Tuesday 26 October 2010

Hajj is much easier and comfortable due to expansion

Hajj is now easy and comfortable due to
Expansion of Holy Mosques and other holy sites


Dr. Mozammel Haque

Expansion of the Two Holy Mosques was given top priority by King Abdul Aziz and his successors for the service of Islam and Muslims. They were aware that Holy Mosque could not support the growing numbers of worshippers and also overseeing the well-being of the pilgrims undertaking the annual Hajj. The implementation of the expansion projects aimed at enabling pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors of the Holy Places to perform their rituals in comfort and ease. A long and glorious tradition of expansion surrounds the Haram Mosque, dating back to 638 AD, when the increasing number of conversions to Islam led the second Caliph, Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, to develop the site.

When King Abdul Aziz established the modern Saudi State, one of his primary concerns, like that of the early Caliphs, was his role in overseeing the well-being of the pilgrims undertaking the annual Hajj. He initiated a refurbishment and expansion programme. The achievements of King Abdul Aziz were unparalleled since the last expansion of the Holy Haram 1,096 years ago in the era of the Abbasid Caliph, Al-Muqtadir Billah. Efforts of the Ottoman Sultan, Saleem and his son Sultan Murad (1576) were confined to refurbishing the Mosque, not expanding it.

The expansion begun by King Abdul Aziz and completed during the reign of King Saud, was aimed at building a path 394 meters long and 20 metres (65 ft) wide close to the Masaa, and a 9-metre (30 ft) high second floor over the Masaa, in addition to a 2-way barrier and a path for disabled people in wheelchairs in the Masaa. The Masaa has 16 gates on the eastern side in addition to two entrances for the second floor, one at Al Safa and the other at Al Marwa.

The expansion of the Two Holy Mosques was given priority by King Abdul Aziz, Saud, Faisal and Khalid and totaled 131,041 square metres (157,250 square yards), compared to the Mosque’s previous area of 29,127 square metres (34,800 sq. yards.). This raised the total area to 160,168 sqaure metres (192,000 sq.yds.)

The King Fahd’s expansion of the Haramein project had a number of aims primarily the improvement, redecoration and expansion of the Holy Mosque, its courtyards and facilities, so that it can accommodate the largest possible number of worshippers. The most advanced technical innovations were used to facilitate movement and prayer for pilgrims and visitors to the Haram and access to the cooled, pure water of "Zamzam".

Work on the project began on September 13, 1988 when the King laid the foundation stone. The project included the addition of a new part to the Mosque from the Western side between the Umrah Gate and the King’s Gate. The area of the expansion floors totaled 76,000 square metres including the ground, first and basement floors, accommodating some 152,000 worshippers. The projects also include furnishing the mosque’s outer yards for prayer, an area totaling 85,000 sq. metres and accommodating 130,000 worshippers.

This raised the Sacred Mosque’s total area to about 365,000 square meters, accommodating 773,000 worshippers on normal days and more than one million during Hajj season and the holy month of Ramadan. The project also included the construction of a 750-metre long, 24 to 36 metre wide basement under the prayer area to the east of the Masaa.

A new air-conditioning system was devised. For that purpose, a station was setup in Ajiad with a total capacity of 13,500 cooling tons. A new 2-storied toilet building covering an area of 14,000 sq. metres was built to the north of Masaa area. It contains 1440 toilets, 1091 ablution points and 162 drinking water taps. Separate toilets have been set aside for women complete with separate entrances.

The area of the basement totaled 20,000 squares, accommodating 33,000 worshippers. The area of the first floor totaled 47,000 square metres, accommodating 77,000 worshippers, the area of the roof after improvements totaled 42,000 square metres, accommodating 90,000 worshippers. There are 56 escalators.

The Tawaf area was tiled with heat-dissipating marble, doors were renewed and the Mosque’s library was established at a total cost of SR. 80 million. There are 55,000 lighting lamps connected by wires, whose combined length totaled 35,000 metres.

Haramain Expansion Projects by King Abdullah
To further improve both Hajj services and pilgrims’ facilities, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah ordered additional expansions to the Grand Mosque.

Described as the largest in Muslim history, the project will create additional prayer space for nearly a million worshippers. More than 1,000 properties in the areas of Shamiya and Shubaika have been demolished in order to make room for the expansion.

Masaa, the area between Safa and Marwa, which is located inside the mosque has been expanded to help pilgrims perform the sa’ie ritual more easily and comfortably.

King Abdullah allocated SR10 billion for the new projects at the Grand Mosque and the holy sites.

He also ordered another expansion at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah at a cost of more than SR4 billion. It includes the installation of 182 sunshades in courtyards around the mosque for the benefit of 200,000 worshippers. The mosque’s eastern courtyard has been expanded, creating additional prayer place for 70,000 worshippers.

With the completion of the new expansion project, all residential areas of old Madinah will become part the mosque complex. As part of the government’s efforts in the service of pilgrims, several projects have been carried out in Makkah and also at the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa.

Projects for comfort and ease
at Tawaf, Masa’a and Jamarat

With the increasingly overcrowded during Hajj in Tawaf and Masa’a area and also in Jamarat, the Saudi authorities took many projects to find solution in these areas.

Tawaf area and Maqam Ibrahim
Tawaf (circumambulation around Ka’ba) has now become more comfortable because of the Tawaf area being tiled with heat dissipating marble. But from a long time, the area of Tawaf (circumambulation around Ka’ba) was getting increasingly overcrowded during Hajj and other seasons. A solution had to be found requiring the removal of buildings close to Ka’ba such as the building over Zamzam well, the pulpit and the building over Maqam Ibrahim (the stone over which Prophet Abraham stood while raising the walls of Ka’ba).

