JEDDAH: As Hajj winds down, congratulations poured in hailing the peerless facilities by the government of Saudi Arabia in giving pilgrims a memorable experience of a lifetime journey.
Hajj season of this year was a huge success and an incredible way to show the world the spirit of a united religion, international media and social media played a major role in proofing that to the globe by sharing many articles, videos, and picture of this huge event.
Reaction from all over the Arab and Islamic world was overall positive complimenting the overarching organization, relentless efforts and the wide range of service provided by all agencies involved in Hajj from security personnel to Saudi Boy Scouts and female volunteers.
Anwar Gargash, UAE State Minister for Foreign Affairs, took to Twitter his praise the successful Hajj season. “In a nutshell, the huge success of Saudi Arabia in the Organization of Hajj is a success for all Muslims and Arabs,” Gargash tweeted.
Hajj this year was a success according to the Adviser to King Salman Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.
Prince Khaled thanked him and all Saudi officials for their efforts in organizing Hajj, saying the pilgrimage “was exceptional this year on all levels through the provision of services, execution of plans and conduct of workers.”
He expressed hope that reporters convey pilgrims’ “message of peace,” adding: “We do not tolerate any violations in Hajj... We reject the politicization of Hajj, and hope that all pilgrims come for worship, not for politics.”
The Kingdom does not interfere in the affairs of other countries, and does not allow any country to interfere in its affairs, Prince Khalid said, adding that Saudi Arabia is open to all Muslims.
“We do not claim to be perfect, but every year we will improve transport and accommodation services,” he said, confirming that this year’s Hajj saw more than 2 million pilgrims. He expressed hoped that the services provided by the Kingdom matched their expectation.
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman received a cable of congratulations from His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, prince of Kuwait, on the occasion of the success of this year’s Hajj season.
He mentioned the great efforts exerted by Saudi Arabia’s wise government represented by all sectors and concerned authorities that have harnessed their utmost energies to serve pilgrims.
For his part, Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khaled Jarrah Al-Sabah sent a cable to Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saudi congratulating him on the successful organization of Hajj season. He lauded the tremendous efforts of the Saudi Interior Ministry and all security personnel who ensured pilgrims safety and the smoothness of their movement during rituals.
A similar cable was also received by King Salman from King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha noting the great and sincere efforts of the wise government in serving and caring for the guests of God, Kuwaiti news agency (KUNA) reported.
Dr. Ahmed Atiyah, Yemeni minister of Endowments and Guidance, announced the success of the pilgrimage season for this year without recording any accidents among Yemeni pilgrims.
Atiyah said in a statement to the media that “the success of the Hajj season for this year came as a result of the efforts of specialized technical committees and ministry staff, and the accredited marketing agencies to promote the Yemeni pilgrims.”
According to Al-Tahlia News, the head of the Office of the Affairs of the pilgrims of Nigeria, Abdullah Mukhtar Mohammed, stressed that what has been provided this year can not be described, considering the success of the Hajj season this year, especially with the increase in the number of pilgrims as it is a witness to the good management and organization of the Kingdom’s Hajj system.
Meanwhile, several Hajj-related hashtags have been trending in the past 48 hours as Muslims from all over the world extensively circulated pictures and videos captured in Hajj while lauding the Saudi government’s efforts in making this year’s Hajj a success. #CustodianOfTheTwoHolyMosques hashtag was circulating with more than 23 million tweets, according to Sky News Arabia, where people recalled the word of King Salman in which he thanked God for enabling his country to serve pilgrims.
The second hashtag on the list was #SaudiArabiaWelcomesTheWorld, which was trending even before the Hajj days started, where it received 17 million interactions and tweets within just two days of its launching.
The third hashtag was #GodsGuests, which received more than 11 million tweets.
Muslims laud successful Hajj season
Muslims laud successful Hajj season
KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
KSrelief distributed 143 packages to families in need in Qatana city in Rif Dimashq governorate — as part of the Etaam Ramadan Food Basket Project — in the Syrian Arab Republic.
KSrelief also provided 259 food baskets to families in Shinshar village in the Homs governorate, benefiting 974 individuals.
The Etaam project, which is now in its fourth phase, aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).
In addition, some 430 food packages were distributed in Port Sudan, benefiting 2,395 needy and displaced people in that country.
KSrelief also distributed 800 shopping vouchers and 500 food baskets in Akkar governorate, northern Lebanon, helping 3,300 individuals.
Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir
- The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to protect Islamic heritage
RIYADH: The historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in the Asir region has been restored as part of a national project, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to protect Islamic heritage and highlight traditional architectural styles.
Built in 1760, Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque was renovated to preserve its original design and geometric shape while restoring its sustainable features.
These include a rainwater collection system that stores water in the mosque’s reservoir and is used for ablutions, the SPA reported.
The mosque, designed in the Sarat style, covers 134 sq. meters and can accommodate up to 32 worshippers.
A notable feature is the Al-Manzala room, traditionally used to host travelers. Its construction features stone walls, which reflect the upper mountain villages’ urban fabric.
Adorned with white plaster, the mosque stands out from neighboring buildings. The Sarat style’s urban patterns are influenced by climate, topography and culture.
It is one of 30 mosques in 13 regions in phase two, including six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf, and Jazan. The Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail and Qassim each have one mosque in the scheme.
Phase two follows phase one, completed in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions. Saudi companies and heritage restoration experts are leading the development efforts, according to the SPA.
Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr
RIYADH: The fifth National Campaign for Charitable Work, hosted on the Ehsan platform during Ramadan, continues to attract significant donations, focusing on mosque enhancements and worship services.
The campaign has funded more than 3,000 Umrah trips, built five mosques, maintained 46, and provided essential resources to 12, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Donations can be made via ehsan.sa or the donor service center at 8001247000, the SPA added.
Ehsan has also begun accepting Zakat Al-Fitr donations digitally to ensure prompt distribution to eligible recipients across the Kingdom.
This follows the approved charitable methods of Ehsan’s Shariah Committee, chaired by Royal Court Adviser Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mutlaq, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars.
Donors can pay Zakat Al-Fitr via the Ehsan app or website, specifying the administrative region and the number of recipients. This is done in coordination with relevant authorities across all regions.
As part of the fifth National Campaign for Charitable Work, Zakat Al-Fitr distribution aims to empower the community during this season of giving and fulfill religious obligations, according to the SPA.
Supporting charitable initiatives, King Salman donated SR40 million ($10.6 million), while Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman contributed SR30 million for the fifth campaign. So far, total donations have exceeded SR1 billion.
This achievement reflects Saudi society’s commitment to unity, solidarity, and compassion during Ramadan. Contributions have come from individuals, companies, institutions, and philanthropists.
The 2024 campaign has raised more than SR1.8 billion through 15 million transactions, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in charitable work and sustainable development.
Saudi project clears 552 Houthi mines in Yemen
RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 552 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.
The total included 513 unexploded ordnances, 35 anti-tank mines and four explosive devices, according to a recent report.
Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 485,501 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.
The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.
The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.
The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.
Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
