Hajj: Management and Organizational Dimensions

Letter From the Editor Hajj: Management and organizational dimensions

Hajj is the first and foremost a religious ritual; how- Hajj authorities have a heightened sense of respon- ever, it is also a season when various social, cultur- sibility when performing their official or executive al, organizational and management activities take tasks because they are subject to constant account- place. Enormous numbers of Muslims of diverse backgrounds come together in one place covering 40 ability and monitoring from senior departments and square kilometers in area to perform the same rituals, pilgrims themselves. And most importantly, they are in a unique religious mass gathering like no other in responsible before Almighty Allah. the humankind history. The greatest meaning of equality manifests in its Everything one does to serve pilgrims and ensure purest form in Hajj rituals and clothing; all pilgrims their convenience is regarded a righteous deed. In the perform the same rituals and dress the same way with “Book of Hajj”, Al-Bukhari mentioned the following hadith: The Prophet (peace be upon him) went to no discrimination. They all aspire to one religious Zamzam well and some people were offering water goal. to others and working at it (drawing water from the The experts studied some successful models of well). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to them crowd management, which provide a framework for “Carry on! You are doing a good deed.” Ibn Abbas management lessons and the application of quality narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There are no days during which righteous deeds are standards that include (performance improvement, more beloved to Allah than these days,” i.e. the first continuous development, streamlining processes and ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. procedures, user satisfaction, best service provision, Similarly, all efforts exerted to improve the man- etc.). agement of Hajj activities as well as health, security The way the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia manages and accommodation services provided to pilgrims fall under righteous deeds, as long as they are carried out the Hajj season sets a great example of how integrated with good intention and for the sake of Allah alone. the functions of security and service agencies get and Almighty Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: (Say, “In- how they all operate based on common vision and deed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and strategy: Achieving the maximum levels of security my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds”) – Al- and safety. An’am, Verse: 162 The Hajj is of unique importance as regards theo- The same level of integration can also be seen in- retical and practical aspects of management, and like- side Hajj guidance establishments (known as tawafa) wise of significant impact in building up the organi- and in Hajj volunteers. Both implement the highest zational and management experience and expertise of quality of management and the best models of public everyone in Hajj-related work. relations and human relationships. The same level of management can also be found in Hajj missions and local committees that operate all These great efforts exerted by the government of over the world. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman The management of Hajj achieves the objectives of bin Abduaziz are highly appreciated by pilgrims. The what is called nowadays “Governance” – these objec- Saudi government works day and night to make pil- tives are: Transparency, Responsibility, Accountabil- grims feel comfortable, safe and secure. Besides, it ity and Equality. For transparency, there is full openness and zero makes sure that pilgrims return home with feelings ambiguity/secrecy. People all over the world can see of love, brotherhood, security and peace from this and question any conduct or activity. blessed journey.

PB l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 1 C O N T E N T S No.12 l

SG of MWL discusses with Moroccan PM The Muslim World League Journal 4 ways to promote moderate discourse and fight extremism

Secretary-General 1439-September 2018 Dhul-Hijjah H.E. Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa l

Supervisor General Media Affairs Dept. Adel bin Zamil Al-Harbi

Chief Editor Dr. Osman Abu Zeid

Editor MWL launches Integrated Refugee Mohammad Zakir Hossain 11 Services Center of Rohingya

Layout and Graphic Designer Khaled Awad Al-Muazzin Managing Hajj The Muslim World League Journal M. Nasir Jawed...... 28 P.O. Box: 537 Reimagining the Lifetime Experience Makkah, Saudi Arabia Mohammad Dawood Sofi...... 39 Tel: 00966 (012) 5600919 Vol.46 E-mail: [email protected] l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l www.themwl.org2 3 C O N T E N T S

Annual Subscription Rates Saudi Arabia Individual subscribers: SR. 36 Organizations: SR. 100

Other Countries Individual subscribers: $20 Organizations: $26

Cheques payable to Muslim MWL boosts its international agreements World League may be sent to with Morocco-based Muhammadiyah As- 08 Circulation & Subscription Deptt. sociation of Scholars Muslim World League, P.O. Box: 537 Makkah, Saudi Arabia

All articles and correspondence may please be addressed to Chief Editor, The Muslim World League Journal. While we reserve the right to edit, summarise or reject any con- tribution, no article, report or letter will be returned to the sender.

Views expressed in The Muslim World League Journal do not neces- sarily represent those of the Muslim Hajj – the Grand Pilgrimage to Makkah: 24 World League. Articles published Transcending the Mundane Realities may, however, be reproduced with acknowledgement. A remarkable spread of Islam in Papua New Guinea Dr. Osman Abu Zaid...... 50 Cybercrimes: How to Control? Dr. AbdelGadir Warsama Ghalib...... 52

2 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 3 Prime Minister of Morocco during his meeting with the Secretary General of MWL. SG of MWL discusses with Moroccan PM ways to promote moderate discourse and fight extremism

Rabat-MWL House of Representatives in Morocco and ‏The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Mo- met with its President Mr. Al-Habib El-Mal- rocco Dr. Saadeddine Othmani, received ki, and discussed with him areas of coordi- H.E. the Secretary General of the Muslim nation and cooperation in issues of mutual World League (MWL) Sheikh Dr. Mu- concern. hammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, and held ‏Dr. Al-Issa also met in the capital Ra- discussions during which they stressed the bat with the Moroccan Minister of Foreign importance of cooperation in supporting Affairs and International Cooperation Mr. moderate discourse inorder to counter ex- Nasser Bourita and discussed with him is- tremism. They also explored the most effec- sues of mutual concern. tive ways to promote moderate discourse. ‏Dr. Al-Issa met with the Moroccan Minis- ‏H. E. MWL Secretary General visited the ter of Justice and Freedoms Mr. Muhammad

4 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 5 A commemorative photo of Dr. Al-Issa with Dr. Othmani.

Aujjar and discussed with him a number of headquarters of the Islamic Educational, topics regarding the concepts and control- Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISES- ling principles of freedoms and their due CO) in Rabat, and met with its officials who relevance to the intellectual discourse. Dr. briefed him on the ISESCO programs. Al-Issa and the accompanying delegation ‏Dr. Al-Issa held several meetings with a attended a lunch banquet held in his honor number of leading Moroccan scholars and by the Minister. thought leaders in which he explored means ‏The MWL Secretary General also met of cooperation and exchange, especially with Moroccan Minister of Awqaf and Is- with regard to Islamic community members lamic Affairs Mr. Ahmad Toufiq, and dis- residing outside the Muslim world, focusing cussed with him areas of mutual coordina- on their different ethnic origins as well as tion and cooperation. They also explored the intellectual backgrounds. Shari’ah and intellectual frameworks for the ‏The meetings highlighted the need to en- moderate Islamic discourse. The Minister hance the dissemination of religious and in- then hosted a dinner in honor of Dr. Al-Issa tellectual awareness among them in a man- and the accompanying delegation. ner that reflects the high values of Islam and ‏His Excellency visited Al-Husseinia Dar to continue guarding them from the danger Al-Hadith as well as met with its Director of infiltration of extremist and terrorist ideas.‏ Dr. Ahmad Khamleichi. He later visited the

4 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 5 Signed the agreement between the Muslim World League and the Muhammadiyah Association of Scholars in the Kingdom of Morocco. MWL boosts its international agreements with Mo- rocco-based Mohammadiyah Association of Scholars

Rabat-MWL information exchange, with the aim of pro- The Muslim World League (MWL) has moting an enlightened Islamic discourse to given a boost to its increasing involvement counter extremist ideology and groups that in international collaborations with a new seek to categorize and exclude people. agreement for a cultural, scientific and in- The agreement was signed during H.E. tellectual partnership with the Muhammadi- Dr. Al-Issa’s visit to the MASM at Al-Sh- yah Association of Scholars in the Kingdom uada Square in the capital Rabat, where he of Morocco (MASM). met with the MASM’s Secretary General Established by a Royal decree and enjoy- Dr. Ahmad Abbadi before attending with ing the full backing of the King of Morocco, his delegation a dinner held in his honor. the MASM is a governmental body with ex- The agreement covers several areas of tensive influence throughout West Africa. cooperation between the two parties and Its first convention was attended by more their affiliates, comprising conducting and than 300 Moroccan scholars. evaluating scientific research on topics of The partnership agreement with the mutual interest for publication. It also cov- MWL will establish cooperation in research ers invitations to take part in events held by and intellectual work and allow for data and each party such as symposia, conferences,

6 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 7 seminars and cultural programs that involve ing the interactive international programs of lectures, discussions, training courses and the MWL, which is now at the forefront of workshops related to the development of religious and cultural institutions across the their joint work. world, particularly in regard to its capacity Areas of cooperation are also to include as the umbrella organization of the Muslim documentation, information exchange and peoples based on its constitution, its pivotal sharing of material, while maintaining com- interactive international role, and its influ- pliance with intellectual property rights. ential relations. Added to that will be an exchange of all The conference, was held 03-04 July publications whether in print or audio-visual 2018 in Rabat, was attended by an elite form. The agreement further covers the ex- group of intellectuals and researchers from change of scientific and academic publish- the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the King- ing opportunities as well as contributions to dom of Morocco, the United Arab Emir- activities, programs and publications in the ates, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, respective periodicals, pamphlets and web- Mauritania, Guinea Conakry and Eritrea. It sites, while it also encourages the exchange aimed to promote initiatives that reflect the of experience in studies as well as legal and pure essence of the true Islamic religion and management consultations. cleanse the impurities that extremists and In order to achieve organized institu- followers of falsehoods seek to attach to it, tional work based on observable, measur- given the tense regional and international able and evaluative data, the agreement context and the escalation of violence, ex- approved the two parties’ formation of a tremism and terrorism. The objective is to follow-up committee to draw up an annual methodically understand and explain pan- executive program defining the projects continental, cultural, national and religious and fields of cooperation and mutual ben- extremism by monitoring its various deter- efit between the two parties. This work is to minants and dimensions and formulating be supported by an execution and follow- the mechanisms required to minimizing at up mechanism body comprising represen- all levels its destructive effects. tatives of both the International Organiza- The conference looked at six main tion for Muslim Scholars, an affiliate of the themes: framing interventions to dismantle MWL, and the Coordination Committee of the discourse of extremism; the intellectual the MASM. The proposed body is to sub- foundations of extremists and their refuta- mit agreed-upon programs approved by tion; the danger of sectarian extremism at both MWL Secretary General and MASM the center of scientific approaches to - con Secretary General. fronting and dismantling extremism; the The MWL/MASM agreement is the fruit role of scientific in dismantling extremist of deliberations at the International Confer- discourse, and strategies to protect against ence on “Dismantling Extremist Discourse”, extremism. This was followed by two work- organized by the MWL in cooperation with shops, the first on “The strategy of coun- the MASM under the patronage of His Maj- tering extremism and relevant recommen- esty King Muhammad VI of Morocco. It dations”, and the second on “Extremism: also comes in the framework of strengthen- obstacles and ways of confronting it.”

6 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 7 MWL condemns ratification of so-called “National Israeli Law”

Makkah - MWL finding a peaceful solution to the Palestinian- The Muslim World League condemned, re- Israeli conflict. The MWL has called upon jected and disapproved the Israeli Knesset’s the international community to shoulder its ratification of the so-called “National Israeli responsibilities and confront such a law and Law”, which was a blatant challenge to the other Israeli attempts to discriminate and dis- will of the international community, its laws tort Palestinian people national identity. and its legitimate resolutions. MWL called on the international com- The Muslim World League stressed and munity to reject and condemn this racist law pointed out in a statement that this law is and to confront all Israeli racist laws and racist and illegitimate. It ignores the historical rights of the Palestinians, both Muslim policies aimed at undermining the vision and Christian and represents an extension of of a two-state solution and to shoulder all Israeli settlement. This law also contradicts their political and legal responsibilities and with provisions of the international law, demand that Israeli authorities should abide principles of the international legitimacy and by United Nations resolutions and halt the also obstructs international efforts, aimed at implementation of this racist law.

8 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 9 4,054 patients undergo surgeries in Nigeria, thanks to MWL

IORWD Secretary General Dr. Abdulaziz Sarhan said the program was carried out for the sixth consecutive year at the IORWD-run Shifaa Hospital and Orphans Polyclinic. “The medical team provided consultations to 1,550 patients, health checkups to 1,137, dispensed medications to 1,409 and performed 50 inguinal hernia surgeries and 50 cataract surgeries,” said Dr. Sarhan. All surgical operations were a great success, leaving patients overjoyed. Due to their Waiting to remove bandages and restore impoverished circumstances, none would sound vision. have been able to access such procedures Nigeria - MWL without the program. The Muslim World League (MWL) last The MWL has in recent years spent month arranged- through its medical pro- around SR 6 million on health projects in gram - surgeries, clinical examinations and Nigeria alone, helping in the process over the provision of medication and medical one million people. Procedures have ranged checkups to 4,054 Nigerian patients in the from sight restoration and cataract removal, state of Kaduna, Nigeria. to treatment of patients at the Shifaa Hospital The International Organization for Re- and the Orphans Polyclinic. lief, Welfare and Development (IORWD), an Director of the MWL Office in Nigeria MWL affiliate, carried out the medical pro- Abdullah Al-Huwairini said Nigerian of- gram in cooperation with Nigeria’s Ministry ficials hailed the MWL’s efforts while pa- of Health and under the direct supervision tients and the needy expressed their gratitude and follow-up of MWL Secretary General to MWL for alleviating their pain and harsh Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al- living conditions. Issa, who instructed that the schedule should The MWL medical program received be met with as many patients seen as pos- extensive media coverage in Nigeria from sible. newspapers and TV channels, which in- Governor of Kaduna Mr. Nasir Ahmad terviewed the blind and captured their El-Rufai expressed appreciation to MWL, moments of joy after having their sight welcoming its continuous efforts to provide restored and recovering from cataract treat- Nigeria with more much-needed medical ment. Some patients wept tears of joy, and programs. El-Rufai also lauded the medical thanked the MWL for everything it has done team who took part in the program. for them.

8 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 9 MWL drills 54 water wells and eases suffering of 18,000 Af- ghans Clean water arrives next to homes for the first time.