To achieve this, the building over Zamzam was removed leaving the well beneath the ground with pilgrims descending to it using stairs leading to the chamber housing the Well below the Tawaf area. The pulpit was relocated eastward.

Ibn Katheer said: “Maqam Ibrahim is the stone standing at which Imams lead the prayers. It is the stone on which Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) stood while building the House. When the wall went up, Ishmael (peace be upon him) brought it to him to stand on while taking the stones from him and aligning them with his hand to raise the wall. Upon completing one side, he would move to the other, circumambulating around the Ka’ba while still standing on the stone. Upon completing one wall, he would move to the side nearest to it until he finally completed the walls of Ka’ba.”

In 1964, the Constituent Council of the Muslim World League discussed the issue of removing the structure over Maqam Ibrahim and concluded that most of the overcrowding was caused by the unnecessary buildings and that their removal would ease the hardship and greatly help people performing Tawaf and prayers.

In a memorandum to King Faisal the Muslim World League proposed the removal of these structures and that a strong, round-shape crystal box of suitable height be placed over Maqam Ibrahim. This will make this part of Tawaf area more spacious, remove the hardship and enable people to see Maqam Ibrahim, refuting the generally held belief that a tomb of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was inside the existing structure.

The importance of this achievement in facilitating Tawaf and performance of prayers is distinctly evident if one sees that the area of the removed building was 6x3 meters while the area of mosque itself is 40x40 cm.

Expansion of Masa’a
The Sa’i between Safa and Marwah has also become easier and comfortable. Now, the Masa’a area has not only been expanded but there are now four story. You can do Sa’i now in the basement, ground floor, first floor, second floor and on the roof also.

The Masa’a in the first Saudi expansion consisted of two stories, a futuristic approach taking into consideration the annual increase in the number of pilgrims.

It was 394.5 meters long and 20 meters wide. The first story was 12 meters high and the second 9 meters high. This not only made Sa’i easier but also provided wide space accommodating big numbers of worshippers, thus easing the overcrowding in the mosque. The building of the Masa’s upper story was approved by a religious ruling.

A barrier was built to divide the Masa’a into two parallel parts: one for performing Sa’i toward the direction of Safa and the second toward Marwah. A two-way narrow path between the two parts was established for the disabled and those who could not walk or stride.

There are stairs for ascent and descent at both Safa and Marwah.

The Masa’a has 16 gates on its eastern side. At the second floor, two gates, one at Safa and the other at Marwah, lead to the Holy Haram from outside. The two gates are raised above the ground to the level of the praying surface. Inside the mosque, two stairs lead to the second floor, one at Safa Gate and the other at Al-Salam Gate. Below the first floor there is a 3.5 meters high basement with its roof at the level of the ground.

King Abdullah took expansion projects of Masa’a. Masaa, the area between Safa and Marwa, which is located inside the mosque has been expanded to help pilgrims perform the sa’ie ritual more easily and comfortably.

King Abdullah initiated the improvement and development of facilities for pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah. This included the building of a new five-storey Jamarat Bridge in Makkah as well as a Monorail between the key sites of the new Haram Railway.

Stoning at Jamarat
The symbolic stoning of Satan at Jamrat is no longer a nightmarish task for pilgrims. The construction of a four-story high-tech bridge in the area and the expansion of its surroundings have made things much easier for them.

The Jamarat is the area where ritual stoning of Satan takes place during Haj. The building of helicopter landing pads at the highest level of the Al-Jamarat Project, including other construction works, have been completed. The helipads will be used in emergencies.

The company carrying out the Jamarat project started to erect oval tents on its fifth floor a week ago. The project will be finished in October this year and will be used for the next Hajj season. “All floors have been air-conditioned. An advanced cooling system will be installed on the fifth floor through which water will be sprinkled over the main and surrounding areas. This is expected to lower the temperature by about 29 degrees Centigrade,” it is reported..

The Arafat expansion has also been finished, it is also reported that the project, which started last year, provides a capacity for a further 900,000 pilgrims. The additional area is equivalent to about 25 percent of Arafat’s total initial area. The project involved paving main and subsidiary streets, establishing drainage and trimming trees, the deputy minister said.

Makkah Monorail
Monorail will bring remarkable improvements in the transportation of pilgrims between the holy sites of Makkah, Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat.

The Saudi Arabian authorities are working relentlessly on the construction of a Metro project to transport over 70,000 pilgrims in an hour between the holy sites of Makkah, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa during the peak days of Hajj.

The daily Arab News quoted the President of the Saudi Railway Organization (SRO), Abdul Aziz Al-Hoqail, to have said that the “first phase of the Makkah Monorail project is expected to be completed before this year’s Hajj. This will enable Hajj pilgrims to use 35 percent of train service.”

The $1.74 billion monorail project will be ready for use to 35 per cent of its capacity by the Hajj season in November 2010 and should be fully operational in two years. The 18.1 Km railway will transport about 72,000 passengers an hour. It will help withdraw about 53,000 buses and other vehicles being used by pilgrims coming by land from within the kingdom and neighbouring countries. There will be three railway stations in each of the holy sites.

The entire train system, the SRO Chief added, including stations, will be elevated and pilgrims will have access to escalators and staircases to reach it. “Each of the five lines of the monorail project will have an hourly capacity to carry 60,000 to 80,000 passengers between Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, and later between Mina and Makkah. All trains will have 12 large compartments, each of which will be 23 meters long and 3 meters wide,” said the Chief Executive of this project.

