ISLAMIC PILGRIMAGE

From a quiet UP village, a boy's journey to the corridors of power: Tracing Iran’s first Supreme Leader's connection to India
Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, embodies the nation's firm stance. The roots of Iran's Islamic Revolution trace back to Syed Ahmad Musavi, a Shia cleric from Uttar Pradesh, India, who migrated to Iran in the 19th century.
Duty and devotion
Eid ul-Adha commemorates Prophet Abraham's unwavering devotion to God and his son Ishmael's obedience. The festival reenacts key events, including Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Ishmael, symbolizing selfless duty. Pilgrims participating in the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca re-enact these acts, reinforcing faith and commitment to duty.

What is Yawm al-Arafah? Significance, rituals, and link to Eid al-Adha
Yawm al-Arafah, observed on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, is a sacred day in Islam, preceding Eid al-Adha. Pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat for prayer, seeking forgiveness, while Muslims worldwide fast and engage in devotion. This day emphasizes unity, gratitude, and faith, setting the spiritual tone for Eid al-Adha and commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's sacrifice.

Eid-ul-Adha 2025: Wishes, messages, quotes and images to share with family and friends
Eid-ul-Adha, or Bakrid, is an Islamic Festival of Sacrifice commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's devotion and marking the end of the sacred pilgrimage. Celebrated on June 7, 2025, the festival emphasizes compassion, unity, and generosity. Families unite in prayer, share meals, and exchange wishes, reflecting faith, devotion, and unconditional love.

Hajj 2025: Why training for Hajj is as important as prayer
Every year, millions of Muslims journey to Mecca to fulfil the Hajj pilgrimage, a religious duty and deeply personal milestone. This journey is physically demanding, emotionally taxing and logistically complex. Pilgrims must prepare for intense heat, long walks, crowded spaces and sudden health issues. Saudi authorities and health experts have offered practical guidance—from fitness routines and sun protection to mental resilience and hygiene practices—to help pilgrims stay safe and complete their Hajj in good health and high spirits.