Kabul- MWL and Parwan were among most water-scarce The Muslim World League (MWL) has states. drilled 54 surface wells in Kabul and Par- The International Organization for Re- wan states, Afghanistan, ending the suffer- lief, Welfare and Development (IORWD), ing of 18,000 Afghans. an MWL affiliate, implemented the program. At a total cost of around half a million IORWD Secretary General Dr. Abdulaziz Saudi Riyals, the project comes in line Sarhan said these projects aim to alleviate with the MWL newest programs aiming at the suffering of the poor and needy in these achieving sustainable development in im- areas, who have to walk long distances to poverished countries. collect drinkable water. The residents of both states are known to Dr. Sarhan said 32 surface wells were have been suffering from acute water scar- drilled in Kabul and 22 in Parwan, benefit- city for a long time and hardly can they find ing 18,000 people. potable water nearby. The Muslim World League has carried The drilling program was carried out af- out various water projects over the past ter MWL Secretary General Sheikh Dr. Mu- years, improving the living conditions of hammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa instructed 72,500 people, at a total cost of six million the officials of the MWL Afghanistan-based Saudi Riyals. office to conduct a field study and identify Afghan officials lauded the MWL- hu the areas with absolute water scarcity. manitarian efforts to ease the suffering of The study, which was conducted accord- impoverished Afghan families. Because of ing to reliable criteria, took into consider- these projects, the families are no longer ation the location, area and population of have to take a long walk searching for drink- each state. The results showed that Kabul able water.

10 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 11 Dr. Al-Issa receives a video presentation of the facilities of the Rohingya refugee service center. MWL launches Integrated Refugee Services Center of Rohingya in Bangladesh Jeddah - MWL ment (IORD) is keen on establishing a small The Secretary General of the Muslim World community of refugees Rohingya equipped League Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Ab- with full services that include social facili- dulkarim Al-Issa launched the Integrated ties providing basic education, vocational Services Center for Rohingya refugees in training and primary health care, which will Bangladesh, swhich will be established give them an environment similar to that of soon possible in accordance with the best their normal life. This will help them co-ex- standards set by the MWL. The Secretary ist with their new reality especially children, General of MWL called for abiding by the female and male students. highest practices related to the humanitar- Dr. Al-Issa praised the strenuous efforts ian work of relief, care and development. exerted by (IORWD) for planning for the All this aims to transform in the relief work establishment of the Rohingya Refugee Ser- for the Rohingya refugees who live in dif- vices Center in Bangladesh. He watched ficult conditions in unsuitable camps that a presentation about the utilities and inte- lack the most basic necessities of life. He grated services of the center, reflecting the also added that the MWL’s International Or- MWL keenness to support and relieving Ro- ganization for Relief, Welfare and Develop- hingya displaced people who have recently

10 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 11 Dr. Al-Issa directed the Commission to make more efforts to help the affected Rohingya. suffered from brutality by racist terrorism. stressed the importance of raising the health In a statement issued earlier, Dr. Al-Issa awareness of Rohingya Muslims through the said that the MWL highlighted the whole focus on and attention to women’s personal, world’s organizations and peoples the bru- psychological and health needs as women tality and genocide Rohingya Muslims suf- constitute an important pillar of survival and fer from in Myanmar-Burma. This historic coexistence disturbing chapter in the UN’s humanitar- Meanwhile, Dr Al-Issa stressed the need ian record will, he said, be a witness to the to focus on mitigating the effects of physi- magnitude of world weakness for stopping cal and psychological violence suffered by these atrocities which represent one of the Rohingya refugees through implementing worst terrorist and bloody crimes. These specialized psychological programs of re- crimes and massacres are similar to the ones uniting Rohingya family members and car- committed by the most dangerous terrorist ing orphans and widows in addition to other organizations like Daesh. Silence in the face similar specialized programs. of such brutal crimes is silence in the face Dr. Al-Issa also said that these important of truth and this gives strong pretexts of the actions taken by the MWL’s International negative concepts on the weakness of the in- Organization for Relief, Care and Develop- ternational justice system and its will to fight ment support and reinforce its international and eradicate terrorism presence as a major influential global orga- Dr. Al-Issa confirmed that the MWL is nization that harnesses all its potentials to keen on economically empowering Ro- spread everywhere of the world. Narrated hingya refugees to be able to depend on by Abu Hurairah, Prophet Muhammad themselves and become self-sufficient, thus (Peace be upon him) was asked: “Is there achieving sustainable development that rep- a reward for us in serving any human be- resents a key objective of the Humanitarian ings?” He replied: “Yes, there is a reward work of the MWL. for serving any living being . (See Hadith The Secretary General of the MWL also No. 551)

12 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 13 After receiving a delegation of scholars participating in the international conference for Muslim scholars on peace and stability in Afghanistan. ‘Makkah Declaration’: Calls for consolidating peace and security in Afghanistan

Makkah (UNA-OIC) – The International ral to the divine Shari’ah in case of dispute Ulema Conference for Peace and Security in or difference, the Organization of Islamic Afghanistan, held in Saudi Arabia’s cities of Cooperation (OIC) held the “International Jeddah and Makkah on July 10-11, respective- Ulema Conference for Peace and Security ly, called on Islamic countries, organizations in Afghanistan”, in the two cities of Jeddah and elites to join efforts toward the establish- and Makkah Al-Mukarramah, on 26 through ment of peace and security in Afghanistan. 27 Shawwal 1439 H (10-11 July 2018), in the The following is the full text of the Makkah gracious hospitality of the Kingdom of Saudi Declaration adopted by the conference. Arabia and under the kind patronage of His In compliance with the injunctions of our Royal Highness Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Lord in His divine wisdom in support of sta- Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy bility and peace in Muslim societies and in Mosques, Governor of Makkah Al-Mukarra- shunning strife and dispersal, and in line with mah, may Allah grant him long life, all based the sage law that calls for fellowship among on the OIC’s anticipated role in looking after the believers and their assembly around the the interests of the Member States and as an Word of Truth and Justice and for due refer- extension of its endeavors towards spreading

12 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 13 prosperity and consolidating peace and secu- ble goal to ensure a peaceful and decent life rity in the Islamic societies in accordance with where Muslims cooperate towards building the teachings enshrined in the Holy Scripture up and developing their nation in harmony and the tradition of our noble Prophet, may with the will of God and His Prophet. Allah’s peace and blessings be upon Him. •Based on the texts of the Qur’an and the In pursuance of the resolution issued by Tradition that Islam is a religion of peace and the OIC Foreign Minister’s Conference at its mercy, that the believers should all be merci- Fortieth Session in the Republic of Guinea ful towards one another, and that their blood, Conakry in 2013, which was further reiter- property and honor are inalienable and should ated by the 45th session of the Foreign Min- be protected against aggression, we hereby ister’s Council held in the People’s Republic affirm that the suicide attacks targeting inno- of Bangladesh, cent people, and that intestine killings among The participants reviewed the sufferings Muslims are all acts that are prohibited by endured by the Muslim Afghan people with Allah and His Messenger under texts that the shedding of innocent blood, the loss of are conclusively clear and well-established, sacred lives, and the wasting of the Muslim whereby Allah says: “And whoever kills a state’s resources in a prevailing environment believer intentionally, his punishment is hell; that is in no way approved by the noble Is- he shall abide in it, and Allah will send His lamic faith which accords prime value to se- wrath on him and curse him and prepare for curity and which offers a whole range of texts him a painful chastisement.” calling for concerted action to establish peace •Based on the above we hereby express in the Muslim societies and to encourage rec- our condemnation of the intestine killings in onciliation among Muslims, a reconciliation Afghanistan and call upon all parties to the which Islam places on a high pedestal as a conflict to abide by Allah’s injunction, end prime act to please Allah, Mighty and Sub- this strife and resort to reconciliation among lime be He. brothers and put down the flames of ani- mosity. We call upon Afghanistan’s govern- The participants in the Conference issued ment and the Taliban movement to conform the following Declaration: to a truce and cease-fire and set on a track •Afghanistan forms a Muslim state. Its of direct Afghani negotiations. Reconcil- citizens are Muslims whose life is sacrosanct ing between battling Muslims is one of the and who all aspire to peace and security, and greatest and most honored acts of worship, the perpetrations it has been undergoing in for the spilling of innocent blood is among terms of the killings of innocent lives are con- the greatest sins and an abominable deed that trary to the principles and formal teachings splits the ranks of the Ummah, fragments it of Islam and run counter to the principles of and weakens its fabric. We hereby call on unity, solidarity and social coherence among Muslims at large, and on the scholars among Muslims. them in particular, to persist in their stead- •We hereby call on Muslim states, orga- fast against the advocates of violence and ex- nizations and elites to join efforts and pull tremism, in defense of their religion and in their weight towards the establishment of preservation of their Islamic Ummah’s unity. peace and security in Afghanistan, using all A national dialogue is an optimal way to end their potential and influence towards this no- the conflict between the Afghan Government

14 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 15 shared Ummah and country, and on steering away from fanaticism, sectarianism and narrow-minded dogmatism.” •We hereby extend our grateful appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and His Royal Highness the Crown King Salman in a group photo with a delega- Prince, Muhammad bin Salman, for their in- tion of scholars participating in the conference. terest in the causes of Muslims everywhere as well as for their gracious hosting of this and the Taliban Movement, and the solution conference. We praise the Custodian of the to the cause of the Muslim Afghani must par- Two Holy Mosques for his follow-up and in- ticularly go through mutual understanding terest in the truce reached during the Eid Al- and direct peace negotiations. We, in this re- Fitr between the Afghani Government and the spect, endorse and support the recent efforts Taliban Movement, and we appeal to all par- of the Afghani scholars towards a successful ties to respond to the call for the extension of Afghani reconciliation. We pay tribute to the the truce. We also highly appreciate the King- efforts put in by the President of the Islamic dom’s stances and efforts in favor of estab- Republic of Afghanistan, H.E. Dr. Muham- lishing peace and security in Afghanistan, in mad Ashraf Ghani, and praise him for his in- a drive to ensure an environment conducive vitation to the Taliban Movement to engage to peaceful negotiations and to an end to the in a direct, peaceful and unconditional dia- fighting and bloodshed. logue, and for his recognition of the Move- •We hereby extend our deep thanks to the ment as a political party whose goal shall be Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) the predominance of security in Afghanistan. for having arranged for this important meet- We also call on the Taliban Movement to re- ing and we highly appreciate its commendable spond to the invitation made by the Govern- efforts, wishing it full success in its ongoing ment of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan noble role in favor of a peaceful solution to to eschew violence, end the mutual killings the issue of the Muslim state of Afghanistan. and sit together around the negotiating table. •We request H.E. the Secretary General We further reiterate the substance of para (4) to dispatch to the Custodian of the Two Holy of the resolution issued by the OIC’s Interna- Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, may tional Islamic Fiqh Academy under reference Allah preserve him, as well as to His Roy- no. (195-204) dated 15-19 Muharram 1435H, al Highness Crown Prince Muhammad bin at the 21st session of the Academy’s Council Salman,, may Allah preserve him, and to the stipulating that “laying stress on dialogue ap- Government and people of the Kingdom of proach in line with Resolution no.182 (8/19) Saudi Arabia a cable of gratitude and appre- as a means to resolve political differences ciation for the generous hosting of the confer- and disputes and in managing relations be- ence and for the excellent arrangements and tween the governing bodies, the masses, and sincere efforts deployed by the Kingdom to the various political parties, on nonuse of the support national reconciliation in Afghani- force or weapons between the children of the stan.

14 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 15 MWL is the sole legitimate authority for issuing Halal Certificates

Makkah - MWL in producing, manufacturing and marketing The Muslim World League (MWL) is the Halal products. sole legitimate authority for issuing Halal The MWL has also reiterated its commit- Certificates, according to the Kingdom’s ment to apply the highest Shari’ah and dis- Permanent Committee for Issuing Fatwas, ciplinary standards and has recently chaired by the Mufti of the King- stopped many abattoirs and compa- dom nies that violate Halal slaughtering The Muslim World around the world. League (MWL) has stressed The Saudi Supreme Council that it is the sole legitimate of Scholars has issued a fatwa, authority for issuing Halal Cer- through the Permanent Com- tificates to the Kingdom of Saudi mittee for Issuing Fatwas in Arabia. The Higher Royal decree the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was issued, restricting the issuance chaired by His Eminence the of Halal Certificates to the MWL Grand Mufti of the King- due to its international relations and dom Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Al- expertise in coordination and cooper- Sheikh, stating that the body respon- ation with local and international bod- sible for Halal slaughtered meat imported by ies, companies and institutions and because the Kingdom, is the MWL. it complies with the Islamic religious rules The MWL is considered the oldest Islam-

16 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 17 ic organization working in the field of Halal The MWL has gained the confidence of food and has a history of more than 30 years exporters and importers of Halal meat in the in this field through its offices, partners and world for its experience in this field exceed- Islamic centers around the world. ing thirty years. The MWL has recently got the certificate It is worth mentioning that the MWL has of (ISO9001) related to the quality of work, a established several international conferences matter that makes it the only organization in in the field of Halal products in the different the world that has been issued this certificate meat-exporting countries around the world, in the field of «Halal» products. exporting meat, such as Brazil, Australia, The MWL is also in the process of finaliz- New Zealand, Japan, Europe, Asia and Af- ing the establishment of the largest Shari’ah rica. The MWL depends in its work for issu- center for Halal products in the world at its ing Halal Certificates on the Gulf standards headquarters in Makkah. The mission of the and its standard specifications that follow the Center is to control and supervise the Halal «Standardization Organization of the Gulf slaughtering and manufacturing methods and Cooperation Council (GSO) with regard to the granting of Halal certificates (directly or the Halal food conditions and its suitability. through the offices and representatives of the The MWL depends on issuing Halal Certifi- MWL abroad), according to the process ap- cates on the opinions of the International Is- plied for issuing the Halal Certificates and in lamic Fiqh Academy, regarding fatwas con- accordance with the international standards cerning Halal food. for issuing such certificates. The center pro- The MWL is a global Islamic organiza- vides the Halal Certificates and legal and tion that is, concerned with Muslims affairs technical consultations, defining Halal food, in general, and the Islamic religion in par- providing informational, bran-aware and ticular, as Islam wishes goodness for all and marketing consultations, besides support- communicates with all for the benefit of all ing the manufacture and technology of Halal humankind. food.

