MWL chief: Saudi Arabia has always called for coexistence between mankind

Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League (MWL), addresses at the 30th International Summit on Religion in Kyoto, Japan. (SPA)
Updated 06 August 2017
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MWL chief: Saudi Arabia has always called for coexistence between mankind

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has always called for peace and coexistence between mankind, the Muslim World League’s (MWL) secretary-general said at the 30th International Summit on Religion in Kyoto, Japan.
Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa stressed the responsibility of religious leaders to promote civilized and humanitarian concepts to spread the values of love and peace.
Some entities are trying to lay foundations of human society based on materialistic philosophies that deny religion and spiritual values, he warned.
Al-Issa stressed the importance of convening international meetings to ward off a clash of civilizations.
“We, on behalf of the enlightened Muslim peoples, hope that all people will be pleased with the linguistic and religious meaning of Islam, which contains lofty principles and noble values calling for… equality among the human race,” he said.
Al-Issa added that the MWL not only bears the concerns of the Islamic world, but of humanity at large as Islam’s message is global.


Ramadan begins with celestial spectacle in Saudi Arabia's north 

Updated 7 sec ago
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Ramadan begins with celestial spectacle in Saudi Arabia's north 

  • Venus-crescent moon alignment visible over Northern Borders Region skies
  • Meteorology Center completes operational plan for the holy month

ARAR/JEDDAH: The holy month of Ramadan has commenced in Saudi Arabia with a striking astronomical display in the Northern Borders Region, setting a serene tone for the month as meteorological authorities confirmed full readiness to support pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

On Tuesday evening, the skies over Arar witnessed a rare alignment as the planet Venus paired with the slender crescent moon marking the first day of Ramadan. Appearing shortly after sunset, the crescent shimmered low on the western horizon above Venus — one of the brightest celestial bodies — in a display enhanced by clear skies.

While the conjunction is a recurring astronomical phenomenon caused by the apparent proximity of the two bodies as viewed from Earth,  its coincidence with the start of the holy month added a special aesthetic and spiritual dimension to the atmosphere in the north, SPA said.

Meteorological readiness

As the faithful began their fasting, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) announced the completion of its operational and technical preparations for Ramadan 1447 AH.

The plan includes heightened performance levels at observatories in the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and aviation safety. (SPA)

NCM Chief Executive Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam confirmed that the center has finalized a comprehensive plan to ensure round-the-clock weather monitoring for Makkah, Madinah, and the roads leading to the Two Holy Mosques. The initiative aims to provide accurate forecasting to enhance the safety and comfort of the influx of visitors and Umrah pilgrims.

The plan includes heightened performance levels at observatories in the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and aviation safety.

To ensure pilgrims have real-time access to information, the NCM has integrated its data with the "Nusuk" and "Tawakkalna" smart applications. Ten-day extended forecasts and real-time alerts will also be available via the "Anwaa" app and displayed on guidance boards along highways.

The center has mobilized 14 media platforms to deliver swift weather alerts, ensuring high standards of security and logistical support throughout the season.