“Thirty-five percent of its capacity would be used during this year’s Hajj season. It will have 20 trains next year when it operates within full capacity. Each train will have 12 carriages,” Hoqail reiterated. The project, he said, includes construction of nine railway stations in Arafat, Mina and Muzdalifah, each 300 meters long. “One station will be located near the Jamarat Bridge in Mina where the stoning ritual takes place. Pilgrims will be able to board the train from the bridge’s fourth floor,” he concluded.

Friday 15 October 2010

Foreign Office Travel Advice for Hajj Pilgrims

FOREIGN OFFICE TRAVEL
ADVICE FOR HAJJ PILGRIMS


Dr. Mozammel Haque

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued a press release announcing travel advice to the British nationals travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj this November, urging them to have a valid vaccination certificate for Meningococcal Meningitis, to be vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza and also to consider having a flu vaccination before they set off on their travels. The FCO also advised the British Pilgrims to take out fully comprehensive travel insurance and also take the responsibility for their own pre-travel preparations.

The FCO also informs the British Pilgrims that “the FCO will provide the full range of consular services and will be sending the British Hajj Delegation – a team of FCO volunteers from the British Muslim community, including consular staff – to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj.”

As regards medical facilities, the press release said, “The Saudi Government has advised that they have ample capability and resources to provide full medical facilities this year which British Hajjis will be able to use.”

Before the British Pilgrims set off on their journey, the FCO recommends that all pilgrims check the FCO travellers’ checklist and keep themselves up-to-date by visiting Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) website at
www.fco.gov/travel or call 0845 850 2829.

Please read and follow the Travel Advice detailed below announced by the Foreign Office for the British Hajj Pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia this November: The following is the FCO press release as announced yesterday, the 13th of October, 2010.

Foreign Office Announces
Travel Advice For Hajj Pilgrims

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is urging British nationals travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage this November to be fully prepared and take heed of up-to-date travel advice before embarking on their trip.

A Meningococcal Meningitis vaccination certificate is a compulsory visa requirement for the estimated 25,000 British Muslims expected to travel to the Hajj this year. Pilgrims are also being strongly advised to ensure they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza before they set off on their travels.

Taking out fully comprehensive travel insurance is also strongly advised.

Cabinet Minister, Baroness Warsi, said: “It is important that British Muslims going on the Hajj this year check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's travel advice and the requirements set out by the Saudi government. Most Pilgrims will have a trouble free trip but, given the sheer numbers of people due to be present, people should take sensible precautions and plan carefully before they travel.”

Consular Minister, Jeremy Browne, said “We are providing a Consular team on the ground in Saudi Arabia to offer assistance, but British Pilgrims going on the Hajj need to take responsibility for their own pre-travel preparations and ensure they have a valid vaccination certificate for Meningococcal Meningitis and also consider having a flu vaccination.

We will be updating our Travel Advice on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's website on an ongoing basis and all travellers should ensure they check it regularly.“

The Saudi Government has advised that they have ample capability and resources to provide full medical facilities this year which British Hajjis will be able to use.

A spokesperson for the Saudi Embassy in the UK, said: “The Embassy of Saudi Arabia appreciates the support provided to British pilgrims by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office through the Hajj delegation and hopes that all British pilgrims will observe the travel advice published by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.”

The FCO will provide the full range of consular services and will be sending the British Hajj Delegation – a team of FCO volunteers from the British Muslim community, including consular staff – to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj.

In addition to the requirements from the Saudi government, the FCO recommends that all pilgrims use the following travellers’ checklist:

Check the FCO travel advice to make sure that you are up-to-date with the situation in Saudi Arabia at
www.fco.gov/travel or call 0845 850 2829.

Check that you have the correct tickets and ticket details.

Make sure that you book your tickets through an ATOL registered tour operator to avoid unnecessary difficulties. For more information please visit www.atol.org.uk.
Have contact details for your tour operator in the UK and their representatives in Makkah.

Get travel insurance for all aspects of your journey. Check that you have had the required vaccinations for your pilgrimage and that you have vaccination cards with you.

Ensure that your passport is in good condition and the necessary visas are in place.

Make copies of your passport, insurance policy plus emergency numbers and ticket details. Leave these copies, your itinerary and correct contact details with family and friends.

Individuals on medication should make sure that they have adequate quantities to get them through the Hajj period. Existing medication should be clearly labelled for each individual.

Ensure you have good quality footwear as you may have to walk long distances.

Ensure all your luggage is clearly labelled by placing stickers both on the outside and inside of your luggage showing your name, nationality, passport number, air carrier, flight number, hotel name and a contact telephone number.

Make sure you have the contact details of the Hajj Delegation and local consulate.

Please note any kind of photography (still or video) is strictly prohibited inside and around the two Holy Mosques. Anybody violating this will have their equipment and material confiscated.

International Conference on Islamophobia, Integration and Identity in Dublin




International Conference on
Islamophobia, Integration and Identity


Dr. Mozammel Haque

DUBLIN: IRELAND: The first-ever Three-day International Islamic Leadership Justice and Peace Conference on “Islamophobia, Integration & Identity,” organised by The European Muslim Council for Justice, Peace and Equality, was held from 28-30 September, 2010 at the Academy Plaza Hotel, Dublin, Republic of Ireland. The participants who presented papers came from many countries of the world such as the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Finland Italy, etc. About 200 people attended the conference.