16 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 17 ‏King Abdulaziz efforts to ease Hajj: Testimony of four Moroccan travelers

Al-Zubayr Mihdad Translated by: Reem Al-Saeedy

Introduction four Moroccan writers shed more light on King Abdulaziz, the founder of the Kingdom him and the new Kingdom he founded and of Saudi Arabia, was an influential leader measure the level of social, political, and who had great influence on all Arab coun- economic transformation taken place dur- tries. The following Hajj journeys made by ing his rule. The writers visited the King-

18 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 19 dom of Saudi Arabia in his era and wrote at the time witnessed first-hand the rapid down their accounts and views. development and improvement of all Hajj The writers were: services and the special care given to the 1-Idris bin Muhammad Al-Jaidi, judge; Holy Mosque, its facilities, and sacred sites. he traveled to the Hejaz in 1930 and pub- Pilgrims were provided with premium ser- lished his travel memoirs in the “As’sada” vices whereas their safety and security were or “Happiness” Newspaper. safeguarded. 2- Muhammad bin Ahmed Al-Hawari, Chief Editor of the “As’sada” Newspaper; Taking Care of the Grand Mosque he traveled to the Hejaz in 1934 and au- Al-Jaidi performed Hajj and traveled to thored “Guide to Hajj and Tourism”. Makkah when the new Kingdom was going 3- Ahmed Al-Rahouni Al-Tatwani, through so much development. He admired scholar, judge, andminister of justice dur- the Kiswah Factory at Ajyad neighborhood. ing the colonialism era; he traveled to the Al-Rahouni gave a detailed account of his Hejaz in 1937 and his trip was published in Hajj experience and talked about the holy Tatwan Newspaper. Kiswah history, noting that the Kiswah 4- Muhammad bin Al-Hassan Al-Hajawi used to be made in Egypt until 1926. After- Al-Thaalabi, an Islamic jurist, reformer and wards, King Abdulaziz decided to construct minister; he performed Hajj in 1946 and a Kiswah factory in Makkah; he allocated wrote a manuscript about his trip. money to the factory from the treasury and The four travelers share several things in built it in Makkah in 1937. This proved the common; for example, they were all schol- strength and power of the Kingdom and its ars who held judiciary and administrative capability to take care of Hajj and pilgrims. positions in their own country and they all Al-Rahouni mentioned that the Holy documented their trips and had them pub- Mosque had several restorations and reno- lished in a book or newspapers. The travel- vations with a new lighting system installed ers were amazed by the development and all over the Grand Mosque. The King or- progress the Kingdom had witnessed in the dered that one thousand lamps should be era of King Abdulaziz and wanted to share installed in addition to lux light bulbs. Later their Hajj experiences with the public and on, the King ordered to install another light- reflect their viewpoints. ing system and more light bulbs. In 1935, Hajj Muhammad Khan Al-Hindi gifted a Hajj is a great responsibility 34-kilowatt machine to the Grand Mosque King Abdulaziz was aware of the enormous which improved lighting inside the Grand responsibility on his shoulder and on the Mosque during day and night. Kingdom, being the cradle of the Two Holy Al-Hawari said King Abdulaziz ordered Mosques. He, therefore, exerted great ef- to set up tents on a wooden pole outside the forts to serve pilgrims and take care of all Grand Mosque to protect people who per- Hajj affairs, doing all he could and going formed prayer against the scorching heat of to great lengths to make pilgrims feel com- the sun. fortable. These efforts reflected his loyalty Zamzam well is located at Haram Al- and love to Islam and Muslims. Everyone Makki; Muslims everywhere in the world

18 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 19 hold it so dearly in their hearts. Al-Hawari Regarding As-Safa and Al-Marwah, Al- said all pilgrims wanted to drink Zamzam Hawari was dissatisfied with the condition from the well but because of their enor- of the Mas’a as it was difficult to walk there; mous number they could not. Zamzam wa- besides, pilgrims complained many times ter tanks such as Qaitbay and Ain Zubaidah about the location of the souk on both sides helped meet the pilgrims’ need and provided of the Mas’a. Three years later, Al-Rahouni them with Zamzam water. Al-Hawari said wrote about the renovations of the Mas’a pilgrims in the past used to face great dif- during King Abdulaziz era. The King or- ficulty in drinking Zamzam water but this dered that the Mas’a should be paved and problem was solved by the Saudi govern- covered by shade structures. In the year ment. He lauded the way the government 1938, Al-Rahouni heard that the King or- managed Ain Zubaidah, which helped solve dered to have the Mas’a floor tiled. this problem, reducing overcrowding and When Al-Jaidi arrived to Arafat, he ad- maximizing pilgrims’ safety and security. mired the arrangements and how the site Al-Hawari highlighted the efforts exerted to where pilgrims stand in Arafat was divided help pilgrims get access to Zamzam water while tents were set up and pathways were as easily and safely as possible. designated so that pilgrims would not get Al-Rahouni wrote down in his trip’s lost finding their way back to tents. These notes that King Abdulaziz (provided two arrangements allowed Hajj guides to set up accesses to Zamzam well, renovated a path- tents for their own pilgrims easily. way and wrote his name on it.) Al-Hajawi - who was a minister and a Al-Rahouni said King Abdulaziz was the reformer, suggested smart expansion for first to bring a clock to the Hejaz (nowa- the Holy Mosque. He said the huge num- days, there is a clock whose handles can be ber of pilgrims coming every year required seen and ticking can be heard from a long expansion of the Grand Mosque because distance. The clock perches on top of a tow- some houses encroached upon the Mas’a er, overlooking the Grand Mosque and the area, which became very crowded and nar- city of Makkah. The King ordered to install row. The shops on both sides of the Mas’a it in 1935.) worsened the situation.

20 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 21 Al-Hajawi suggested that houses adja- ous adventure. cent to the Grand Mosque should be torn In 1930, Al-Jaidi said there was a po- down to make space and the people living lice barrack on the Mas’a street. Al-Hawari in them should be relocated. He called for heard first-hand King Abdulaziz talking renovating and tiling the floor of the Mas’a, about the importance of security for pil- removinggravel and replacing it with com- grims. In his speech which compared be- fortable material instead so that pilgrims tween security in his era and that of his could walk and sit easily. He said all shops predecessors, King Abdulaziz said: “This around the Mas’a should be relocated out- country was ruled by strong governments; side the boundaries of the Mas’a in order however, none of them could provide secu- to make space and annex the Mas’a to the rity for pilgrims during their Hajj journey. Grand Mosque. Today, security has significantly improved The space could be used also for Friday across the Kingdom. You have seen it your- prayer and learning sessions. The cost of selves. For that, we thank Almighty Allah.” these reforms should be shared by Islamic Al-Hawari said he visited the police de- countries; each country should donate one- partment and witnessed himself the great fifth of the revenue of its Wakf property efforts exerted by police officers to make generated in one year. If the donations were pilgrims feel comfortable and secure. little, Muslims should be invited to donate Al-Hajawi said the Kingdom’s security money into a fund. However, the expansion situation had largely improved (security of the Grand Mosque took place during had been enhanced and tightened, thanks King Saud’s era. to King Abdulaziz’s strict and drastic measures. The King refused interference and Security favoritism, turning the Hejaz into a com- All four travelers hailed security in Makkah pletely secure region.) and the special care given by the King- Al-Hajawi talked about how pilgrims dom to pilgrims. In the past, pilgrims were used to suffer in the past because of the frightened to perform Hajj due to lack of se- absence of security. There was almost no curity and viewed Hajj journey as a danger- security while road bandits hid and lurked

20 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 21 near the roads pilgrims took during their linking it with Makkah had lights. The Hajj journey and robbed them, especially streets connecting Mina and Arafa had roads connecting Jeddah, Makkah, Madi- lights as well.) nah etc. “During the era of the Turks and Al-Rahouni said the road between Al-Hussain bin Ali, the Hejaz was like a den Makkah and Madinah needed urgent resto- of thieves, looters and bandits. King Abdu- ration to ease the suffering of pilgrims who laziz eradicated robbery and banditry and traveled through them. When King Abdu- enforced Shari’a judgements such as hand laziz learned about the condition of the road, amputation and slapped around ten thieves he gave orders to fix it immediately. First, with hand amputation. He also ended all technical and engineering studies were con- forms of banditry. The country had become ducted on the road then the Bank of Egypt safer and people were able to do business hired a group of engineers to redesign and and make money without fear.) repave the road at a cost of around 300,000 Al-Hajawi believes that when citizens Egyptian liras. King Abdulaziz signed an obey rules and respect laws, this means one agreement with the bank and the imple- thing: they are civilized law-abiding citi- mentation of the road project began. When zens. This is also a proof how powerful the Al-Rahouni returned to Morocco, he knew country and its institutions are and how ef- from a reliable source that the Saudi gov- fective its legislation and laws are. ernment began paving the Jeddah-Makkah road and the project would be completed Roads the within a year. When pilgrims arrive to the Kingdom and Al-Hajawi mentioned the road projects head for the Grand Mosque, they very of- completed during the era of King Abdu- ten cause traffic jams on roads. They suffer laziz such as Jeddah-Makkah road, which more when the condition of the roads is der- runs for around 70 kilometers and shortens elict. No doubt that the large and wide roads the time needed to travel between the two make travelers feel more comfortable and cities. reduce traffic jams and even allow buses to transport pilgrims to the Grand Mosque Hygiene and health faster and safer. The inter-city highways Slaughtering animals as part of the Hajj rit- and city roads are important because they uals and engaging in other activities during facilitate transportation of pilgrims. Hajj were a cause of concern for many pil- When Al-Jaidi came to Jeddah city in grims because of garbage and waste resulted 1930, he admired how the government was from these activities. These negative activi- paving and constructing roads and how the ties could hurt pilgrims and spread diseases Makkah roads were designed using modern and epidemics. In the era of King Abdu- style to ensure they were large enough. laziz, pilgrims did not have such concerns In the Mina site, Al-Jaidi said there were about these problems because all Makkah four streets cutting through Mina; two were roads were clean. Al-Jaidi testified to this old while two were built in 1930 to reduce fact in his book and said: “Makkah Munici- overcrowding in the old two streets. pality used modern equipment to keep the He said (All Mina streets and the road city streets and roads clean and shining.”

22 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 23 Al-Hajawi expressed his admiration for the high level of street cleanliness. Al- Conclusion though the number of pilgrims exceeded Since its foundation, the Kingdom of Sau- 250,000, the Grand Mosque, he writes, was di Arabia has mobilized all its human re- completely clean. sources and government agencies to serve The health services provided to pilgrims pilgrims and ease Hajj measures. It has were as excellent and helped fight epidem- over the past decades implemented devel- ics and reduce the number of death cases. opment and expansion projects. Every year, Health departments were established in all pilgrims, who visited the Kingdom, noticed areas where pilgrims lived, especially in remarkable improvement in the services Mina. Al-Jaidi said there was a health de- provided to them. The Saudi government’s partment following up pilgrims’ health con- gigantic efforts have facilitated the perfor- ditions and providing medication and treat- mance of Hajj rituals in a spiritual atmo- ment to ill pilgrims. sphere. King Abdulaziz played an eclectic When Prince Faisal hosted Al-Rahouni, role in these efforts, thanks to his unique Prince Faisal expressed happiness that the leadership, acumen and resourcefulness. pilgrims performed Hajj safely. Prince Fais- King Abdulaziz created a safe and secure al said: “We thank Almighty Allah that the environment where pilgrims could perform ten pilgrims who passed away during Hajj Hajj with comfort and ease. He shouldered died of natural causes. Over 200,000 pil- the responsibility of protecting the safe- grims performed Hajj this year.” Al-Rahou- ty and security of all pilgrims and built a ni noted that the measures taken by Prince strong and modern country that today en- Faisal helped prevent any catastrophic joys a respectable and high position on the death. global map.

22 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 23 Hajj – the Grand Pilgrimage to Makkah: Transcending the Mundane Realities

By Ahmed Kamal El-Din Izzeddin

Here I am, Oh God, answering Your command! Here I am answering Your command! You are without associate! I am at Your command! To You are all praise, grace and dominion! You are without associate! This is a brief version on another pillar of Islam, namely, Grand Pilgrimage, or Hajj. The pillar of fasting (in Ramadan), discussed in another issue of this Journal, may be useful for the non-Arabist and non-Muslim reader to go through before reading this article, although it is quite independently penned, and is intended to generally present Hajj as a form of worship rather than being descriptive of the detailed phases and rites of Hajj, which is abundantly available for readers elsewhere.

24 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 25 Grand Pilgrimage (Hajj) is performedby Marwa, and continuously uttering duaa or Muslims whenever affordable once in a supplication and words of dhikr or remem- lifetime to Makkah, the city in Hejaz, Saudi brance of God the Almighty. Pilgrims travel Arabia, where God’s House, or Ka’aba, has from the Holy Mosque in Makkah to Ara- been erected for the first time by Prophet fat, via Mina overnight, spend the night in Ibrahim (or Abraham) and his first son, Is- Muzdalifa then move again to Mina, where mael (or Ishmael), who are also command- the Satan or devil is symbolically stoned in ed by God to purify His House for those three daily sessions over a couple of nights who would compass around it and perform culminating in the Grand Eid, or festive day prayers in its vicinity. Those who can af- (Eid Al-Adha). Several prohibitions pecu- ford it may perform Hajj more than once liar to Hajj are then lifted, including shav- if they, for more divine reward, although ing, nail clipping, wearing perfume and Hajj is mandatory on the adult Muslim only normal clothing, washing up and practicing once, provided he is materially and physi- unfettered matrimonial life. cally able to perform it. Beyond the aforesaid physical and ver- Hajj is to be performed at a specific sea- bal rituals are several abstract values and son of the year: “For Hajj are the months meanings of commendable significance. well-known”; “They ask thee concerning Here are some examples: the New Moons. Say: They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) Purification of inner intention and faith: men, and for Pilgrimage.” One basic rite for It is a common, over arching principle of the pilgrim on which his entire pilgrimage worship in Islam that it is the inner inten- depends is to stand on or around the Mount tion that matters and that all the acts of of Mercy in Arafat, which should take place worship are done bona fide for the sake of between the afternoon and sunset on the 9th God. One good indication is found in the day of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th lunar month in Qur’anic verse on the Grand Eid sacrifice, the Hijri calendar.The next 9th of Dhul-Hi- which coincidentally happens to be in the jjah is expected to correspond to August 21, Chapter (Surat) of the Qur’an on Hajj: “It 2018, which means that the very last pos- is neither their meat nor their blood that sible day for arrival into Makkah for this reaches Allah. It is your piety that reaches year’s Hajj is August 20, 2018, noting that Him”. Again, both grand and minor pil- the Saudi authorities may specify an earlier grimages, i.e. Hajj and Umrah, are required date for entry into the country for practical to be offered to God: “And complete the purposes, which must be observed by pil- Hajj or Umrah in the service of Allah”. grims. Stoning of Satan is followed by the In an authentic Hadith of the Prophet festive day when the sacrifices are slaugh- Muhammad (peace be upon him), as re- tered by all Muslims regardless of them ported by Omar bin Al-Khattab, he says, performing Hajj for the relevant year, fol- “Acts indeed depend upon the intentions lowed by the farewell compassing around and every person will receive the rewards of Ka’aba (Tawaf Al-Wadaa). according to what he has intended. So, Other rituals include walking the dis- whoever emigrates for the sake of Allah tance between the two hills of Safa and and his Messenger, his emigration will be

24 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 25 (counted as being) for Allah and his Mes- the pilgrim to move closer to his original senger and whoever emigrates for worldly nature. The preparatory acts in pilgrimage benefits or for a woman to marry, his emi- ceremonials, following a solemn intention gration will be (counted as being) for what to perform Hajj, include wearing the pil- he emigrated for”. Accordingly, Hajj will grimage garb. For men, this is composed only be rewarded as far as good intention of two pieces of simple white unsewn fab- exists during the practice of the physical di- ric, one to cover the lower body, while the mension of the rituals. other is to cover the upper parts. No acces- sories, no caps or hats are allowed.Women Abstraction of mundane way of life: should only dress decently and cover their From its inception Hajj opens the way for heads. The pilgrim is thus made to live the

26 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 27 greatest human gathering ever. All the pilgrims do the same actions,in the same order, within the same process, and same space and timeframe. The Islamic instructions to pilgrims anticipate the hazards and possible misgivings in such a huge human assembly. Accordingly, pilgrims are required to prepare for Hajj by bathing, shaving and clipping their nails, thereby minimizing the need for littering in Hajj. They are strictly prohibited from hunting in Makkah, a rule that would preserve wild life in Hejaz from extinction in a few years of Hajj. No pilgrim is allowed to collect and appropriate any lost item, thereby shedding necessary protection for owners of lost property at a time of massive human throngs. On the personal behavioral level, at a situation where men and women who are strangers to one another live and move at a relatively closer proximity, the Qur’an explicitly prohibits obscenity, which is usu- ally the first step before promiscuity and further acts of indecency. Another behavioral hazard in the Hajj crowded human waves is the possibility of skirmishes and clashes. This is also prohibited at the pain of losing the acceptance of one’s pilgrimage. The Qur’an reads: “For Hajj are the months well-known. If any one undertakes status of a nascent being, free of all worldly that duty therein, let there be no obscenity, encumbrances and sophistication, and al- nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj. lowing the remembrance of God to be prac- And whatever good ye do, (be sure) Allah ticed with much attentiveness and clarity of knows it. And take a provision (with you) mind. for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct”. Practicing good communal interaction: It is clear therefore that Hajj, basically One remarkable thing about Hajj is that a set of seasonal acts of worship, is also a between two to three million people come complete system of designed compatibility, to meet in a relatively limited space, less with inbuilt instructions meant to be crowd- than 40 square kilometers, forming the friendly, and avoid anticipated hazards.

