The sound systems in the Grand Mosque in Makkah al-Mukarramah are distinguished by several features that set them apart from most other systems. These features include: Connection to over seven thousand speakers. An error rate not exceeding 0 percent. Use of highly sensitive microphones. Daily sound balance adjustments. Connection to two control rooms for managing the sound systems and their components. Being considered among the largest and most advanced sound systems in the world. ...
The Month of Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is seen by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, contemplation, and family reunions. The annual fasting of Ramadan is the fourth of the Five Pillars of Islam, and lasts for either twenty-nine or thirty days, starting from the sighting of the Ramadan crescent moon. The end of Ramadan is declared either at the sighting of Shawwal crescent or after completing thirty days of fasting if the moon's phases were n...
Hijr Ismail is a crescent-shaped wall adjacent to al-Kaaba al-Musharrafa from its northern side. It has short wooden doors on both the eastern and western sides that connect it to al-Kaaba when closed. In its center, the rains pour into the Kaaba's rainwater drainage system (Meezab-e-Rahmat), and it is the only side of al-Kaaba where the Shadherwaan is at a lower level. Hijr Ismail's association with al-Kaaba al-Musharrafa Hijr Ismail is closely associated with al-Kaaba al-Musharrafa,...
The sighting of the crescent moon in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is confirmed by the Supreme Court, which ensures the reliability of the sighting through several guarantees, including the medical standard for examining the visual acuity of the observers. In sighting the crescent moon, the Kingdom relies on both visual sighting and astronomical observatories in locations suitable for crescent sightings during the specified times after sunset on the twenty-ninth day of the lunar months. The Supre...
Hira Cultural District is a cultural and tourist landmark in the city of Makkah al-Mukarramah. It is located at the foot of Mount Hira, which is a popular destination for visitors to the Grand Mosque throughout the year. The district is adjacent to the road parallel to King Faisal Road, which connects Makkah al-Mukarramah and Taif, serving as a main artery for those entering or leaving Makkah. Supervising entities of Hira Cultural District Hira Cultural District is overseen by the Royal Commiss...
Eid al-Fitr, is one of the Islamic events dated in the calendar of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Muslims all over the world also celebrate the occasion of completing the fasting month of Ramadan and paying zakat al-Fitr. The Saudi government includes a holiday within the list of official state holidays for Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr prayer The first day of Eid al-Fitr is the only day in the month of Shawwal on which Muslims do not fast in celebration of Eid. Both Eids of Al-Fitr a...
Zakat al-Fitr in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a charity given by Muslims at the end of Ramadan and before Eid al-Fitr prayer for each individual. It is given in the form of food equivalent to one Sa' , which is approximately three kg. In the Kingdom, some public and private entities facilitate the payment of Zakat al-Fitr by allowing individuals to pay the value of the Zakat, which the entity then distributes to the eligible recipients within the specified time according to Sharia law. Z...
Eid al-Adha in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the Islamic occasions of the Saudi calendar. It falls on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah each Hijri year and is the last official holiday of the Islamic year. Naming of Eid al-Adha The naming of Eid al-Adha is linked to the story of saving the son of Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him (PBUH), from being sacrificed. Allah Almighty provided Ibrahim with a lamb to sacrifice instead of his son. Therefore, Muslims who are able to do so sacrifice an...
Nusuk Platform is a Saudi government platform affiliated with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah under the Pilgrim Experience Program. It allows travelers from all over the world to organize and plan their visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Umrah and visitation, starting with applying for an electronic visa, booking hotels and flights, and using services and facilities for travelers to Makkah al-Mukarramah and al-Madinah al-Munawwarah for Hajj, Umrah, or visitation. Launching Nusuk platform N...
Makkah Route Initiative is an organizational and service initiative aimed at facilitating the journey of foreign pilgrims, starting from the procedures in their home countries, through their arrival, reception, and settlement in their accommodations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and concluding with their return. It was launched by the Ministry of Interior in 2017 as part of the Pilgrim Experience Program, a Saudi Vision 2030 Realization Program. The initiative has benefitted 617,756 pilgrims ...
Mawaqit al-Ihram are designated locations where individuals intending to perform Hajj or Umrah in Makkah al-Mukarramah are required to pass through in order to enter the state of Ihram . Ihram constitutes one of the four pillars of Hajj, along with standing at Arafat and performing Tawaf al-Ifadah and al-Sai . These Mawaqit were established as a mark of reverence for the Grand Mosque, aiming to steer clear of prohibited behaviors and speech, while engaging in virtuous acts and upholding righteo...
Washing al-Kaaba al-Musharrafa is done to purify it from any blemishes and impurities that may be attached to it. This involves washing and wiping its walls with a special mixture, following the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him (PBUH), upon the conquest of Makkah in 630. Al-Kaaba is washed in the month of Muharram every year, and the washing ceremony is presided over by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques or his representative, with the attendance of several senior official...