Sheikh/Prof Shaheed Satardien, the President of the European Muslim Council for Justice, Peace and Equality, Dublin, Ireland, introduced Qari/Sheikh Muneer Satardien who recited verses from the Holy Qur’an in his melodious voice to the gathering of all faiths and Muslim scholars, academics, politicians and media people from all over the world. Sheikh Satardien gave a hearty welcome to the dignitaries, delegates and guests. The Irish Minister of Finance the honourable Brian Lenihan TD opened the conference and was awarded with the Lenihan family coat of arms shield and the “Visionary of Peace” award from the conference.

Then the Lord Mayor of Dublin councillor Gerry Breen officially started the proceedings for the day by welcoming the delegates to Dublin city and he elaborated on what peace and justice would mean to everyone, followed by the conference awarding him with the plaque of the Breen family.

The special guest of honour and keynote speaker Prof/Dr Hamid bin Ahmad Al-Rifaie, President of the International Islamic Forum for Dialogue, addressed the conference on the role of dialogue and the role that King Abdul Aziz Al-Saud founder and king of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia played to promote dialogue with civilizations.

Waseem Satardien read the history of dialogue between Sean MacBride (former Irish Minister of Foreign Affairs and advisor to Pope Paul the sixth); and Sheikh Muhammad Ali Al-Harakan (former Minister of Justice from Saudi Arabia) and the role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in promoting peace, tolerance and understanding in the world. Fawaaz Jones read the World Islamic Charter and spoke on the role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in promoting the charter.

Then Dr Sean MacBride was honoured by Prof/Dr Abdullah Omar Nasseef, the President of World Muslim Congress and Prof/Dr Hamid bin Ahmad al-Rifaie of the International Islamic Forum for Dialogue of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Dr Sean MacBride was also honoured by the Intercultural Peace Centre and the Sheikh Shaheed Satardien Justice and Peace Foundation. All the awards of Dr Sean MacBride were received by his grand-son Mr. Dara White.

Then the speech of Dr Abdulaziz Othman Al-Twaijri of ISESCO was delivered on his behalf by Dr Abdelila Benarafa of Morocco. The conference then honoured Dr. Al-Rifaie with the “Lifetime Achievement” award for outstanding services towards the upliftment of Islam. The “Lifetime Achievement” award was also received by Fayez Al-Rasheed of Saudi Arabia on behalf of H.E. Dr. Abdullah Omar Nasseef President of the WMC; and by Dr. Abdelila Benarafa of Morocco on behalf of H.E. Dr Abdulaziz Othman Al-Twaijri the Director of ISESCO. Dr. Abdelila was also given the “Distinguished Ambassador of Islam and Visionary of Peace” award for his sterling efforts towards justice, peace and dialogue.

Dedication to the memory of Sean MacBride
The Conference was dedicated to the memory of late Sean MacBride, one of the first Western figures of note to really engage with Islam. He led a tremendously varied life, the Ist stage of his life beginning joining the IRA at the age of 15 years, becoming Chief of Staff of the IRA at the age of 32 and he resigned from the IRA at the age of 33 and becoming a barrister. In the 2nd stage of his life, he became the Minister for Foreign Affairs at the age of 44 in 1948 – the period during which MacBride served as Minister for Foreign Affairs. He helped draft the European Convention on Human Rights and he continued in politics until 1961.

He was the founding member of Amnesty International and Secretary General of the International Committee of jurists from 1963 to 1971, Chair and then President of the International Peace Bureau in Geneva from 1968 to 1985, and President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1974, American Medal of Justice in 1975, Lenin Peace Prize in 1977 and he was also awarded the UNESCO Silver Medal for Service in 1980.

While accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in 1974, MacBride said: “There is nothing more damaging to the concept of world order and peace than the massive violations of human rights that continue to occur in various parts of the world.” This is as true in 2010 as it was in 1974.

Welcome Address by Professor Satardien
Professor Satardien welcomed the honoured guests, esteemed Ambassadors, ministers and representatives of different faith communities. In his welcome address, Prof. Satardien emphasised the inter-related and inter-dependent nature of the human community, and the inability of any culture or any economy to folly.”

Speaking about Islamophobia, Prof. Satardien said, “The Issue of Islamophobia – the fear of Islam – is an issue that must be tackled whether we like it or not. This is not an optional extra, an intellectual luxury or theological chess. We are talking about nearly quarter of the population of the world - now more than 1.5 billion people and perpetually growing. The portrayal of Muslims as ‘backward’, as ‘inherently violent’, and other similar descriptions is destabilising, on a communal and global level. In the ‘West,’ it leads to isolation – the opposite of integration.”

Dr. Abdullah Naseef and Dr. Hamid Al-Rifaie
Dr Hamid al-Rifaie laid down the principles of dialogue and argued for an intensification of dialogue with the West. While presenting joint paper by Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, President of the World Muslim Congress and Prof. Dr. Hamid A. Al-Rifaie, President of International Islamic Forum for Dialogue, they stated, “It is worth mentioning that the dialogue in Islam is not an end in itself. Indeed, it is a wise approach to achieve a venerable aim; it is the acquaintance among the followers of religions and cultures which opens a big door for the understanding among them. Mutual understanding in its turn creates a safe climate among individuals and communities for cooperating and competition in the fields of life in order to achieve the best for people and for achieving a safe co-existence among communities.”

Dr Adrian Page of London Metropolitan University’s paper which outlined the impact of Islamophobia on the Muslims in the West was delivered by Sheikh/Prof Shaheed Satardien of the Muslim Council of Ireland.