26 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 27 Managing

HajjM. Nasir Jawed “We cannot see such a high-level of crowd management anywhere in the world, except in Saudi Arabia during the Hajj pilgrimage.” – Dr. Sala Yanoya, UN representative

Hajj has never been as easier as it is today. cherished journey in Islam involves a spiri- Thanks to modern amenities and technol- tual drill that spreads over five days and in- ogy – not to forget air travel facilities and volves a set of some core rituals that are both a highly improved infrastructure that Saudi intensive and at times complex, posing chal- Arabia has come up with – pilgrims today lenges to the Hajj organizers. are faced with fewer challenges. It is no lon- It therefore becomes the topmost priority ger time-consuming, unbearable, or fraught for the Kingdom to serve the pilgrims in both with any undesirable criminal incidents as the formats of the pilgrimage, Hajj and Um- was the case in the past. rah, the latter attracting pilgrims all through Yet, Hajj is a grueling procedure. It is un- the year. like any other international event that draws Arabs are known for their hospitality world’s some major gatherings. The most and generosity since pre-Islamic days. Al-

28 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 29 lah says: “Have you made providing of wa- the Kingdom. They study the Saudi experi- ter for the pilgrim and maintenance of Al- ence in Hajj management, as how it readies Masjid Al-Haram equal to (the deeds of) one security forces for the annual gathering and who believes in Allah and the Last Day and how it deals with people speaking different strives in the cause of Allah? They are not languages and having different cultural and equal in the sight of Allah. Allah does not racial backgrounds. guide the wrongdoing people.” (Surat Al- The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Tawbah, Verse 20) a report quotes Dr. Sala Yanoya, a UN repre- Hajj, a spiritual journey to the ancient city sentative, as saying: “We cannot see such a of Makkah and the adjacent sites, takes place high-level of crowd management anywhere every year through 8th-12th Dhu Al-Hijj, the in the world, except in Saudi Arabia during last month of the Islamic calendar, which is the Hajj pilgrimage.” based on a lunar cycle. Some 3 million pilgrims converge to Makkah from more than Vision 2030 180 countries. Under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdu- The Saudi Role laziz, Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman Saudi Arabia considers it an honor to serve launched Vision 2030, the primary goal of the pilgrims whom they call as guests of which is to transform Saudi Arabia into “an God. It invests vast manpower and finan- exemplary and leading nation in every field.” cial resources. Over the past four decades, No wonder, the Vision finds an essential it has spent billions of dollars to expand the space for Hajj administration. Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah and The Vision includes a comprehensive plan established modern airports, seaports, and to develop the Hajj sector, thus allowing the other amenities and services for the pilgrims maximum number of pilgrims. It plans to tar- like road network, water, security, accom- gets 30 million pilgrims in both the formats modation, sanitation, electricity and even of pilgrimage by 2030. food for the pilgrims. Tens of thousands of security personnel, Expansion plan healthcare workers, traffic controllers, pedes- The Grand Mosque in Makkah is being ex- trian and crowd control staff, safety control panded at an estimated cost of $26.6bn to inspectors, volunteers etc. are deployed all accommodate some 2.2 million worshippers over the holy sites to provide security, safety from around 600,000 currently. It is the larg- and healthcare, and to coordinate and control est expansion of the Holy Mosque in history vehicular and pedestrian traffic. that is being carried out to increase the ca- All this has earned the country accolades pacity annually. from the Muslims from all over the world With an estimated completion date of mid- and international organizations including the 2018, the project will be divided into three United Nations. Grappling with the problem phases. It will include the addition of a new of controlling big festivals and gatherings, seven story building with 74 prayer halls, many countries are reported to have been an ornate prayer hall spread over 250,000 learning the art of crowd management from square meters and a 5000-square meter of

28 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 29 central ceremonial area. According to a crowd management expert, “The most challenging thing is that these pil- Managing the crowd grims speak more than 100 languages and Crowd management is not an easy task. they follow different cultures, customs and Governments and security forces across the traditions and lifestyle and have different ra- world have found it difficult to manage huge cial backgrounds.” crowds at religious gatherings, festivals and Dr. Yanoya said: “You cannot find 3 mil- sports events. lion people staying in a limited space for a According to the United Nations, world week, performing various religious rituals. population is expected to cross 9 billion They live in a spiritual atmosphere enjoying by 2025, making crowd management even full security, tranquility and comfort.” more difficult and a big challenge in coming The UN official commended the accu- years. mulated experience gained by Saudi Arabia The biggest challenge facing the Hajj in crowd management over the past several management is controlling the mammoth years, adding that this has made the King- buildup of crowds, mainly transporting them dom No. 1 in the field. She commended Sau- in a time frame of three days in multiple di Arabia for its successful efforts in crowd movements, as also within the defined pe- management. She said South Africa benefit- rimeter of the holy sites. ed from Saudi crowd management experi-

30 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 31 ence while hosting World Cup. Muzdalifah to meet certain but essential ritu- The hi-tech Jamarat Bridge in Mina, where al requirements. The tent city of Mina, some Hajis perform their stoning-the-Satan ritual, 7 km east of Makkah – on account of having has won accolades at various international predefined perimeters of about 20 km – can for a including the Institute for Operations accommodate about one-and-a-half-million Research and the Management Sciences, the pilgrims, far short of the number of Hajis who leading association for analytics profession- reach there to camp for at least three days. als. The bridge was instrumental in crowd They leave Mina in the middle of their stay management and reducing accidents at the (9th Dhu Al-Hijj) to go to Mountain Arafat, Jamarat, which has witnessed some fatal ac- 20 km east of Mina for a day-long stay. By cidents in the past. evening, they reach Muzdalifah where they spend the night only to return to Mina next Overcrowding day morning, where they perform the stone- For an effective management of the Hajj throwing ritual at Jamarat. Finally, they go crowd, or any gathering in the world for that to Makkah once again to pay obeisance by matter, it is imperative to limit the number of way of making doing tawaf of the House of pilgrims to an acceptable level. God. All this involves a highly complex pro- Learning from the problems encountered cess and poses a huge challenge to the local earlier, the Hajj management in 2013 ran a authorities as the spaces in above-mentioned very successful campaign of media aware- places have predetermined perimeters mak- ness vowing to severe punitive measure for ing it difficult to accommodate the swelling unauthorized pilgrims. This succeeded in mass of pilgrims which in some years swells limiting the number of pilgrims to about 2 to 4 million, as was the case in 2012. The million, but still there were no significant re- illegal and unregistered pilgrims mainly em- duction in the number of illegal pilgrims from anating from the within the country further Makkah region. To minimize the chances of compounds the situation. Handling these pil- locals contributing to the catastrophes, it is grims becomes a big challenge for the local highly desirable to organize crowd manage- authorities. ment training programs and encourage the In fact, the Saudi 2030 Vision program people, especially the ones from Makkah re- incorporates many elements that will aid the gion, to participate. growth of this flow of visitors to the country, Making it a smooth affair and hassle-free, including (but not limited to) new airports as more than 400,000 people have been turned entry points for pilgrims. away for lacking Hajj permits last year. A total of 208,236 cars driven by those without Overstay the correct permits were denied permission Another issued facing the Saudi authorities from entering into Hajj sites, while another is overstay of the pilgrims. Overseas guests 3,296 vehicles were seized at the entrances start arriving in Saudi Arabia five weeks be- to Makkah, reports suggest. fore the actual Hajj period. Late arrivals stay back for up to five weeks after the event. Multiple movements More than 7 million pilgrims come to the Hajis travel to places like Mina, Arafat and holy places in the Kingdom throughout the

30 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 31 year to perform Umrah or the lesser pilgrim- spanning over several days, prompts another age. Many of the pilgrims stay for over a challenge: health risks. Health authorities month in Saudi Arabia to visit the Prophet’s with help from other departments and minis- mosque in Madinah, the second most sacred tries, and not to forget hundreds of thousands mosque, 400 kms from Makkah. of volunteers, do a marvelous job to keeping the event largely a healthy affair, remaining Transportation alert on contagious diseases and are ready Year 2018 is a turning point for transporta- with health-related requirements during the tion services in the Makkah region and in event. line with Vision 2030, as it saw the new King It is no simple task to scan and screen pil- Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) and grims entering into the Kingdom with any Haramain train becoming operational this communicable or contagious diseases. The year. Kingdom knows it well that it is extremely Considered Gateway to the two holy cit- dangerous to allow pilgrims carrying HIV, ies, the SR 27 billion ($7.2bn) KAIA has MERS, hepatitis, swine flu, bird flu, and tu- been modernized and expanded to handle 50 berculosis to live with other pilgrims. million passengers a year. Secondly, it is no easy job to carry out The $16.5-billion Haramain high-speed cleaning and disposal of rubbish regularly railway linking Makkah to Madinah is also check any bacterial disease germinating. scheduled to offer passenger services from Vision 2030 stipulates expanding health September this year. The 450-km-long line and medical services by preparing hospitals completed the first test run in July last year. It and health centers to provide top-of-the-line will surely go a long way to ease traffic to a services around the clock, in addition to sew- considerable extent. age, cleanliness, and lighting services at the During Hajj in previous years, At least holy sites and the Jamarat Bridge. 18 Saudi transportation companies secured The plan includes myriad medical facili- 18,000 fully equipped buses to transport ties including 133 ambulance centers run by 1.4 million pilgrims from outside the King- 78 physicians and specialists and 2,500 ad- dom. Fleets of buses are updated annually ministrative employees and technicians. to ensure the safety of pilgrims as they The Health Ministry last year opened 25 move between cities, and this year, 1,696 hospitals and 155 medical centers at the holy buses are new or were provided only last sites, supported by 100 small ambulances year. working as mobile intensive-care units, ca- To operate and transport pilgrims, 24,000 pable of reaching crowded areas to attend to young Saudi bus drivers and technicians the injured. have been hired to operate these buses. Ri- There are 25 teams assigned for advanced yadh is against any attempts to politicize response that will support field-ambulance Hajj. Kingdom has successfully managed to teams, in addition to other ambulance organise all Hajj seasons perfectly. teams. There are four well-equipped air ambulances while 500 male and female volun- Health plan teers will serve at the Grand Mosque and Such an event of a mammoth gathering, Arafat sites.

32 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 33 Going Hi-Tech Several countries have praised the government for implementing the e-gate and other advanced IT facilities that brought about a dramatic improvement and transparency to the entire process of pilgrimage service. The ministry updated its electronic Hajj portal to speed up electronic issuance of visas and reduce procedural waiting and en- trance times to a mere few minutes. It has introduced the electronic bracelet for pilgrims, in order to speed up identification processes and electronically read all related information, especially for those who do not speak The Saudi government not only makes Arabic. heavy investments in Hajj infrastructure to All Hajj affairs offices around the world facilitate a smooth and incident-free pilgrim- have been instructed to provide information age for the Muslims every year, but has also on pilgrims before their arrival at ports, and earmarked special provisions in its ambitious information about visas, passports, a photo, Vision 2030 plan. It leaves no stone unturned service providers, and other personal infor- in making the event a pride event for all the mation are stored on the bracelets. Muslims. Advanced technology, including track- This is despite the fact that the physical ing and monitoring tools and sensors and capacity of the holy sites in Makkah can biometric technology, has been introduced, “only” accommodate not more than 2.5 mil- which will definitely go a long way in ensur- lion pilgrims. Therefore securing and safe- ing a smooth and efficient administration of guarding both pilgrims and holy sites require Hajj. Many of the sensors and wireless de- major infrastructure and related safety and vices available today, including Radio Fre- security provisions from the Saudi govern- quency Identification are also being used for ment, which creates a highly thriving busi- controlling and monitoring the movement ness environment for your organization. of crowds. Currently, pilgrims carry a non- The government has undoubtedly exert- electronic wristband, which only identifies a ed costly and strenuous efforts to maintain pilgrim belonging to group of thousands of the safety of the pilgrims, insure services pilgrims under a Munazzim. for them, provide them with comfort, and achieve their interests. Conclusion This is all so they can perform their rituals Saudi Arabia has assumed a prominent place easily and return to their homelands and fam- in the world and has become synonymous ilies secure, assured, happy and optimistic with hospitality and a warm welcome to all with the Hadith in which the Prophet (peace Muslims. As such, it has carved a special be upon him) says: “The accepted Hajj has place in the hearts of pilgrims and the faith- no reward other than Paradise.” (Al-Bukhari ful everywhere. and Muslim)

32 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 33 ‏Pilgrimage and the Principle of Unity of Human being ‏Reading of the Pilgrimage of the Leader Malcolm X

‏By Dr. Ahmed Bououd Translated by: Muhammad Salim

‏The American leader, Malcolm X (1925-1965) or the pilgrim Malik Al Shabbaz suffered a lot from the yoke of racism in America. He devoted his whole life in defense of human rights and particularly black man rights who is the negro of an African origin. He lived a tragical life in America only because he is a black man. There is no room here to highlight Malcolm X’s life with its all tragic situations, though it is very short one as such will take much time. Therefore, it is enough to say that his suffering makes him hate white man as the latter does. Such suffering continued despite of being Muslim, hate ensued and he keeps hating white man. However, pilgrimage changed up his life allover together with many concepts as if he has just become a Muslim anew. “ You may get astonished of what I will say, but what I saw and experienced in this pilgrimage changed up my opinions and made me get rid of some of my previous deductions” He said. So, what has Malcolm seen to have changed up his mind in such a way? How, did pilgrimage make him believe in the principle of unity of human being?

