JEDDAH: The president of the International Muslim Association of New Zealand expressed gratitude, on behalf of the families of those killed in the Christchurch mosque massacre in March, for the invitation extended to them by King Salman to perform Hajj this year. Tahir Nawaz also praised the services provided by the Kingdom each year to serve pilgrims.
The pilgrims flew into King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah on Friday.
King Salman last month directed that the families of the attack on two mosques that killed 51 people, are hosted for this year’s pilgrimage.
They were received by the director of passports at the airport, Col. Sulaiman Al-Yousef.
The reception was attended by New Zealand Ambassador to the Kingdom James Monro and other officials.
Monro said the invitation from King Salman was an “exceptionally noble gesture. “This move was highly appreciated by the people of New Zealand, not only by the visiting pilgrims,” he said.
New Zealand Muslim community leader praises Hajj services
New Zealand Muslim community leader praises Hajj services
- Monro said the invitation from King Salman was an “exceptionally noble gesture
Saudi project restores Al-Fath Mosque in Makkah
- The mosque in Al-Jumum governorate is one of 60 mosques out of 130 that are undergoing repairs across the Kingdom
RIYADH: The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques is restoring the Al-Fath Mosque in the Al-Jumum governorate, one of 60 mosques out of 130 undergoing repairs.
Al-Fath Mosque, believed to have been prayed in by the Prophet Muhammad, will expand from 455.77 sq. meters to 553.50 sq. meters, increasing its capacity from 218 to 333 worshippers.
In the first and second phases of the restoration project, workers used natural materials such as brick, basalt stone, gypsum, and wood to preserve the architectural style of the Hijaz region. Traditional elements, such as the intricate wooden balcony screens, will also be preserved.
The mosque is situated 260 meters off the road connecting Makkah and Madinah. It has been subject to prolonged neglect over the years. The last major restoration took place in 1998, during which a prayer area for women and additional facilities were added, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
It is one of the mosques being restored in the second phase of the project, which spans all 13 regions, including Riyadh, Madinah, Aseer, Jouf, and Jazan. The project is part of Vision 2030’s commitment to preserving Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and enhancing the historical and religious significance of its mosques.