Shaykh Abd al-Wahid Pallavicini
Shaykh Abd al-Wahid Pallavicini, President, Islamic Religious Community, Italy, outlined the way forward in increasing dialogue and urged the conference to work harder in bringing about understanding, tolerance and peace amongst civilizations. Shaykh Pallavicini said in his lecture, “true peace comes not only from justice and is not obtainable at any price – it will be based on higher justice that can only come from the mutual recognition of the spiritual validity of our different faiths within the Abrahamic tradition to which we all belong. What can really bring together sincere believers is the sense of ‘sacrifice’ in the original and etymological meaning of the word that of sacrum facere; to make every moment of our lives sacred, by means of the religious forms that God has given to each of us.”

Shaykh Pallavicini received the “Distinguished Ambassador of Islam and Visionary of Peace” award on behalf of his son Imaam Yahya Pallavacini. The conference also honoured Dr Vivian Ibrahim and presented her with an Irish Independence Declaration.

Shaykh Pallavicini also mentioned, “In these very special times that seem to “undermine” even religions, we have a responsibility to intervene and learn how to make good this “crisis” that touches us all. We mean “crisis” in the etymological sense of the term that refers to “judgement”, or the moment of truth contained within the revelation of the true nature of things. For us as men of faith, evils dwell only in the deception that wants to make us look elsewhere and forget God. On the other hand, our familiar eschatology does not describe “the end of the world” but, in the words of Shaykh Abd al-Wahid Yahya Guenon, only “the end of a world.””

The conference then had a break for lunch and then went into workshop to discuss and debate the papers of Dr Vivian Ibrahim and Dr Adrian Page on Islamophobia in the Nally suite; and to discuss and debate the papers of Prof Al-Rifaie and Sheikh Abdul Wahid Pallavacini in the Cusack suite.

Origin of Islamophobia and
the rebirth of a culture panic

The next session was on the “Origin of Islamophobia and the rebirth of a culture panic” with Sheikh Musa Admani as the moderator. Dr Farid Younus of California University gave an overview of the world situation on Islamophobia and its origins and how to remedy it.

Abd al-Wadoud Gouraud
Dr Abdul Wadoud Gouraud of the Islamic Institute for Advanced Studies of France analysed different ways of dealing with Islamophobia and its off-shoots like the banning of the head-scarf in France, the banning of minarets in Switzerland, the furore over the so-called ground zero Mosque and the attempted burning of the Holy Qur’an in America.

Abd al-Wadoud Gouraud of the Islamic Institute for Advanced Studies, while presenting his paper on “The Role of Muslim Western Scholars” said, “More than a social convention, it is for us a religious responsibility to love harmony and unity, and to work for insuring them between God’s creatures. On the other hand, it is important to promote interfaith dialogue between representatives of Abrahamic religions in Europe, as an effective key to widely disseminate the spirit of respect and faithful cooperation that can counter religious-based discriminations, such as Islamophobia, and radicalisations. These disturbing and increasing phenomena are both far from the real knowledge and practice of the religious teachings and virtues that are common to true Judaism, Christianity and Islam; and so are they from civil rules and human values, which are as indispensable as the latter for achieving mutual respect, cultural and religious diversity and social cohesion.”

He also said, “Making the religious dialogue a qualified and through communication not only leads to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect but also find common interests and ways of and contribution in the societies.”

“That is why it is necessary to maintain a preventive plan of information and training on Islam and Muslims because several difficulties still remain in the European context. Indeed, the lack of knowledge about religion in general, and about Islam in particular, risk creating grave confusions, prejudices and unjustified amalgams between terrorism and Islam, provoking phenomena of racism and Islamophobia. Because one cannot think that all immigrants and foreigners of Islamic culture and origin represent a potential danger for the EU’s security and its individual States,” he said and added, “In front of such an ignorance and misunderstanding, as Western Muslim Theologians and believers, we work hard to change wrong ideas and representations by clarifying and reminding our brothers as well as fellow-citizens what Islam teaches, for instance, as the true meaning of Jihad instead of the so-called Jihadists, the worth of peace over violence, the priority of knowledge over blind ignorance.”

Dr Fawzia Al-Ashmawi of the University of Geneva spoke on the Islamophobia that has been created by Muslim extremists and how the Ummah has to respond to it. Sheikh Abdul Wahid Pallavacini delivered the paper of his son Imaam Yahya on the unification of the Ummah and creating a voice for them in tackling Islamophobia. Dr Adil Khan of Cork University then gave a report on the workshop of Islamophobia and Dr Josephine O’Brien of Al-Ain University delivered a report from the workshop on dialogue.





Dr Farid Younus, Dr Fawzia Al-Ashmawi and Dr Abdul Wadoud were all honoured with the “Distinguished Ambassador of Islam and Visionary of Peace” award and Dr Josephine O’Brien was honoured with the “Visionary of Peace” award. That was in the session of 28th September, 2010.

Day Two:
The History of Islam in the West
The theme of this session was “The history of Islam in the West” and the moderator was Dr Adil Khan of Cork University. Sheikh Satardien of the Intercultural Peace Centre delivered a paper on Muslims feeding Islamophobia and also gave a power-point presentation. Dr Josephine O’Brien spoke on the history and the impact immigration had on the identity of the people and the lessons learnt from it.

Dr. Mozammel Haque
Dr. Mozammel Haque, an Islamic writer, columnist, presented a paper on “Leadership, Islamophobia and Dialogue.” He spoke on how Muslims were affected in the West and especially in Western Europe by Islamophobia and how to remedy it. He has also shown how misleader can sow the seeds of hatred, mistrust and Islamophobia and how through proper leadership an atmosphere of communal harmony and tolerance can be fostered.