34 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 35 •White and Black man and is well acquainted (with all things). (Su- ‏Malcolm X tells the story of negro black rat Al-Hujrat: Verse 13). The late scholar man suffering from white man. However, Imam Ibn Ashour commented on this verse white man is not just a matter of color and saying:” It is meant by this verse that you nothing more, on the contrary, when we say have deviated from nature and changed up “white man” in America, it means special the natural status making the differentiation situations and treatment of black man and between nations and tribes due to quarrel- of whatever that is not white. Malcolm has ling, fighting and aggression. Thus is the suffered a lot from such treatment, either by state of contemporary humanity. being called a negro instead of being called ‏ by his name or through frequent embarrass- •People of different colors gather around ments and continuous contempt due to his the Holy House of Allah (Ka’ba) color to the extent that one of his teachers ‏Circumambulation around Ka’ba is one advised him not to think of joining solicita- of pilgrimage pillars. At such a place, dif- tion because of his color although he is ex- ferences and colors are not considered. celling in studying. Muslims gather putting on a uniform that ‏However, on his journey to the Muslim denotes equality among men and women, world, Malcolm met white men who are elderly and young, white and black, poor friendlier than any other person. This is and rich, servants and lords, all of them proved when he was highly impressed by a gratifying Allah by being engaged in His person who came to pick him up from the remembrance in different tongues.With his Airport, as he was taken by surprise to the attention being drawn by this gathering, extent that the conduct of the person did not Malcolm X described the scene by saying:” make him feel that he is white man… He I walked behind the guider (Mutawif) car- didn’t feel any difference between him and rying my shoes, then I saw the Ka’ba, a the Arabian white friend. He had been gen- big house of black stone in the midst of the erously and hospitably received. He was so Grand Mosque (The Haram) as thousands impressed by the service extended to him of pilgrims men and women of different by others, so he was made to declare:” As a ages, shapes and colors gazing at it…” black man in America, I have never consid- ‏All of them were impressed by the sight ered in my life that any service provided to of Ka’ba and were taken up and wholly me is for the sake of Allah”. engaged by the grandiose of circumam- ‏Such a wonderful situation would not bulation (Tawaf), they felt the Mightiness have been had it not been for Islam. It is the of the Creator and the equality among His situation which is expressed by the Qur’anic creatures. Such an equality was expressed verse: “O humankind! We created you from by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) a single (pair) of male and female and made during the days of Greater Bairam (Eid you into nations and tribes that Ye may know Al-Adha) (the days of Tashreeq) follow- each other (Not that ye may despise (Each ing the completion of Hajj to explain to the other). Verily the most honoured of you in people the purposes of Hajj and its rituals. the sight of Allah is he who is the most righ- He consideredequality asa sublime purpose teous of you. And Allah has full knowledge of Hajj. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon

34 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 35 of bodies, ridiculing and despise of people are priori- ties. ‏•Right of freedom: It is personal and self-ethical right for humankind the effects of which being materi- alized in humankind actions of his feeling of worshipping. The first freedom is one of faith. ‏• The need of Islam to realize the principle of unity of human being him) said:” O people, ver- day in your this month in ‏While he was on the top ily your Lord is one and your this country, did I in- of Arafa Mountain, Mal- your father is one, no favor- form you?, they said:” The colm X is of the opinion that ing of an Arab over a non- Prophet has informed us” there is no solution for hu- Arab, neither of a non-Arab then the Holy Prophet said: manity problems and partic- over an Arab, nor of a black “Let that who is present to ularly racial discrimination man over a red man, nor of inform that who is absent.” except by Islam. Fraternity a red man over a black man ‏The sublime ends of the cannot be achieved except except by righteousness of mission of Islam are to free under the umbrella of Islam. Allah, did I inform you?, humankind from slavery, to Although logos are raised they said:” the Holy Proph- lift him up from injustice (the French Revolution, for et (peace be upon him) has and to equalize him with instance, which adopts the informed us, then the Holy his man fellow. This is what logo of freedom, equality Prophet said:” Let that who should be missioned to the and fraternity) and adopt- is present to inform that worlds. Such an equality ined by schools of thoughts, who is absent, then he said: volves guaranteeing the fol- however, individuality has “Which month is this? They lowing rights: indulged contemporary hu- said: “It is a sacred month” •Right of life: this is the mankind into egotism and He said: “Which a day is first right to be guaranteed selfishness. Humankind is this?”, they said: “It is a sa- to humankind so that he/ no longer concerned except cred day.” He said: “Which she could perform what has by their selves and this puts country is this?”, they said: been assigned to him/ her. an end to humanity. Auguste “It is a sacred country.” •Right of dignity: It is a Comte, the French philoso- He said:” Verily that your right for every humankind pher and sociologist (died bloods, your properties and being righteous or wicked. in 1857), drew the attention perhaps he said your re- However, preserving dig- to this problem when he got spects are sacred to you like nity of humankind against disappointed in the French the sacredness of your this beating, killing, mutilation Revolution and humankind

36 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 37 was lost in the swamp of individuality and selfishness. He declared that humankind belongs to humanity and benefits from its fruits to as- sert that altruism should prevail and dominate the relation of humankind with his fellow humankind. ‏Of course, if humanity did exist, it would involve equality among people, no way to favor oneself over the other, and the other has got the same value of the answer which they found ica. ego. Emmanuel Monnet, the it was relevant. I told them ‏”I have never witnessed French philosopher, (died in that fraternity has drawn my in my life such fraternity 1950) asserts that humanity attention, it is the unity of among people of different has only one meaning which human being which belongs colors and races. I have been is closely related to the con- to every color and race that impressed by them during cept of equality.This equal- proved to me the potency of last week due to the friendli- ity is the main starting point Allah the One. ness they showed me.” Mal- to determine the value of ‏Pilgrimage changed up colm said. The Holy Qur’an humankind and his dignity the mind of Malcolm X. Be- emphasized such conduct as he is not an object and ing despised by white man, as Allah the Almighty says: he should not be treated like Malcolm who was brought “And hold fast, all together, objects. up to hate white man and to by the Rope which Allah ‏To explain how Hajj has quarrel with him, has be- (stretches out for you), and affected him and changed come a person who does not be not divided among your- up his concept of equality, hate any one whoever he is. selves, and remember with Malcolm X says:” In Ara- He no longer feels sensitive gratitude Allah’s favor on fat, I sat in a big tent among against color in the Islamic you, for ye were enemies, twenty pilgrims who were world in which favorability and he joined your hearts in highly concerned about me is judged by righteousness love, so that by his Grace, as being a Muslim from and ethics of humanity. As ye became brethren, and ye America. They asked me the impact of these two at- were on the brink of the Pit about what has drawn my tributes on him increases of Fire, and He saved you attention in Hajj, I started to day after day to change his from it. Thus doth Allah answer their questions while thinking. By virtue of this make His Signs clear to you, those who understand Eng- pilgrimage he knew well the that ye may be guided.” lish translate to the others. real Islam and understood ‏The late scholar Ib- They were surprised by my the racial problem in Amer- nAshour interpreted the

36 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 37 deductions through the pilgrimage he performed. He said:” In spite of my previous contends, I always tried to face the reality and accept my contends on the light of experiences and practices, because I have bright and flexible mind which are the necessary characteristics of searching for truth.

‏References: ‏•Alex Hali, Malcolm X Au- tobiography, translated by Laila Abuzaid (Bisan for Publishing, Distribution & information, Beirut, First edition 1996) p.261 above mentioned verse by believes that America (and ‏•Ibid p. 256 saying:” Allah is addressing the rest of the world) must ‏•Ibid the believers who were then embrace Islam because it ‏•IbnAshour, Emancipa- the immigrants and those is the only religion that can tion and Enlightenment who gave aid and support solve the problem of apart- (Sahnoon House for Pub- and a few people of some heid in America. During his lishing & Distribution, Tu- neighbouring tribes as they travel across the Muslim nisia ) 12/260 were all enemies to each world, Malcolm met, talked ‏•Malcolm X Autobiography, other. Those who embraced and ate with men who were p. 258 Islam have become breth- supposed to be white men ‏•Narrated by Imam Ahmed ren and caretakers of each from America, however, Is- ‏•Auguste Comte, other. Barriers of pedigree lam has changed their white Cate’chismepositiviste, ou- and places have disappeared attitude and conduct. He Sommaire exposition d la among them. Although their saw for the first time in his religion universelle. P. 278 wise men and leaders tried life people of different col- ‏•Mounnier, Le Personnal- to reconcile them with all ors not minding for their isme, (Les presses Univer- means of reconciliation, but colors living a real , truthful sitaires de France, Paris, 7 e they failed. However, Allah fraternity life. e’d, 1961) p.45 has joined their heart in love ‏In conclusion, the story of ‏•Malcolm X Autobiography, by way of Islam and thus Malcolm X may seem aston- pp259-260 they became brethren in Is- ishing but it is real. He was ‏•Ibid, p. 260 lam.” made to change up his mind ‏•Emancipation and Enlight- ‏Therefore, Malcolm X and get rid of his previous enment 32/4

38 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 39 Reimagining the Lifetime Experience

Mohammad Dawood Sofi

In Islam, Hajj is believed to be one of the ity for Muslims because it demands tre- supreme acts of worship, doctrinally and mendous physical, mental, and economic spiritually. Performed at a particular place strength and more importantly spiritual and in a particular period, Hajj, therefore, preparation and planning. Hajj is physically cannot be substituted by pilgrimages to any a very demanding exercise as Ḥujjāj are re- place other than Makkah or in a different quired to walk for hours together to cover season other than prescribed. Considered long distances and, with millions of others, as one of the five pillars of Islam, the duty do camping at Arafat and Muzdalifah. One is obligatory for all adult Muslims who are of the central activities of Ḥujjāj at Arafat sane physically and mentally and who are is their praying and standing in humility be- sound economically. In this highest form of fore Allah and asking for His forgiveness worship, the Ḥujjāj are ordered to avoid all which in turn symbolizes a kind of rehears- the practices leading to distraction and con- al for the final standing before Allah on Day centrate on such devotional acts necessary of Judgment. In this gathering where mil- to reach the utmost level of purification and lions of people have converged, perform- thereby attain the blessing and mercy of Al- ing even the simplest rites can be extremely lah. difficult, consuming, thus, a lot of time and In fact, Hajj is not an ordinary activ- energy. Despite this, for Ḥujjāj nothing can

38 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 39 be more inspiring and motivating than the wards to Morocco, the eyes of innumerable experience of Hajj itself and that is why prayers are turned towards it, five times, many Muslims go for this onerous journey this day and all days: one of the notablest hoping to die at the most blessed land. centres in the Habitation of Men.’1 The re- Hajj combines all the unique acts and pairing of Ḥujjāj to Ka’bah, thus, naturally institutions and culminates all the obliga- generates a tremendous yet pristine spiri- tory obligations of Islam and thereby per- tual taste in them. The renowned Muslim fects the Īmān. It is, practically, the com- intellectual, writer and broadcaster, Charles memoration and reenactment of all of the Le Gai Eaton, also known as Ḥasan ‘Ab- acts of devotion to Allah by Haḍrat Ibrāhi̇̄m dulhakim, maintains that when a pilgrim (peace be upon him) and his family, includ- ‘stands before the Ka’bah in Makkah (af- ing the former’s readiness to sacrifice his ter circling it seven times), the centrality son Prophet Ismail (peace be upon him). already prefigured by his orientation when The Ka’bah (Bayt Allah), the focal point he prayed far off is made actual. Clothed the Hajj, constructed by Prophet Ibrahim only in two pieces of plain, unsewn cloth, (peace be upon him) and his son Prophet he has left behind him the characteristics Ismail (peace be upon him) is the spiritual which identified him in the world, his race, center of all the Muslims. The Ka’bah ac- his nationality, his status; he is no longer tually is ‘an authentic fragment of the old- so-and-so from such-and-such a place, but est Past’, writes Thomas Carlyle, a Scottish simply a pilgrim. ... Although Paradise may essayist, satirist, and historian. He fur- still seem far distant, he has already come ther says that it is the Qiblah (direction of home.’2 prayer) of all Muslims: from Delhi all on- In the current times, what gets manifest-

40 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 41 ed from the life is the cyclic movement de- class, color, caste, race, and gender. Iḥrām void of spiritual goals, starting with day and symbolizes equality and on the other hand ending with night. In the mean time, pass- normal clothes, coupled with other forms of ing these days and nights a person should ranks, symbolize a particular status and dis- get engaged in every act that would help tinction, hence causing division and separa- him in overcoming his material desires. A tion between people. life in which the sole aim and philosophy of Hajj means a complete transformation a person is only to live for material benefits, and a shift from ordinary to extraordinary, in fact, lacks a proper direction. Therefore mundane to special, and usual to exciting. such a life is a representation of a dead spir- Hajj an action that frees a person from all the it in a living body. Moreover, another vital worldly chains is a spiritual journey from aspect of this material life is the division finite to infinite. It is, thus, an act of escap- of human into nations, races, and classes, ing from material world to spiritual world, each one distinct in status and values from culminating in connecting and strengthen- the other. On the other hand, this terrible ing the relationship of a person with his condition gets reversed once a person per- Creator, Allah. Moving from the common forms Hajj and thereof experiences its spir- house to the House of Allah, the fulfillment itual benefits. A complete shift from mate- of Hajj is one of the highest forms of spiri- rial to spiritual, the ubiquitous dress termed tual struggle that hence demands the high- as Iḥrām serves as a constant reminder for est level of patience. It is only then the Hajj the one involved in this devotional act that will become the lifetime experience. all Muslims, rather all human beings are There are a number of questions linked equal, despite worldly distinctions based on with the philosophy of Hajj such as what

