JEDDAH: The Muslim World League (MWL) has praised the Kingdom for its planning and organization in the face of various challenges during Haj 2015.
Abdullah bin Abdul Mohsin Al-Turki, secretary-general of the MWL, slammed Iran for trying to politicize the loss of life caused by the crane crash in Makkah and the stampede in Mina.
Speaking at an event to honor the heads of the world’s Haj delegations, he said the pilgrimage is meant to be an event that brings people together, regardless of ethnicity, based on the teachings of the Qur’an and the example of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
He praised the efforts of the Kingdom under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the expansion of the holy places.
Al-Turki said the Kingdom mobilized huge amounts of people, material and technical knowhow to ensure pilgrims could perform their rituals in comfort and safety in Makkah and the holy sites.
He said the heads of the Haj delegations had pointed out that the event should not be used for political gain.
“The participants at the ceremony thanked the Kingdom’s leadership for the attention and care given to the development projects and services in Makkah and the holy sites,” he said.
He said the participants also stressed the importance of educating pilgrims in their own countries on the Haj rituals. “They must be encouraged to cooperate fully with the authorities in the Kingdom and stick to rules and regulations during their Haj.”
“The participants emphasized the Muslim World League’s efforts to unite Muslims. There should be no political conflicts during the pilgrimage. The Kingdom and its leadership must be supported in their efforts to prevent any form of disagreement during the Haj,” he said.
MWL highlights importance of educating pilgrims on Haj rituals
MWL highlights importance of educating pilgrims on Haj rituals
Coffee in Northern Borders is about flavor and community
ARAR: The strong and dark coffee in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region denotes flavor, community and conversation.
The brew is typically prepared with generous amounts of cardamom, saffron or cloves and sometimes ginger. It is boiled in a rakwa or coffee kettle over a wood fire, giving it a unique taste associated with the Bedouin environment.
The coffee is served at “shabbat” gatherings in desert camps and on the outskirts of cities, where families and friends gather around a fire for warmth and conversations, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
FASTFACTS
• Dark brew boiled with cardamom, spices.
• All about hospitality, says an elder in Arar
Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Zammam, an Arar elder, said: “Coffee transcends simple hospitality for us — it initiates dialogue and embodies welcome. We dedicate ourselves to mastering its preparation because it demonstrates guest reverence and heritage appreciation.”
Northern heritage advocate Fahd Al-Saqri noted that coffee has evolved into a daily fixture within community councils, stressing that shabbat gatherings cannot truly commence without it.
Residents are keen to select the finest types of coffee beans, and preparation methods vary among families according to taste and custom.
Some families have passed down methods of preparing coffee through generations, with quality recognized by aroma, flavor, and color.