Dr. Haque has also elaborated in details the measures taken by King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding. He has also narrated the course adopted by President Barack Obama of the United States of America to bring communal harmony between Islamic World and the West.

Then Dr. Farid Younus from America presented a paper on “The Role of Government in the Promotion of Dialogue” and Mufti Dr. Walid Hammoud from Finland a paper on “The reality and future of Pluralism and Co-existence.” In his paper Dr Walid Hammoud, gave an outline of how Muslims in Finland dealt with Islamophobia and referred to the Intercultural Peace Centre and Interfaith Roundtable model of Ireland to be implemented all over Europe as it delivers positive results in bridge-building.

Presentation of Lifetime Achievement Award
The Life-time achievement Award was given to Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, President of the World Muslim Congress, Dr. Hamid bin Ahmad al-Rifaie, President International Islamic Forum for Dialogue, Dr.Abdulaziz Othman Al-Twaijri, Director of ISESCO. They got the award for life-time achievement, award for excellence for the services they rendered to Islam. These Awards were presented in the first session of the first day of the Conference.

Presentation of Ambassador of Islam Award
On the second day of the Conference, on 29th of September, Dr. Mozammel Haque, Media Advisor of Islamic Cultural Centre, London; receives "Distinguished Ambassador of Islam and Visionary of Peace" Award for his efforts for dialogue, justice and peace in the world. The Award was presented by Professor Dr. Hamid Al-Rifaie, the President of the International Islamic Forum for Dialogue of Saudi Arabia

The European Muslim Council for Peace, Justice and Dialogue has given Award to Dr Mozammel Haque for his “sterling efforts for peace and justice in the world and the promotion and well-being of Islam. Your hard work for the Deen of Allah SWT and the well-being of the Ummah has been noticed and we would like to honour you with a very humble award of appreciation.” said the Award. The Prize was awarded to Dr. Mozammel Haque at the Intercultural Centre, Dublin in the presence of international gathering of distinguished personalities.

Dr. Farid Younus from America and Mufti Dr. Walid Hammoud from Finland also received the “Distinguished Ambassador of Islam and Visionary of Peace Award at the same session.

Session on The Dynamics and
scope of existence of cultures

The conference resumed the session of “The dynamics and scope of existence of cultures” with Sheikh Satardien as the moderator. Dr Adil Khan delivered a paper on identity and referred to some Muslims as experiencing an identity crisis in the West. Jamil Usman of New York elaborated on the onslaught of the media on Islam and the necessity of creating our own news channel to broadcast in the West.

Dr Al-Rifaie from Saudi Arabia then spoke again on the importance of dialogue and educating the people of the West in true Islamic principles. Dr. Bekir Cinar from Turkey’s paper was read by Sheikh Musa Admani. Dr Adil Khan was presented with a manifestation plaque and Jamil Usman was honoured with the “Distinguished ambassador of Islam and Visionary of Peace” award.

Resolution
Following resolution was unanimously passed at the end of the Conference: “Based on what we felt from the great outcome of the International Islamic Leadership Justice and Peace Conference, held in the city of Dublin - the capital of the Irish Republic at the period from 19-21 Shawaal 1431 H, corresponding to 28 - 30 September 2010; the Muslim leaders who participated in the conference - and with the support of other leaders - have decided this conference is to be a lasting International institution under the name of the International Islamic Leadership Conference for Justice and Peace and adopted Dublin as the headquarters of the Conference. Other branches of the conference can be opened in other countries all over the world.

We have also decided unanimously the following‫:‬
1 ‪‫.President of the Conference / Prof. Dr. Hamid Ahmad Al-Rifaie.
2 ‪Secretary-General of the Conference / Prof. Dr. Shaheed Satardien.‬
3 ‪Advisory Board Chairman / Prof. Dr. Abdullah Omar Nasseef‬
4 ‪Participating Islamic leaders are founder members of the Conference.‬

The following morning of 30th September a closed session was held and all the delegates were taken on a Dublin Bus tour and a River Liffey Cruise.

Hajj Awareness Week 2010 launches at the House of Lords


Hajj Awareness Week 2010
Launches at the House of Lords


Dr. Mozammel Haque

Hajj Awareness Week, like every year, was launched in the House of Lords on the 6th of October, 2010 by the Association of British Hujjaj (ABH). This is a preparation campaign for the British Hujjaj who will be travelling for pilgrimage to Makkah. The ABH is the only national Hajj specific organisation which organises high profile publicity campaigning throughout the year through the printed and electronic media, by special Television programmes on various TV channels, and also held seminars. The ABH will have grand annual seminar in Birmingham.

Hajj
Let us begin with the two terms or words used in the title; Hajj and Awareness. First of all, what is Hajj? It is the fifth pillar of Islam, the peak of the spiritual exercise. It has every aspect in itself, social, moral, physical, hygienic and spiritual. Whosoever wants to perform Hajj should prepare himself with information for Hajj. There are stages through which Allah the Almighty prepares Muslims to reach to that stage of Hajj.

Shahada or belief in the Oneness of God, monotheism is the basic, the foundation of Islam. Once the foundation is laid, the other actions start. After Shahada comes the Salat, the five times prayer. I think you know how the command comes from Allah for the prayer. Prayer is actually a gift from Allah through the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to meet our Creator, to be close to Him. It comes after the meeting of Our Prophet with Allah the Almighty in the night of Miraj. This prayer has all the aspects to prepare Muslims socially, morally, ethically, spiritually to be in front of Allah. The ablution cleans the body and prayer purifies the heart and prepares the worshiper to be in front of Allah the Almighty.