40 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 41 Hajj actually means and what type of ex- souls continue to be frivolous and averted perience a person gets once fulfilling this unless accepting and fulfilling the divine important duty. To answer these and other call of ‘proclaim to humankind the Hajj questions, it can be put forward in a philo- (pilgrimage)’ and at the same time saying sophical language that Hajj in reality repre- goodbye to all the avaricious desires that sents simultaneously Allah and His creation distracts from Allah. Answering and fulfill- and unity within His creation exhibited in ing the commandment of Allah, Hajj also the form of what is known as Ummah. It means the preparation for death. There- is indeed the climax of spiritual experience fore, a person should make sure to clear where Allah is the Center of everything his personal and other debts. Before leav- and creations. They have to perform a se- ing for Hajj, there should be a complete ries of activities that includes, among other personality transformation reflected in the practices, Ṭawaf, Sa’ie, Spending the day form of behavior change—no grudge and at Arafah, Spending the night at Muzdali- resentment toward relatives, neighbors, fah, Sacrificing the Hadi and Accommoda- or friends. The transformation also means tion in Mina.̇̄ leaving all the selfish desires and clearing Hajj takes place in the blessed month of all the debts—both personal and material. Dhū Al-Ḥijjah, the 12th month of the Is- Prior to this experience, a lifetime one, a lamic lunar calendar. Allah highlights the person’s soul is dominated by his wild love message as: for family, power, and wealth. Now by re- And proclaim to humankind the Hajj turning to Allah, a person is endeavoring (pilgrimage). They will come to you on to move toward goodness and perfection foot and on every lean camel, they will and loyalty and devotion to Allah, thereby come from every deep and distant (wide) meaning a shift from ‘materialistic desire’ mountain highway (to perform Hajj).3 to ‘spiritual desire’. In short, beyond doubt, In the land of Makkah or the land of Hajj is a wonderful scene of unity within peace, tranquility and peace is prevailing diversity in which the Ḥujjāj while facing everywhere. The Ḥujjāj who are bestowed Ka‘bah openly and loudly reject polythe- by Allah with a most vital opportunity are ism and accept monotheism. witnessing the atmosphere of worship. Its essence, therefore, lies in refreshing the 1. Thomas Carlyle, On Heroes, Hero- Faith and strengthening the connection Worship, and The Heroic in History, (Lin- with Allah or in other words illuminating coln: University of Nebraska Press, 1966), the soul through detachment from earth and pp. 49-50 attachment to Allah. The Qur’ān, therefore, 2. Gai Eaton, Islam and the Destiny of explains: Man, (London: George Allen and Unwin, Verily, the fist House (of worship) ap- 1985), p. 242. pointed for humankind was that at Bakkah 3. Al-Qur’ān, Surah Al-Hajj, Ᾱyat no. (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance 27 for Al-‘Ᾱlamīn (the humankind and jinn).4 4. Al-Qur’ān, Surah Al-Imrān, Ᾱyat no. This message clearly explains that the 97

42 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 43 The last sermon (Khutbat Al-Wada’a) of Prophet Muhammad The last sermon of the Prophet (peace be upon to lead you astray in big things, so beware of fol- him) is known as Khutbat Al-Wada’a. It is men- lowing him in small things. tioned in almost all books of Hadith. Following O People Ahadith in Sahih Al-Bukhari refer to the sermon It is true that you have certain rights in re- and quote part of it. (See Al-Bukhari, Hadith gard to your women, but they also have rights 1623, 1626, 6361) Sahih of Imam Muslim also over you. Remember that you have taken them refers to this sermon in Hadith number 98. Imam as your wives, only under Allah’s trust and with Al-Tirmidhi has mentioned this sermon in Hadith His permission. If they abide by your right then nos. 1628, 2046, 2085. Imam Ahmed bin Han- to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in bal has given us the longest and perhaps the most kindness. Do treat you women well and be kind complete version of this sermon in his Masnud, to them, for they are your partners and commit- Hadith no. 19774. ted helpers. And it is your right that they do not This Khutbah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) was long and it contained much guidance make friends with anyone of whom you do not and instructions on many issues. The Prophet- approve, as well as never to be unchaste. peace be upon him- gave this sermon in front of a O People large gathering of people during Hajj. Listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, pray Whosoever heard whatever part of the sermon your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the reported it and later some scholars put it together. month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Za- It is a great khutbah and we should all pay atten- kat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. tion to its message and guidance. Following are All humankind is from Adam and Eve, an the basic points mentioned in this khutbah: Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a O People non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a Lend me an attentive ear, for I know not white has no superiority over a black, nor a black whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst has any superiority over a white- except by pi- you again. Therefor listen to what I am saying to ety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is you very carefully and take these words to those a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims who could not be present here today. constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be le- O People gitimate to a Muslim, which belongs to a fellow Just as you regard this month, this day, this Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. city as sacred, so regard the life and property of Do not therefor, do injustice to yourselves. every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods Remember one day you will appear before Al- entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no lah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that stray from the path of righteousness after I am you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will gone. People, no prophet or apostle will come af- indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest); therefore all interest ter me and no new faith will be born. Reason well obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capi- therefore, O people, and understand words which tal, however, is yours to keep. You will neither I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, inflict nor suffer any inequity. the Qur’an and the Sunnah (Hadith), and if you Allah has Judged that there shall be no inter- follow these you will never go astray. All those est and that all interest due to Abbas bin ‘Abdul- who listen to me shall pass on my words to others muttalib (the Prophet’s uncle) shall henceforth be and those to others again; and may the last ones waived. understand my words better than those who lis- Beware of Satan for the safety of your reli- tened to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that gion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able I have conveyed your message to your people.”

42 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 43 Hajj: The Sublime Experience

M. Nasir Jawed

“And (due) to Allah from the people is a lenge in terms of managing a moving mass pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is of crowd. (Hajj dates change every year, as able to find thereto a way. But whoever the Islamic calendar is based on the moon’s disbelieves, then indeed, Allah is free from cycle.) need of the worlds.” (Surat Al-Imran, Verse The five-day event engages the pilgrims, 97) or hajis, traveling back and forth connecting Makkah, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, Come Dhu Al-Hijj, the last month of the Is- depending on which form of Hajj one is per- lamic calendar every year and Saudi Arabia forming. becomes the center of a global attraction, The hajis come from all corners of the for it gears to handle the world’s largest reli- world – by air, land and sea; rising from an gious gathering – arguably the biggest chal- ocean of humanity to set up a unique phe-

44 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 45 nomenon that is simply overwhelming in mainly the movements of Muslims – both all its symbols and appearances; physical men and women; old and youth; black and and spiritual; devotion and declarations, of white – from place to place. It is the emo- their faith in one God, through chants and tive goal and the climatic experience of his prayers. “And proclaim among men the pil- temporal existence. It is a form of spiritual grimage: they shall come to you on foot and fulfillment which he shares and simultane- upon every lean beast; they shall come from ously celebrates with the entire world of Is- every deep ravine; they shall come to wit- lam. ness things of benefit to them and mention The figure of participation is “four times the Name of Allah.” ( Surat Al-Hajj, Verse the number of people who traveled to Rio 27) for the 2016 Olympics, more than double the entire population of Fiji, and 20 times What’s Hajj? the number of people who performed Hajj If faith has the power to move the moun- in 1924.” tains, Hajj is the literal reflection of that very faith – moving a millions-strong mass Background of people from all across the world to con- The marvel of Hajj has its history that un- verge in the holy city of Makkah and the derscores an unflinching faith in Allah, un- surrounding areas. paralleled sacrifices and the practical dem- All adherents of the faith are expected onstrations of one’s unquestioned obedience to perform the Hajj once in their lives, pro- to the Almighty. vided they are physically and financially ca- The story of Hajj began with the Prophet pable. Ibrahim (peace be upon him), not unfamiliar For the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims, with Jews or Christians; who finds mention roughly 24 percent of the population, Hajj in all the major revealed books of Allah, in- is one of their cherished goals, a life-time cluding the Torah, the Bible and the Qur’an. journey, a spiritual one where the created He rebuilt the Ka’ba, the House of God; meets his Creator. and together with his wife Hajar and son Keeping this faith with God, nearly 2 Isma’il (peace be upon him), he became million Muslims from outside, and some 1 central to some of the rites that are per- million from within, gather in Makkah to formed during Hajj, noticeably the running perform Hajj – the fifth and the final- pil between the two hillocks Safa and Marwah lar of Islam after shahadah (profession of the male pilgrims undertake, circling around faith), salat (prayer), zakat (giving alms), the Ka’ba, etc. and sawm (fasting and abstinence during If the Hajj began with Ibrahim a few the month of Ramadan). thousand years ago, the Prophet Muham- By doing so, they follow in the footsteps mad (peace be upon him) affirmed it and of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon purified it in the 7th century, purging it of all him), who completed his first and only Hajj the evil and idolatrous rituals that had crept in CE632. into holy ritual over the years. The Hajj consists of a set of intricate Why and how it so happened that Jews and physically demanding rites that involve and Christians didn’t follow the tradition

44 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 45 of Ibrahim – the common patriarch of the sacrifices that were made by Prophet Abra- three monotheistic faiths – is another story, ham, the Prophet Muhammad and his com- but all the revealed books including Torah panions. Besides, the pilgrims renew their and Bible stressed the religious importance pledge of obedience to Allah Almighty by of “an annual pilgrimage (Hajj in Arabic, means of acts during Hajj – the physical, in- Hag in Hebrew) to a sacred location.” In tellectual and the spiritual. Biblical times the Hebrew word Hag was pronounced Hajj. 2. Unity The Muslims however followed the tra- Hajj instills a sense of unity and solidarity dition in letter and spirit. For them, it sym- in the human beings. In the times of current bolized a lifetime journey in the quest for global chaos affected by hatred, racism, re- God. But it was more than that. Consider gionalism and sectarianism, Muslims an- the following: nually gather in the House of God and the adjacent sites as one body of humanity; with 1. Faith and Piety no feelings of colors, sects and regions – the Hajj is a week-long blissful exercise to like of which is never seen anywhere in the deepen one’s faith and increase piety. Pil- world. They all become equal before God grims revisit the places and sites mentioned like the teeth of a comb. in the Qur’an and are virtually transported “And indeed this, your religion, is one to the times of their beloved Prophet. Hajj religion, and I am your Lord, so fear me.” therefore makes them refresh the spirit of (Surat Al-Muminun, Verse 52)

4646 ll Dhul-HijjahDhul-Hijjah 1439/1439/SeptemberSeptember 20182018 ll l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 47 It becomes a grand congress of human of the life after death – either in the grave beings where they unite to know each other, when a man lies in plain white unstitched to strengthen the bond of fraternity and to clothes with no worldly facilities to support reaffirm their united message of brother- him; or, on the Day of Judgment when they hood and world peace. would appear before their Almighty, bare- Al-Tabrani narrated in Al-Kabeer that footed and naked, helpless, seeking mercy the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Al- for their sins and wrong-doings. Hajj there- lah boasts about the people of Arafat to the fore re-enacts the unseen images only to re- Angels and says: ‘Look at My slaves, they mind them of what is awaiting them once have come to Me, shaggy and dusty, they they depart from this world. A heavenly have come from every deep valley. So, bear performance indeed, never seen on earth witness that I have answered their supplica- elsewhere on this scale! tion, accepted their intercession and granted mercy to the negligent among them for the Understanding the Philosophy sake of the benevolent ones’.” Allah Almighty demands loyalty from His whole creation — plants, animals, the cos- 3. A Virtual Hereafter mos, and of course the humankind. Loyalty When a sea of humanity in white unstitched comes by way of a strict discipline, devo- clothes – forsaking worldly desires, com- tion and dedication. This can be achieved if ing from far-flung places – streams into one is immersed in piety, prayers and prais- the plains of Arafat, it evokes the feeling ing Allah,

46 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l ll Dhul-HijjahDhul-Hijjah 1439/1439/SeptemberSeptember 20182018 ll 4747 Human is Allah’s only creation that has 4. Islam’s fourth tenet, Zakat, encour- been endowed with the faculty of intel- ages the faithful to donate a miniscule part lect, reasoning and reflection. This is both of their wealth (just 2.5 percent of their ac- a boon and a bane for the human beings, cumulated wealth). By embarking on the for they either stick to the path of One God, journey, the pilgrims spend a considerable or simply go astray; become a wali, or turn amount of their wealth or their live savings a rebel; attain the high pedestal of spiritual for the sake of Allah. Beside, a pilgrim sac- attainment, or just remain an ordinary Mus- rifices an animal (goat, sheep, cow etc.) re- lim. flecting on the supreme sacrifice by Prophet Allah prescribes a minimum requirement Ibrahim (peace be upon him) thousands of devotion by sticking to or following a set years ago. of rituals. Thus, it is the emotive goal and the cli- As mentioned above, these rites are mactic experience of his temporal existence. known as the five pillars of Islam, and in It is a form of spiritual fulfillment. which the pilgrimage holds the prime position as it assimilates attributes of all the four Hajj Rites tenets: They are few in number but are rich in 1. When a Haji chants talbiya, it takes the meaning. Some of the important rituals are: highest form of Shahada i.e. not only pro- fessing of one’s faith in Allah, but declares Wearing Ihram the Oneness of God worthy of worship. Donning Ihram is an essential rite, a physi- Consider the wordings in Talbiya: cal manifestation of the pilgrim’s entering “Labbayk, Allahumma labbayk, labbayk into a state of consecration. This act is ac- la sharika laka labbayk, Inna Alhamda, wa companied by the uttering of the Talbiyah, anni’mata, laka wa almulk, la sharika lak.” which is frequently repeated during the Hajj. (“I am at Your service, O Allah, I am at Both men and women don ihram clothing: Your service. You have no partner. I am at Men wear two-piece of white sheet of un- Your service. Praise and blessing belong to stitched clothes and women can wear what- You, and the Kingdom. You have no part- ever they want. ner.”) 2. Prayers during Hajj are not just lim- Circumambulation of Ka’ba ited to five times a day, but become an in- Pilgrims circle seven times around the cube- separable part of one’s being all through the shaped, 43-foot-high black granite Ka’ba in day and night; the vast courtyard of the Sacred Mosque 3. In Ramadan, one forsakes eating and both at the beginning and end of their pil- drinking from dawn to dusk. In Hajj, a pilgrimages. Neither the Ka’ba nor the Black grim renounces the temporal life in its en- Stone, which Muslims try to kiss, are how- tirety — wearing two pieces of plain, white ever objects of worship. unstitched clothes, forsaking their civic dresses. (Women have the liberty to wear of Zamzam their choices,) This is besides a number of Before heading toward the two hillocks, prohibitions while one is in Ihram. they drink holy water from the Zamzam