Saudis use AI, drones and thousands of cameras to keep hajj pilgrims safe
Software is also used to help guide more than 20,000 buses deployed to transport pilgrims between holy sites during one of the world's biggest annual religious gatherings. It is all part of the tech arsenal that Saudi Arabia is deploying as 1.4 million faithful from across the globe descend on Mecca and its surrounds.
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Eid-ul-Adha 2025 in India: When is Bakra Eid? Check date, history, and significance
Eid-ul-Adha, or Bakrid, will be celebrated on different dates in 2025, with India observing it on June 7th following the lunar sighting. The festival commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's devotion and involves prayers, animal sacrifice (Qurbani), and charitable acts. Meat from the sacrifice is shared among family, friends, and the needy, promoting compassion and community spirit, while shared meals foster inter-faith goodwill.
Hajj 2025: What to know about safety, costs, and new rules
Muslims gather in Mecca for the Hajj. Pilgrims face challenges like extreme heat, leading to safety measures. Saudi Arabia bans children under 12. High costs prompt flexible payment options. Overcrowding leads to visa restrictions. Authorities aim to manage crowds and ensure pilgrim safety. The Hajj remains a significant religious event despite these hurdles.
Eid al-Adha 2025 in the USA: Date, significance, Hajj pilgrimage schedule, history and rituals
Eid al-Adha 2025 in the United States promises to be a time of spiritual renewal and communal harmony, reinforcing Islamic teachings of sacrifice, empathy, and generosity.
Eid al-Adha 2025: Is it a holiday in the U.S.? Are banks open? All the details you need
Eid al-Adha, a significant celebration for Muslims worldwide and in the United States, honors Prophet Abraham's sacrifice and concludes the Hajj pilgrimage. Celebrations involve prayers, festive meals, charitable giving, and cultural connection, with some practicing animal sacrifice.
Saudi Arabia prepares for 'worst case scenario' as extreme heat looms over Hajj 2025
Near a sprawling tent city outside Mecca, Saudi hospital staff are preparing for a flood of heat-related cases as Muslim pilgrims begin hajj this week in sweltering summer temperatures. Brimming with staff but no patients just yet, the hospital is part of the kingdom's efforts to prepare for "the worst case scenario" after pilgrims descend on Mina, Asiri said.
Saudi Arabia stops 269,678 Muslims without Hajj permits from entering Mecca
Saudi Arabia has stopped over 269,000 individuals without Hajj permits from entering Mecca, as authorities intensify efforts to curb unauthorized pilgrimages. The government attributes overcrowding and heat-related deaths to these participants. Fines and deportation await those performing Hajj without authorization, with penalties also imposed on Saudi residents and Hajj companies violating regulations.
What is Hajj pilgrimage and Eid al-Adha? Understanding their deep religious meaning and importance for Muslims worldwide
The Hajj, a central pillar of Islam, draws Muslims to Mecca for a profound spiritual journey involving rituals like circling the Kaaba and standing on the plain of Arafat. Pilgrims seek forgiveness and unity, following in the footsteps of prophets. Eid al-Adha, celebrated during the Hajj, commemorates Ibrahim's faith and involves acts of sacrifice and charity.
Eid-ul-Adha 2025 Date: Dhul Hijjah moon sighted in Saudi Arabia. When is Bakra Eid in India?
Eid-ul-Adha, a significant Islamic festival, will be celebrated in India on June 7, 2025, marking the culmination of Dhul Hijjah and coinciding with the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims will commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's devotion through prayers, animal sacrifice (Qurbani), and acts of charity. The festival emphasizes community service, reflection, and strengthening bonds among families and those in need.
Eid ul-Adha 2025: Check moon sighting and Dhul Hijjah dates. When is Bakra Eid in India?
Bakra Eid 2025 Date in India: Muslims globally are preparing for Eid-ul-Adha 2025, with Saudi Arabia calling for the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon sighting on May 27. If sighted, Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated on June 6 in Saudi Arabia and countries following its announcement. India, Pakistan, and other Asian countries will sight the moon on May 28, potentially celebrating Eid on June 7 or 8.
No Mughal Dynasty in Class 7 NCERT textbook, fresh chapters on Indian rulers introduced
Class VII NCERT social science textbooks have removed chapters on the Mughals and the Delhi Sultanate, replaced by content on ancient Indian dynasties and "sacred geography." English textbooks now feature more Indian authors and themes, aligning with the NEP 2020. Revisions emphasize Indian traditions, philosophies, and local knowledge systems, also covering government initiatives and constitutional rights.
New NCERT textbooks: Mughals, Delhi Sultanate dropped; 'sacred geography', Maha Kumbh added
Class 7 NCERT textbooks have undergone significant revisions, omitting references to the Mughals and Delhi Sultanate while introducing chapters on ancient Indian dynasties and 'sacred geography.' The updated curriculum, aligned with the NEP and NCFSE 2023, incorporates Indian traditions and knowledge systems.
Pahalgam Terror Attack explained: What happened and how the terrorists killed 28 tourists in 'mini Switzerland'
The deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday left 28 people dead, including foreign nationals, and sparked widespread condemnation. The attack, attributed to The Resistance Front, targeted tourists based on their faith. Former police chief Shesh Paul Vaid likened the attack to a “Pulwama 2.0 moment” and called for a tough response. With political tensions rising, India faces increasing challenges in securing the region and combating terrorism.
Used language they will understand: UP CM Yogi Adityanath on bulldozer actions
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defended his government's "bulldozer action", emphasizing enforcing law and order against unlawful activities. He referenced ongoing disputes over religious sites in Mathura and Sambhal, citing adherence to court orders and Islamic principles. Adityanath stressed the importance of legal consequences for those taking justice into their own hands.
Sania Mirza all set to go on the Hajj, requests friends to keep her in their prayers as she embarks on a ‘journey of a lifetime’
In Islam, Hajj is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca and a religious duty. Every financially capable adult Muslim is required to undertake this journey at least once in their lifetime. Hajj is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
SRK performs 'Umrah' at Mecca after wrapping up Raju Hirani's 'Dunki', fans react
SRK was in Saudi Arabia for Hirani's movie.
Minestroni, dates & hard cheese: Foods that nourish pilgrims on long journeys
Food, or the lack of it, has been a reason to go on pilgrimage.
A hajj closer to normal: 1 million Muslims begin pilgrimage
This year, the hajj is open to just 1 million foreign and domestic pilgrims who have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, tested negative for COVID-19 and are between 18 and 65 years old. Authorities estimate 85% have arrived from abroad.
SpiceJet to operate 37 special flights between India and Saudi Arabia for Haj pilgrims
SpiceJet is the only Indian airline operating Haj flights this year, it claimed. The operation of special Haj flights is set to resume after a two year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Saudi Arabia expands Haj to 1 million pilgrims, easing COVID curbs
The kingdom's ministry of Haj said the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca this year will be for those under 65 and that pilgrims must be fully vaccinated, SPA reported.
China announces new rules for Muslims visiting Saudi Arabia for Haj
China since last year faced severe international criticism, including from the UN and western countries, over allegations that it is holding over a million people, mostly ethnic Uyghurs, in internment camps in Muslim-majority Xinjiang province in a bid to wean them away from religious extremism.
Covid-19: Indian pilgrims will not travel to Saudi Arabia for Haj 2020, says Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi
The decision was taken after Saudi Arabia's Haj and Umrah minister Mohammad Saleh bin Taher Benten telephoned last night and suggested not to send pilgrims from India for Haj this year, Naqvi told reporters.
Saudi Arabia empties Islam's holiest site for 'sterilisation'
On Wednesday, the kingdom halted the umrah pilgrimage for its own citizens and residents. The move came after authorities last week suspended visas for the umrah and barred citizens from the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council from entering Mecca and Medina. Saudi Arabia on Thursday declared three new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of reported infections to five.
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