The third stage is Zakat. It is again the act of purification, the purification of wealth by sacrificing some portion of the wealth for the poor people, for the community. Just as the performance of the salat (prayer) is both an individual and a communal obligation, so payment of the zakat instills a sense of communal identity and responsibility.

Zakat purifies the property of the people with means and clears it from the shares which do not belong to it anymore, the shares which must be distributed among the due beneficiaries.

Zakat does not only purify the property of the contributor but also purifies his heart from selfishness and greed for wealth. In return, it purifies the heart of the recipient from envy and jealousy, from hatred and uneasiness; and it fosters in his heart, instead, good will and warm wishes for the giver. As a result, the society at large will purify and free itself from class warfare and suspicion, from ill feelings and distrust, from corruption and disintegration, and from all such evils.

Again, at this stage Allah the Almighty prepares Muslims to be able to make greater sacrifice to meet Allah. Here again, there are social, ethical, spiritual dimensions involved. Zakat is thus a vivid manifestation of the spiritual and humanitarian spirit of responsive interactions between the individual and society.

After Salah and Zakat comes Sawm, fasting, the next stage to come near to Allah, the self-control, restraining oneself from all evil deeds, thinking, and wrong doings in remembering the presence of Allah the Almighty. All adult Muslims, whose health permits, are to abstain completely from food, drink, and sexual activity. Ramadan is a time for reflection and spiritual discipline, for expressing gratitude for God's guidance and atoning for past sins, for awareness of human frailty and dependence on God, as well as for remembering and responding to the needs of the poor and hungry.

This is not only the physical training but also the ethical, moral and spiritual training before reaching to the highest, the peak of the spiritual exercise. This is the fourth stage which prepares Muslims again socially, ethically, morally and spiritually to meet his Creator.

The fifth pillar of Islam, the peak of the spiritual, social and ethical exercise is the pilgrimage. It is the highest order of sacrifice to come closer to Allah the Almighty spiritually, that’s why, the Hajjis come to the House of Allah with only two pieces of cloth and saying Labbaika Allahumma Laik. Allah I am here, Allah I am here. Every adult Muslim physically and financially able is expected to perform the annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah at least once in his or her lifetime.

Hajj was made a model of piety, fear of God, purity, simplicity and austerity. The pilgrims were ordered to purify themselves spiritually, to give up worldly things, to avoid all sexual desires, even refrain from intercourse with their wives, and to totally refrain from using bad and abusive language.

Combined with the Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving, and looked at as a whole, you will see that Hajj constitutes a preparation for the great task which Islam wants Muslims to do. This is why it has been made compulsory for all who have the money and the physical fitness for the journey to the Ka’ba.

Allah the Almighty prepares human beings from the day one, after the Shahada, the belief in the Oneness of Allah the Almighty (Tawheed), monotheism, to meet him. As I said earlier, in Hajj, there are Prayers, sacrifices and circumambulation (tawaf) of the Ka’ba. The only cry that one could hear was that which arose from the heart of the pilgrim: Labbyk, Allahumma labbayk, labbayk, la sharika laka labbauyk, inna ‘l-hamda wa‘n-ni’mata laka wa ‘l-mulka la sharika lak

Here am I before Thee, O God, doubly at Thy service. Before Thee I am, there is no partner unto Thee, doubly at Thy service here am I. All praise and blessings are Thine, and power. There is no partner unto Thee.

Hajj Awareness
That is what Hajj actually is and the pilgrim must have knowledge and information related to Hajj. Hajj is such a duty that the pilgrims have to know many aspects about this before travelling to Makkah. People were prohibited from starting out on Hajj without taking adequate provisions. Clarification was made that not taking provisions of a journey in this world did not mean, as was popularly believed, that one was thereby taking provisions for the Hereafter: And take provision for yourselves, but the best provision is God-consciousness (al-Baqarah 2: 197).

Nobody can be prepared to undertake this journey until and unless he has love of Allah in his heart as well as fear of Him, and is convinced that Allah wants him to do what he is doing. From the time of deciding and preparing for Hajj to the time of returning home, a tremendous impact is made on the hearts and minds of pilgrims. The process entails sacrifice of time, sacrifice of money, sacrifice of comfort, and sacrifice of many physical desires and pleasures---and all this simply for the sake of Allah, with no worldly or selfish motive.

The first is the physical fitness. It means not only medical but it includes everything; pilgrim must be physically fit to travel to Saudi Arabia and to complete every rite of Hajj, such as Tawaf and Saie, go to Mina and staying there and travelling to Arafat, Muzdalifah and back to Mina. All these pilgrims have to perform within a very short period of five or six days. That’s why you need to be physically fit.

It requires that Pilgrim must consult his GP about his health and take all other medicines that he requires. For this, it is necessary to make the pilgrims aware about their health and safety. For the last twelve years, the ABH has been carrying out this voluntary service of making people aware about the necessity of health and safety.

The second important thing is financial and economic aspects about which the pilgrims must have information. It is already said that those who are financially solvent Hajj is only obligatory for them, not for those who are not financially capable to bear their expenses. So far as the financial aspect is concerned, it is not only the financial solvency, it requires to have information and knowledge of all other relevant aspects and issues related to it, such as tickets, accommodation and also the expenses to be incurred during the period of staying. Nowadays, travel agents or tour operators are offering Hajj package. Pilgrims need to know about the terms and conditions of the Hajj package, the genuineness of the tour operators and all other issues related to it.