4848 ll Dhul-HijjahDhul-Hijjah 1439/1439/SeptemberSeptember 20182018 ll l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 49 well. symbolizes the Muslim’s preparedness to part with what is dearest to him in order to Sa’ie attain God’s pleasure. The act of sacrifice is After Tawaf (circumambulation), the pil- an encapsulation of the spirit of Islam: sub- grims perform Sa’ie that is pacing up and mission to the will of God—which is the lit- down between the two hillocks of Al-Safa eral meaning of the word Islam. and Al-Marwa seven times. The act is a reenactment of Hajar’s frantic search for water Conclusion for her infant Isma’il when they were lost in So, faith had its victorious moments, dev- the desert. It commemorates the anguished ils being discarded; the faithful had his date love of motherhood and the decisive role of with Divinity; and his cherished dream of a womankind in history. lifetime journey fulfilled. A re-born Muslim – a good human being – cleansed of all his Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifa sins, returns home happy and content. But Pilgrims reach Mina to stay on the 8th Day the trial is yet not over. He has to ensure by of Dhu Al-Hijj. The next day is the Arafat his acts of behavior that he is a changed per- Day, when Hajj is considered as accom- son. plished. Pilgrims spend the day in the plain If he is filled with an unrivalled sense of Mount Arafat, contemplating, supplicat- of solidarity; if he feels part of the whole ing and listening to the grand mufti’s Hajj system of a disciplined cosmos; then he is sermon. In the plain of Muzdalifah, pilgrims surely endowed with ability to change much spend a night in prayer and gather pebbles of the face of the world – for a better one, to later throw at three 85-foot walls, a sym- for mutual coexistence, and for a moderate bolic stoning of the Satan. approach when it comes to deal with his non-Muslim world. Lapidation Allah says in the Qur’an: “For Hajj Throwing stones at the three pillars in Mina, are the months well known. If anyone unknown as Jamarat, that are symbolic of Sa- dertakes that duty therein, Let there be no tan, the pilgrim rejects evil and disobedi- obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling ence to God. in the Hajj. And whatever good ye do, (be sure) Allah knoweth it. And take a provision Animal Sacrifice (with you) for the journey, but the best of On the 10th day of Dhu Al-Hijj, or the third provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, O day of Hajj, pilgrims sacrifice an animal, ye that are wise.” (Surat Al-Baqarah, Verse and shave their heads (men) or cut their 197 hair. This day, Muslims all over the world “Take a provision” indicates that the ef- join the Hajis by celebrating the Festival of fects of this experience should extend to Sacrifice – Eid Al-Adha – in their respective the conduct of the Muslim in his normal home countries. life afterwards, and that he should live and The ritual is again a recollection of Abra- conduct himself by the values that manifest ham’s willingness to sacrifice even his be- piety, “the best provision.” loved son to fulfill God’s command. It also

48 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l ll Dhul-HijjahDhul-Hijjah 1439/1439/SeptemberSeptember 20182018 ll 4949 A remarkable spread of Islam in Papua New Guinea By Dr. Osman Abu Zaid Translated by: Dr. Muhammad Salim

In the recent years, observers noticed a wherever you are; therefore, the one who considerable growth in the number of Islam cannot move to a mosque may perform his embraces in Papua New Guinea as the prayers under a tree or at home or anywhere. increase of Muslims reached (1000%) within Moreover, there is Muslim great passion that fifteen years. There were only (476) Muslims brings hearts of people together)). at the beginning of the third millennium The researcher mentions that (75%) of where they reached five thousand people by the study population embraced Islam due to 2015. the efforts exerted by preachers coming from That was elaborated in a modern study Sydney, Melbourne, India, and Pakistan. by Scott Flower, an Australian researcher, One important indicator in the study is and published in (Nova Religio) Journal in that all Muslims there are of Sunnah and its fourth issue, volume 18 and issued by gathering sect. Another indicator is that all California University. The researcher cleared the study population said that Islam is the up the reason behind this noticeable spreading closest religion to their customs and traditions of Islam. Based on field researching, he which emphasizes the fact their ancestors asserted that the spread of Islam and the were originally Muslims and that they gave increase of Muslims was not due to the up their religion following the arrival of flow of Muslim manpower from abroad as it colonizers and Christianity. is the case in other countries such as South The cultural environment in which these Korea and Australia. However, it is a result people were brought up is harmonious with of two factors which are globalization and Islam. They found in this religion values preachers arrival following easy traveling which are similar to their traditions and from place to place and accessibility of ideas customs. Such values are represented in and knowledge through the internet. performing rites, family affairs and social The study points to globalization that relations even the rites of funeral and burial. makes knowledge accessible and that the Some embracers of Islam said that the impact events of 9/11 have enlightened people of religious Islamic values is positively about Islam and revealed to many that there reflected in their lives. This is practically is a religion called Islam which they have demonstrated in credibility and equality never heard of it before. When tested such a whereas the colonizers show superiority and religion people discovered its simplicity: ((a racial discrimination among colonizers and Muslim does not need a mediator to keep him the native people. close to his Lord and the Lord the Almighty A 24-year-old young woman who recently is not only in mosque, rather He is with you converted to Islam said that she found in

50 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 51 Islam comprehensive guidance for the whole of her life starting from worshipping only one God up to the cleansing of the body. Such guidance is not limited to the personal level, however, it extends to include life organizing in accordance with the society needs. The Prime Minister of Guinea, Michael Samar commended Islam in 2007 when he addressed the parliament saying that the society disintegrates due to sexual degradation, robbery, and killing. He is of the Islamic law is that our law is written by the opinion that the best solution for putting an Australians and it favors the interests of the end to such erroneous conducts is to apply Australian rulers, however, the Islamic law the rules of Islamic laws (Shari’a) such as (Shari’a) is from Allah the Almighty who pebbling stones as punishment in case of created us and He knows our interest. When committing adultery or cutting the hand of we apply the Islamic law (Shari’a), we realize the thief or life sentence against whoever our interest and not the interest of colonizer. proved to be a killer. Parents always complain of their disobedient The researcher, Mr. Flower, highlighted sons whereas the relation between Muslim the journalistic comments on the Prime parents and their sons is an exception, where Minister›s speech as all journals opted for people here notice a relation of respect commending the rules of Islamic law. Of between Muslim parents and their sons. course, that was before emerging a hostile Society here considers woman as another status by the official authorities recently due face of corruption. The woman is looked to the increase of Islam embracers along down as an inferior creature being within the with the global wave of Islamophobia in the possession of man just like land and animal. last years. Rather, there is a study which shows that It was reported in the press and the woman is classified in the third rank after comments of those questioned by the land and pig in terms of significance. study that the explicit call for applying the The future growth of conversion to rules of Islamic law was a reaction to the Islam in this country is clearly related weak applied laws on the society. Some to the tendency of its citizens towards commentators went for comparing such laws modern values and looking forward to with the laws of Saudi Arabia where the rules the future. Such are relevant social and of Islamic Shari’a are applied where security cultural approaches and not just a feeling of and tranquility prevail. One commentator retreat to the past in its passive denotation. said that: ((We are in a dire need for Saudi However, it is an inclination of going back experts to present to us their experiences in to the roots and committing to originality. promoting security and stability)). This is what gives this conversion to Islam Abu Bakr (24 years old), one of the new its dimensions that deserve to be studied converts to Islam says: ((the difference and contemplated. between the law in our country and the

50 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 51 Cybercrimes

How to control ?

Dr. AbdelGadirWarsama Ghalib

Information Technology IT, spreads every day and every single body in the world are benefiting from this revolution spreading through many unlimited ways and means. IT revolution, helps in technology transfer, cultural aspects, social attitudes and economical matters. The direct positive effects of this revolution is clear in every field, you name it.., and more to come in this era of IT revolution.

52 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 53 However, nowadays, we can also notice day or night we are victims of new grave some bad effects stemming from the IT dangerous IT e-crimes. The fierce epidemic revolution. New crimes, among other things, is already there attaching every corner.. came up as a consequential result of the IT There is urgent need to work hard and era. Unfortunately new type of crimes, new face to face cybercrimes as the damages type of criminals came-up due to IT misuse are increasing and very frustrating to all. coupled with criminal intention from greedy In this respect, there are drastic steps to be “white-collar” sophisticated criminals. taken by all. In addition to the personal level, In an attempt to define cybercrimes there are further steps to be undertaken by we could say, offences committed against Governments and the whole community individuals or groups with a criminal motive is required to create water-tight defensive to intentionally harm the victim or cause strategy, otherwise the future is at great physical or mental damage, or financial unwarranted risk. loss. By adversely using new modern There is a need for a dedicated will with telecommunication networks such as clear vision and transparent mission to face internet, chat rooms, emails mobile phones.. cybercrimes in order to save our community. etc. All must stand firmly, as one mind and one Loses of cybercrimes are unlimited, hand to curb this new e-threat before we uncountable and statistics reveal that it loose what we can’t bring back from the could be over multi billion dollars and the cyber.. march is going fast around the clock in all Based on the accumulated experience corners of the globe. No doubt, this is very during past years and as recommended by grave and harmful to the economic and many studies, there are steps to be taken social development of all indiscriminately. urgently so as to control the new black Cybercrimes may threaten persons or nations cybercrimes. Some steps are small and security and the financial assets by hacking, minor whereas others are big and sensitive. identity theft, copyright infringement, child To achieve an effective full control on pornography, privacy trespassing, fraud, cybercrimes all steps, being small or big, are phishing.. to be undertaken, well presented and properly In criminology lessons we have learned implemented. As a rule, we need to know that, “the change in the offence requires a that no place is attack proof. E-criminals change in the defense”. Cybercrimes are could reach any place any where any time, new different offences as the “corps deliciti” therefore strong preventive measures are has changed, as such, there is a real genuine needed such as firewalls, encryption, re- need to change the defense. The criminal encryption, frequent security check-ups and “Actus Reus” of e-criminalsare maliciously the like. achieved through different IT software In addition, the most vital step needed to programs known as, inter alia, viruses, control this new crime, is the enactment of malwares, Trojans, spywares, hackers, DDoS efficient and sufficient laws. New, modern attacks, spams, SQL injections …They are and well-drafted legislations are imminently uncountable and what is unknown in the required. A clear-cut definition of e-crimes “Dark Internet” is more and more. Every is a must, otherwise culprits will go away

52 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 53 with their fruitful crimes in front of the withdraw some money from his account is eyes of justice... A golden basic rule of law not defined as a crime. Irrespective of our provides that “no penalty without a crime views regarding this Court decree, the crucial and no crime without a law”, based on this an point here is the lack of a clear-cut definition e-criminal who had intentionally committed for e-crimes.. We need to benefit from an e-crime will not be convicted unless the this French Judicial precedent and update committed crime(s) is well defined in a very cybercrimes laws accordingly to cover such clear state-of-the-art accurate definition.. In loopholes. criminal evidence any degree of suspicion A positive step is also required to boost is totally for the benefit of the victim. The international cooperation in facing e-crimes victim is innocent unless proved otherwise as such crimes are homeless and they are beyond any reasonable doubt.. Herein a wise actively living in the cyber that covers judge stated that “having ninety nine (….) the globe irrespective of any borders.. At criminals free at large is far better than having the international level, there are treaties one innocent person behind the bars”.. what and international conventions to control/ a wise wisdom and a wise man. combat cybercrimes. There is a need to Ironically, I quote here a famous French join forces and endorse/ratify such treaties Court rule decreeing that the person who and conventions, so as to add power to the took the extra money given to him by ATM unified global stand against e-crimesthat is criminally not responsible as his act was penetrate everywhere without being noticed not covered by the e-banking laws. So, the and without leaving any material tracks of lucky person got the best of all worlds and blood or a corpse of a dead-body. Ultimately, legitimately took the extra money given in proving e-crimes, it is required to have to him by the hospitable ATM as his act to capable forensic investigation by forensic IT

54 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 55 experts. Every person and every institution is obliged to put in place all regulations and procedures that are needed to control e-crimes. No doubt, this is a personal responsibility as well as a national one. Each part must perform its duty and all parties are to cooperate together as they complement each other in this dangerous unique task. It has been undoubtedly proved that more than 80% of e-crimes came through or are committed by e-mails. From this we know that the e-mail is the first door to be penetrated or invaded by e-criminals. staff gave passwords to dishonest colleagues My email or your email could be the door who embezzled millions before being through which the system could be invaded discovered.. Beware, a small leakage could and eroded. Everyone must make sure that flood and destroy the whole process.. his email is strong to face enemies at any In conclusion, we say, it is not possible to time. A strong “password” is a must for each stop or eradicate crimes as this is in the nature email otherwise it could be defeated and of humans since inception. However, we can conquered. This is a personal responsibility work hard to mitigate their risk by following and every one must be accountable for above points or otherwise. IT revolution is any leakage or weakness.. By controlling needed for an advanced e-future and we need emails we can, almost, control and prevent toaccomodate/live with its pros and cons.. a very high percent of cybercrimes.. Legally, However, a strong stand against cybercrimes employees are not allowed to disclose their is a big must. Let’s work tiredlessly for this password to any person nor colleagues. In a and we can control the crime and defeat the bitter case, one bank lost millions because masterminds.

54 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 55 The nobility of Leader Salahuddin Founded First Mosque in France

By Al-Zubair Mehdad

Muslims military and political leaders have immediately ended the truce with Raynald always been described as God-fearing and and laid siege to the Karak Castle twice in strict followers of the Prophet’s tradition 1183 and 1184. who manifest the high morals and ethics In 1188, Saladin armies defeated the of Islam and treat others with justice and Crusader forces in the Battle of Hattin wisdom. and Saladin captured all cities and laid This is a story of a Muslim leader who siege to Jerusalem, forcing the Crusader set an example of nobility and magnanimity forces to surrender in a week following and was, as many have described him, a the siege. Many were taken prisoners in powerful and principled man. One year, a the battle; however, Saladin treated them Muslim caravan was raided and attacked well and many of his foes testified to his by Raynald’s soldiers. Angry, Saladin magnanimous positions.

56 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 57 As a leader, Saladin filled life. D’Anglure was preferred peace to war the actual founder of the and always negotiated Saladin branch of the family, with his enemies before naming it so in recognition fighting any battle. He of his enemy’s loyalty. He would free prisoners as a even built the first mosque gesture of good intention in France, a country which but would ask them to had had none previously. promise not fight Muslims Born and raised into an again. These noble acts were ancient family of Champagne, not reciprocated by the cruel and known for its noble figures and brave oppressive leaders of the Crusades knights, Ogier I joined the military for who had their eyes set on thing: expansion training. When Pope Gregory VIII of the and hegemony. They had attacked Muslims Catholic Church called for initiating a new several times, waging wars. Crusade, Ogier I joined the Crusader army. Saladin had always welcomed any peace Pope Gregory VIII mobilized the army or negotiation initiatives and only resorted and all financial resources for the third to the option of war when such initiatives Crusade. Thieves, mercenaries and men fell through. Under his leadership, who wanted to repent for their crimes were Muslim armies fought ferocious battles hired to fight alongside traders, noble men and emerged victorious, forcing their and knights. enemies to accept negotiations and sign It was not the first battle for Pierre peace agreements. The Muslims and the D’Anglure; he had gained previous Crusaders reached truce and agreed on experience from taking part in several the areas of influence; everyone was free other wars. While fighting alongside the to practice their religious rituals and visit army in Jerusalem, he was injured and the holy sites freely and safely. As a result, taken prisoner by Saladin soldiers. the political, cultural and intellectual ties Saladin treated the prisoner with between the Muslims and the Crusaders in kindness, respect and human dignity the Levantine improved and became closer. and ordered his soldiers to treat him. Indeed, Saladin was an influential When Pierre recovered, he met Saladin historical leader who treated everyone and offered him ransom to set him free. with kindness, even Christians themselves, Because he could not pay the ransom, he some of who reverted to Islam and joined suggested that Saladin free him and let the Muslim armies. him go back to France and bring back the One story passed down the ages in money. He promised Saladin that he would France reveals his tolerant position return. Pierre’s trust in Saladin and his regarding Pierre D’Anglure (1172--1205, soldiers increased after he saw how kindly a French nobleman from Saint-Cheron, the leader and his followers treated him who carried the title Ogier I of Anglure and how magnanimously they acted. They and lived a luxurious and adventure- simply manifested war ethics in Islam.

