed the Kingdom’s condolences to the families of the victims and the Afghan people, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.


Riyadh leads national tally with 21 mm of rainfall

Riyadh leads national tally with 21 mm of rainfall
Updated 13 February 2025
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Riyadh leads national tally with 21 mm of rainfall

Riyadh leads national tally with 21 mm of rainfall
  • Riyadh region records highest precipitation of 21 mm in Alqah, Zulfi governorate
  • Qassim region reported significant rainfall, with Dukhnah in Al-Rass measuring 11 mm

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture reported on Thursday that six regions across Saudi Arabia experienced rainfall, with Riyadh region recording the highest precipitation of 21 mm in Alqah, Zulfi governorate.

According to the ministry’s daily meteorological report, 52 hydrological and climate monitoring stations tracked precipitation across the Kingdom. Rainfall was recorded in Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Qassim, Eastern Region, and Al-Baha.

In the Riyadh region, Rawdat Al-Sabla in Zulfi recorded 7.5 mm, while Al-Rayyan district in Al-Dawadmi measured 7.1 mm. Other notable readings included Kharoub farms in Shaqra at 6 mm, Al-Majmaah train station at 4.8 mm, and Arja in Al-Dawadmi at 4.6 mm.

Qassim region reported significant rainfall, with Dukhnah in Al-Rass measuring 11 mm, Buraidah 8.6 mm, and Riyadh Al-Khabra 8 mm. The Eastern Region saw precipitation levels of 9.6 mm at Al-Olaya metro station, 9 mm in Khafji, 4.6 mm at the Naval Forces Airport in Jubail, and 3.8 mm at the Border Guard station in Ruqi, Hafar Al-Batin.

The Makkah region’s Saja Reserve in Al-Muwayh recorded 9.2 mm, while Raniah received 2.2 mm. Madinah region registered 1.4 mm in Al-Hisu, Al-Hinakiyah, and Al-Baha region’s Shada in Al-Makhwah recorded 0.6 mm.


Hijazi Saudi night at French consulate in Jeddah

Hijazi Saudi night at French consulate in Jeddah
Updated 13 February 2025
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Hijazi Saudi night at French consulate in Jeddah

Hijazi Saudi night at French consulate in Jeddah
  • Event brought together prominent figures to celebrate cultural exchange and strong Saudi-French ties
  • Saudi and Hijazi music brought the rich history, deep emotions and cultural beauty back to the Saudi audience

JEDDAH: The Consulate General of France in Jeddah hosted a special Hijazi dinner followed by a musical evening on Wednesday.

The event brought together prominent figures to celebrate cultural exchange and strong Saudi-French ties. It featured a stellar lineup of Saudi artists, including Abdullah Rashad, Al-Aidrous, Mohammed Hashem and Mohammed Hamdi, who delivered a captivating performance that blended Hijazi authenticity with artistic creativity.

The Saudi and Hijazi music brought the rich history, deep emotions and cultural beauty back to the Saudi audience. “Ya Musafir Wahdak,” first sung by Mohamed Abdel Wahab, is a classic song about a traveler saying goodbye to a loved one. “Layla Ya Layla,” performed by Al-Aidrous and originally sung by Mohamed Abdu, is a beloved song that reflects Hijazi musical traditions. “Mudhilla,” by Mohamed Abdu, is known for its beautiful lyrics and melody.

“Ya Mustajeeb Lil-Da’i,” a traditional Hijazi song, was also originally sung by Mohamed Abdu and is deeply connected to Saudi heritage. Lastly, “Al-Khayzarana,” performed by Abdullah Rashad, evoked the lively spirit of Hijazi folklore.

Guests indulged in an authentic Hijazi feast, highlighting the rich flavours of traditional cuisine. Signature dishes included mutabaq, kibdah (liver), mantu, farmoza, and kabab miro, along with a variety of grilled specialities that showcased the depth of the region’s culinary heritage.

In his address, French Consul General in Jeddah Mohamed Nehad emphasized the strength of bilateral relations between France and Saudi Arabia, commending the strategic partnership and collaboration in various fields, particularly in culture and the arts.

Nehad told Arab News: “This evening brings together Saudi artists performing timeless songs from the country’s rich heritage. The event serves as a celebration of cultural exchange and camaraderie, uniting friends in Jeddah for a memorable musical night. As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, guests can immerse themselves in the spirit of tradition and shared appreciation for art and music.”

With Ramadan approaching, the event took on an added significance, providing a platform for cultural dialogue and strengthening bonds between attendees in an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.

Through this gathering, the consulate reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cultural dialogue and fostering deeper cooperation and mutual understanding between the Saudi and French communities.