The third important thing is the religious aspect, i.e. to know the details bits and pieces about different rites of Hajj from Makkah, Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina and other related issues.

Fourthly, pilgrims must be aware about the service and benefits they can get when they are in Saudi Arabia. About this, there is British Hajj Delegation which has been operating since 1998 and for the last twelve years, the British Hajj Delegation in cooperation with the British Consular officials and staff carried out both the medical and consular services. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office has already distributed a leaflet – Hajjis – which informs, instructs and explains pilgrims what they have to do (see below).

Besides these, I think and I have seen many people want to know about the situation in tawaf, saie, tents in Arafat and stoning in Jamarat. Recently, people also wanted to know about the transportation. About this, they must be informed. The facilities provided by the Saudi Authorities in Makkah, Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat, I would like to inform and aware the pilgrims in the next issue.

Hajj is an obligatory duty in a lifetime for every capable, both physically and financially to perform Hajj in a lifetime. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. As it is an obligatory duty, it is essential that every Muslim who is planning to go for Hajj is to make himself abreast about different aspects of Hajj. It is necessary to know about the social, economical, moral, educational and religious aspects of Hajj.

That’s why there is a necessity to create awareness among the pilgrims. In both Muslim and Muslim minority countries, there is arrangement to give some training to the pilgrims about Hajj. It is done both at the government level as well as at the non-governmental level, by voluntary organisation or at the travel tours level.

Mosques played an important role everywhere irrespective of Muslim majority and Muslim minority countries to inform pilgrims, train them, giving them a brief introduction and training how to perform Hajj and what are its different rites.

British Hajj Delegation
Recently, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has distributed a leaflet entitled “HAJJIS” which instructs and informs British Muslims what they have to do. Let us begin with what it said to British Muslims:

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) know how deeply important the Hajj is to all those who attend it. This year thousands of British Nationals will attend the Hajj. The aim of the FCO Hajjis leaflet is to assist British Hajjis in preparing for the Hajj and to explain what services the British Hajj Delegation can offer British pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Health
The Saudi Ministry of Health has now established 21 hospitals to provide health care to pilgrims free of charge. Make sure that you have been vaccinated with the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (ACWY). You will be required to produce a valid vaccination certificate. Consult your GP if you are in any doubt.

The FCO also strongly recommends that travellers to the Hajj have a seasonal influenza vaccination prior to embarking on the trip.

For more information on health advice for travellers, visit http://www.nathnac.org/Hajj and http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/

Arrival and Departure
Travel within Saudi Arabia will be limited to Makkah, Madinah, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah. If you choose to travel elsewhere your travel agent will need to inform the Tawafa Establishment giving at least 24 hours notice. Pilgrims travel by buses provided by the General Cars Syndicate, using coupons provided by the Tawafa Establishment.

Help and Assistance
This year thousands of British Nationals will attend the Hajj. We hope that, like many thousands of Hajjis, you will have a trouble-free Hajj. However, if something does go wrong, the British Hajj Delegation, working with the British Consulate-General can provide you with a range of consular services. The information on this website can also be found on our Hajj leaflet which can be downloaded in English, Urdu, Bengali and Arabic.

The British Hajj delegation will be located at the Elaf Al Khalil Hotel (see Useful Contact Details below).

The Delegation can:
*provide information on how to transfer money
*arrange for replacement passports
*provide appropriate help if you are a victim of crime or are ill or in hospital
*do all we properly can to contact you within 24 hours of being told that you have been detained
*make special arrangements in case of civil disturbances or natural disasters
*provide contact details for local lawyers and provide a list of medical facilities
*arrange for next of kin to be told of an accident or a death and advise on procedures

The Delegation cannot:
*provide medical care
*become involved in private disagreements e.g. pilgrim and tour operator disputes
*rearrange travel bookings
*pay your hotel, legal, medical or travel bills
*get you out of prison
*give legal advice
*intervene in court cases
*investigate a crime

Travellers Checklist
Check the FCO travel advice to make sure that you are up-to-date with the situation in Saudi Arabia at www.fco.gov/travel or call 0845 850 2829. Check that you have the correct tickets and ticket details. Make sure that you book your tickets through an ATOL registered tour operator to avoid unnecessary difficulties. For more information please visit www.atol.org.uk.

Have contact details for your tour operator in the UK and their representatives in Makkah. Get travel insurance for all aspects of your journey. Shariah compliant insurance policies are available.

Check that you have had the required vaccinations for your pilgrimage and that you have vaccination cards with you.

Ensure that your passport is in good condition and the necessary visas are in place. Make copies of your passport, insurance policy plus emergency numbers and ticket details. Leave these copies, your itinerary and correct contact details with family and friends.

Individuals on medication should make sure that they have adequate quantities to get them through the Hajj period. Existing medication should be clearly labelled for each individual.

Ensure you have good quality footwear as you may have to walk long distances.

Ensure all your luggage is clearly labelled by placing stickers both on the outside and inside of your luggage showing your name, nationality, passport number, air carrier, flight number, hotel name and a contact telephone number.

Make sure you have the contact details of the Hajj Delegation and local consulate.
Please note any kind of photography (still or video) is strictly prohibited inside and around the two Holy Mosques. Anybody violating this will have their equipment and material confiscated.

Useful Contact Information in Saudi Arabia
Elaf Al-Khalil Hotel
Ibrahim Al-Khaleel Street
Al-Misfalah
Behind the Hilton Towers
Tel: 02 573 2555
Fax: 02 573 2666
British Consulate General, Jeddah:
Tel.: 02 622 5550
Fax: 02 622 6249