56 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 57 part in wars against them. He also asked him to explain to people back home the truth of Islam and dispel the misconceptions promoted by anti-Islam groups. The fifth volume of “Guide pittoresque du voyageur en France”, a famous travel guide about France published in 1838, says Pierre returned home and decided to give his family the name of the magnanimous leader Saladin. This name was handed on ever since to his family “Saladin D’Anglure”. He even replaced all Christian symbols with lanterns and the Islamic crescent. In spite of wars and mutual hatred, Pierre built a square-shaped mosque the Christian military leaders and knights with a gold-studded crescent on top of admired Saladin’s political acumen and the minaret in Buzancy City, Ardannes, human ethics. Saladin had big trust in near French borders with Luxembourg, the Christian noble men and courageous Belgium. The street where the mosque knights and knew that they were forced to used to stand was named “Rue Mohamed” take part in battles they had nothing to do while the mosque was demolished in 1830. with. They were mobilized by some fanatic Two boys’ and girls’ schools were built religious leaders. in the location of the mosque, which had Saladin did set Pierre free. Pierre for tens of years represented Muslims’ went back to France, sold some of his tolerance and peace and respect for human properties, and travelled back to Jerusalem. rights and dignity. On his way, he had to take a road cutting The era of medieval wars and conflicts through south Europe (currently Turkey) saw the emergence of valiant leaders then continued on to Palestine and Egypt. who promoted understanding between During this arduous desert journey, he was Muslims and other nations and focused attacked several times and even lost one on the common values shared by all of his eyes but did not let the bandits steal human beings. They promoted peace and the ransom. As promised, he brought the coexistence. Today, members of society ransom to Saladin who decided not to take and civil institutions should revive these it as his way to recognize Pierre’s courage values in order to promote peace, security and honesty. and stability and fight extremism and Saladin gave the ransom back to Pierre conflicts that continue to claim the lives of and asked him not to fight Muslims or take innocent victims.

58 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 59 How to build bridges between religions and encourage dialogue?

Muhammad Zakir Hossain

With its glamorous history, mix of European and Arab influences and its liberal, cosmopolitan culture, Beirut was once known as “the Paris of the Mideast.” But those days were long past. There was no mistaking the street where I stood: we were in the center of a war zone. Mark Siljander Mark Siljander represented Michigan for 15 years, which includes three terms as a Member of the United States Congress, where he served on the International Relations of Jordan - was addressed Middle East Subcommittee and was Ranking by more than 35 world- Member of the Africa Subcommittee. He renowned religious, political was the primary sponsor of the African and lay leaders from the Famine Relief Act and was later appointed by major regions of the world. President Reagan as a US Ambassador (Alt. However, the mainstream Delegate) to the United Nations in New York, discourse focused on the where he served as a member of the Middle latter instead of emphasizing East and Africa Strategy Group. convergences, because these On 25 June 2018, the Geneva Centre for differences led to disputable Human Rights Advancement and Global dialogue. Dialogue organized a World Conference In this regard, he mentioned that in order on the theme of “Religions, Creeds and to build bridges between religions and Value Systems: Joining Forces to Enhance encourage dialogue. Ambassador Siljander Equal Citizenship Rights” at the United said: Nations Office at Geneva in collaboration “We could do this through the model with the International Catholic Migration of peacemaking and crisis management, Commission, the World Council of Churches, something that has been evolving for the past the Arab Thought Forum, the World Council eighteen years. However, the main problem of Religious Leaders, Bridges to Common that lies is within the human heart: enmity, Ground and the European Centre for Peace hatred, revenge». and Development. The speaker concluded his statement by The World Conference - held under the noting that we should focus on using our brain patronage of His Royal Highness Prince El power and intellect to reach out to others, as Hassan bin Talal of the Hashemite Kingdom “there is power in loving your enemy».

58 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 59 Zubaida Trail, a historic landmark and ancient international road to Makkah

Arab News the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, executed Saudi Arabia is rich with a large number by the SCTH among its initiatives in the Na- of historic trails the inhabitants of the Arabi- tional Transformation Program. an Peninsula traveled along before and after Zubaida Trail was named after Zubaydah Islam. bin Jafar, wife of the Abbasid Caliph Harun However, Zubaida Trail remains one of its Al-Rashid for her charitable work, in addi- most famous trails because of its monuments tion to the number of stations she ordered to that are still found today. This has earned its be established along the trail. registration in the UNESCO World Heritage Zubaida Trail was a trade route in the pre- List, among 10 sites the Saudi Commission Islamic era, but its importance increased with for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) the dawn of Islam and it flourished during asked to register, based on the Royal approv- the time of the early caliphate. According to al on Oct. 10, 2014. the report by the SCTH, the trail reached its Zubaida Trail, or Al-Kufi pilgrimage peak during the Abbasid Caliphate between route, runs from Kufa in Iraq to Makkah, the years 750 and 1258, when the road and passing through the north of the Kingdom pavements were installed. and its center. Stations were also installed, wells, pools It stretches more than 1,400 km in the and dams were established and houses were Kingdom and passes through the following built. Twenty-seven major stations have five areas: Northern Borders Region, Ha’il, been identified, most importantly Al-Shei- Al-Qassim, Madinah and Makkah. hiyat, Al-Jumaima, Faid, Al-Rabadha, That- The trail was listed among the projects of Erq and Khuraba. the Two Holy Mosques program to care for The trail has an outstanding universal

60 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 61 value; it embodies the cultural importance tions and houses were installed along it and of exchanges and multidimensional dia- the road was paved with stones in sandy and logues between countries. It gathered many muddy areas, cleared of boulders and ob- Muslim pilgrims from different races and stacles in inaccessible areas and mountains. regions, and religious, cultural and scien- The road was also engineered with a delicate tific exchanges started between people from system to distribute waterworks from dams, around the world. wells, pools, springs and canals, and flags, The trail also highlights interactions in lighthouses, “stones distance markers,” terms of locations and times from the pre- torches and fireplaces were placed in a care- Islamic era until the end of the Abbasid Ca- ful manner to guide travelers day and night. liphate era in the 13th century. Geographers and Muslim pilgrims ob- Many historians, geographers and travel- served the number of stations and houses ers have written about Zubaida Trail. Some on the trail between Kufa and Makkah and of the most notable ones are: Ibn Khordad- counted 27 main stations and 27 houses or beh, ibn Rustah, Al-Yaqoobi, Al-Maqdisi, “secondary stations” which are considered Al-Hamdani, Ibn Jubayr and Ibn Battuta. rest stops built at a specific distance between The trail also attracted a number of West- two main stations, not taking into consid- ern travelers who walked along it and wrote eration the other houses and facilities that about it during the 19th and 20th century. were installed along the route. According to historical sources, this trail Geographers also tracked the stations and aimed to “serve pilgrims from Baghdad” houses on roads that fork from the main road which was the capital of Abbasid Caliphate of the trail. One of the Basra road branches to Makkah, enrich cultures and commercial meets with the Kufa road, where it bifur- exchange at the time with a length spanning cates to Makkah south and Madinah west. 1,400 km. Markers were placed along the The pilgrimage route also meets the Zubaida road to guide pilgrims. Pools were also in- Trail near Makkah. stalled to smartly gather water in carefully Historian Ibn Kathir said: “The Hejaz chosen locations along the distances to pro- road stretched from the safest road in Iraq,” vide pilgrims with water. but the road, along with other roads from the The trail runs through a number of moun- main and secondary ones, was subjected to tains, highlands and depressions and was tribal attacks in consecutive periods, owing mentioned in the books of geographers, an- to security problems. The pilgrims and trav- cient travelers from Muslims and other re- elers were unable to cross the main road or ligions. It was mentioned by Finnish Georg any of its branches without military care and Wallin and Anne Blunt in Blunt’s book “A protection from the caliphate’s capital. Pilgrimage to Nejd” and while some monu- The road was disrupted to a great extent ments of this trail have disappeared, some after the Siege of Baghdad at the hands of ruins are still found today. Mongol forces in 1258 and the road was Archaeologist and Professor Saad Al- intermittently used after that. Most stations Rashid said the Zubaida Trail was planned along the trail gradually disappeared and the in a practical way and was elaborately en- stations and houses were diminished to ru- gineered. Its directions were specified sta- ins. Some wells and pools remained usable

60 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 61 but the majority were covered with sand architectural aspects focused mainly on over time. building fortified castles, houses, facilities, Studies and archaeological surveys have mosques and roads to a big city. Diverse pat- revealed patterns of castles, fortifications, terns of archaeological findings have been houses, accommodations and mosques in a also revealed pottery, ceramic and glass number of archaeological sites which were utensils, metal, and stone tools and coins. main stations on the route. These findings are consistent with the in- These locations consisted of cities and formation of the historical and geographical villages serving the inhabitants of those ar- sources and the writings of Muslim pilgrims eas, the convoys of pilgrims, merchants and about this city which was one of the most travelers and provided them with food, wa- ancient Islamic cities in the heart of the Ara- ter, clothes and livestock feed. Many of them bian Peninsula, a main station in the middle were markets thriving with agricultural and of Zubaida Trail between Kufa and Makkah. animal products and various industries. In historical Al-Rabadha site, comprehen- Some of the most famous archaeological sive archaeological excavations have taken sites which represented cities and big main place for more than 20 years. Excavations stations were Zabala, Al-Thaalabiya, Fayd, in the location revealed a mosque, a residen- Al-Sumaira, Al-Naqra, Al-Rabatha and tial area, houses and castles’ units, markets, Maa’den bin Slim. manufacturing sites, warehouses, pools and Archaeological research in historic Fayd tanks of groundwater. have revealed an advanced network of wells, The archaeological findings in Al-Rabad- springs, canals and pools, and their diverse ha are an important source for researchers

62 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 63 since it is one of the early Islamic cities. and a number of stations included the mar- Al-Rabadha was a city and a main station in kets and public bathrooms, among other fa- the location that determined one-third of the cilities. road from Kufa. Some of these findings in- About charting the Zubaida Trail and its clude pottery, ceramic, glass and metal uten- ramifications, engineers specified its -direc sils, jewelry and decorative items, coins and tions in most parts. It crosses flat rangelands, carvings. Life in Al-Rabadha lasted from the rugged terrain and desolate deserts until it beginning of Islam until 917 when it was ru- reaches the Hijaz Mountains’ difficult ter- ined and left by its inhabitants. rain penetrated by narrow and deep valleys. Archaeological studies have shown that The road was facilitated by passageways be- the architectural structures on the pilgrim- tween mountain paths, and the trail was pro- age route from Kufa to Makkah represent tected with high walls on both sides. Wide an architectural pattern that is exceptional terraces were placed in rugged mountainous to early Islamic architecture in the Arabian regions and experienced engineers excelled Peninsula that is represented in the architec- at charting the way while avoiding routes tural plans and different functions. with torrential rain. The buildings also stand out because of Dr. Hussain Abu Al-Hassan of SCTH the thickness of the walls and protective tow- clarified that the commission conducted a ers. The houses and accommodations’ build- full survey of archaeological Zubaida Trail, ing blocks in Al-Rabadha were equipped restored some of the monuments and reha- with tanks to preserve drinking water under bilitated them as part of the project “Old the rooms, squares and passageways’ floors, Trade and Hajj Routes in the Kingdom.”

62 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 63 Hajj Hackathon enters Guinness World Records number of participations in the world, breaking the previous record of 2,577 participants registered by India in 2012. The Kingdom’s entry into the Guinness World Records is a great success for the first session of the “Hajj Hackathon”, which attracted male and female developers from different countries, including the Kingdom, GCC countries and the world. Google supported the event and held several training workshops for the participants. The Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones had allocated rewards and funds for participants’ projects amounting to Jeddah (OIC-UNA) – Saudi Arabia entered SR2 million, in order to transform participants’ the Guinness World Records — breaking the re- ideas into projects. The reward will be divided cord with the largest number of participants in into three parts, with first prize winner receiv- the world by recording 2,950 participants — at ing SR1 million, the second SR500,000, and the the Hajj Hackathon, that was held by the Saudi third SR 350,000. Another prize of SR150,000 Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and will be a reward for excellence. Drones, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. The competition in the Hajj Hackathon in- On behalf of organizers and participants cluded the sectors covering the Hajj season, its in the Hackathon, Advisor at the Royal Court services and challenges, including food and bev- and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the erages, public health, financial solutions, trans- Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Program- portation, crowd management, traffic control, ming and Drones Saud bin Abdullah Al-Qahtani travel and accommodation arrangements, waste thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques management, housing and communication solu- King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad tions. bin Salman, deputy premier and minister of de- Meanwhile, four Young Saudi women bagged fense, for the great support for Saudi youth in the first prize of SR1 million by winning the Hajj all fields, which was the main reason for this Hackathon 2018 that concluded here in Jed- achievement. dah. The first runner-up was “Mahfazat Hajj” He said, ‘’The Kingdom’s entry into the from Egypt and they received SR500,000 as World Records through the Hajj Hackathon con- prize money. And the second runner-up was firms the aspirations of the Saudi youth for their “Hajj Walad” from Algeria and they received country to be the gateway to technology in the SR350,000 for their effort. region, pointing out that this is in line with the The four young Saudi women team presented Kingdom’s Vision 2030, as an ambitious vision an idea for solving the language barrier problem that takes the Kingdom to a quantum leap in all among pilgrims as they introduced an applica- aspects of life.” The entry of Hajj Hackathon in tion that makes it easier for pilgrims to translate the Guinness World Records was announced at signboards to any language without having to 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, whereas Al-Qahtani connect to the Internet. The first edition of Hajj received the Guinness Records Certificate from Hackathon concluded awarding top three teams the Guinness World Records’ Arbitrator Ahmed with cash prizes of SR2 million. The three days Jabr. Jabr officially announced that the Hack- event was held at the Jeddah Center for Forums athon registered 2,950 participants as the highest and Events from Aug. 1-3.

64 l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l l Dhul-Hijjah 1439/September 2018 l 65