Kingdom of Abdulaziz secured the holy lands
THROUGHOUT the history of the Hajj pilgrimage, many events have occurred, including repeated attempts to seize control of Makkah. However, God protected it, even during the most perilous times. One such event was the Qarmatian rebellion led by Abu Tahir al- Qarmati, the ruler of Bahrain, who was also a highwayman. In 908 AD, Abu Tahir and his forces attacked the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) on the Day of Tarwiyah, massacring approximately 30,000 pilgrims, enslaving women, and looting everything in sight, including the Black Stone. The Black Stone was taken to Bahrain and remained in Qarmatian possession for 22 years.
Eventually, the Qarmatians were defeated, the Black Stone was returned to Makkah, and the counterfeit structure they had built to replace the Ka'aba was demolished. Their downfall was seen as a divine punishment for their heinous crimes. The Qarmatians also committed massacres along pilgrimage routes, blocking people's access to the Holy Land. Out of fear, pilgrims from Syria and Iraq were forced to suspend their Hajj pilgrimage. For decades, the roads to Makkah remained unsafe, plagued by gangs and looters. This dire situation continued until King Abdulaziz Al-Saud unified the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and established lasting security along the roads leading to Makkah. Since that time, security began to be restored, and the state has devoted all its resources to meeting the needs of pilgrims and visitors to the Sacred House, thus fulfilling what Allah Almighty stated in the Holy Quran, 'And [mention] when Abraham said, 'My Lord, make this a secure city and provide its people with fruits – whoever of them believes in God and the Last Day'.'
Each year during the Hajj season, the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and his energetic Crown Prince, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, continues to impress the world with new achievements. These include continuous expansion projects and enhancements in services to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims arriving in Makkah from all over the globe. This commitment was evident during the most recent Hajj season, which was marked by the absence of epidemics or fatalities due to accidents. This success was attributed to the full readiness of medical teams and the introduction of advanced technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones, used for the first time to monitor pilgrims around the clock.
There is no doubt that the movement of two million people within a limited space may lead to challenges and casualties. However, thanks to early organization and meticulous planning, this year's Hajj season passed without any notable incidents. Pilgrims were able to perform all rituals, including circumambulating the Ka'aba, standing on Mount Arafat, and spending the night in Mina and Muzdalifah, with ease and smoothness. The development of the Two Holy Mosques has been a major concern for every king of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since its founding. It is well known that the people of Makkah, and indeed most Saudis, eagerly await the Hajj season as an opportunity to serve the visitors of the Sacred House, offering support through food, shelter, and other forms of assistance. For the exceptional success of this year's Hajj, which was free from major incidents, the government of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and his Crown Prince, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, deserves heartfelt gratitude. Their leadership delivered an unprecedented level of excellence in ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of pilgrims.
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Kuwait Times
11-06-2025
- Kuwait Times
Returning pilgrims welcomed home at Kuwait International Airport
KUWAIT: Returning pilgrims receive a welcome gift bag upon arrival at Kuwait International Airport. — KUNA KUWAIT: Pilgrims returning to Kuwait after performing hajj were met with a smooth and well-organized arrival process at Kuwait International Airport on Monday, as national authorities and Kuwait Airways coordinated efforts to ensure comfort and efficiency. Speaking from Terminal 4, Chairman of Kuwait Airways Abdulmohsen Al-Fagaan reaffirmed the airline's commitment to offering a seamless travel experience for Hajj returnees. 'Our goal is to provide all possible comfort and ease for pilgrims returning from the holy sites,' he said, adding that flights arriving from Jeddah, Madinah, and Taif were handled under streamlined procedures designed specifically for this highlighted the close coordination between Kuwait Airways and various government bodies, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Ministries of Interior and Health, and the General Administration of Customs. He credited the success of this year's Hajj operations to months of detailed planning and collaboration with hajj operators and supporting Airways, he noted, forms a dedicated committee each year to oversee hajj and umrah travel. This internal team works across departments to monitor flights, simplify procedures, and meet customer needs from check-in to arrival. 'It's all about delivering the best possible experience to our customers,' Al-Fagaan said. He extended thanks to Kuwait's leadership for facilitating support to Kuwaiti hajj campaigns and congratulated Saudi Arabia for the successful management of this year's pilgrimage season, noting that it was marked by safety, efficiency, and excellent organization. Also on Monday, President of the DGCA Sheikh Hamoud Mubarak Humoud Al-Sabah conducted an inspection tour of the airport to observe arrival operations. Accompanied by Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, Major General Ali Al-Adwani, Sheikh Humoud praised the level of organization and the teamwork shown by airport staff and partner agencies. 'Our priority is to provide the best possible service to pilgrims,' he said in a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). He emphasized that the welcoming process is the result of a comprehensive, multi-agency plan and the close integration of administrative and security bodies. Returning pilgrims expressed their appreciation for the warm reception and fast processing on arrival. Many praised the high level of coordination and services provided at Kuwait International Airport. — KUNA
Arab Times
10-06-2025
- Arab Times
Kingdom of Abdulaziz secured the holy lands
THROUGHOUT the history of the Hajj pilgrimage, many events have occurred, including repeated attempts to seize control of Makkah. However, God protected it, even during the most perilous times. One such event was the Qarmatian rebellion led by Abu Tahir al- Qarmati, the ruler of Bahrain, who was also a highwayman. In 908 AD, Abu Tahir and his forces attacked the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) on the Day of Tarwiyah, massacring approximately 30,000 pilgrims, enslaving women, and looting everything in sight, including the Black Stone. The Black Stone was taken to Bahrain and remained in Qarmatian possession for 22 years. Eventually, the Qarmatians were defeated, the Black Stone was returned to Makkah, and the counterfeit structure they had built to replace the Ka'aba was demolished. Their downfall was seen as a divine punishment for their heinous crimes. The Qarmatians also committed massacres along pilgrimage routes, blocking people's access to the Holy Land. Out of fear, pilgrims from Syria and Iraq were forced to suspend their Hajj pilgrimage. For decades, the roads to Makkah remained unsafe, plagued by gangs and looters. This dire situation continued until King Abdulaziz Al-Saud unified the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and established lasting security along the roads leading to Makkah. Since that time, security began to be restored, and the state has devoted all its resources to meeting the needs of pilgrims and visitors to the Sacred House, thus fulfilling what Allah Almighty stated in the Holy Quran, 'And [mention] when Abraham said, 'My Lord, make this a secure city and provide its people with fruits – whoever of them believes in God and the Last Day'.' Each year during the Hajj season, the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and his energetic Crown Prince, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, continues to impress the world with new achievements. These include continuous expansion projects and enhancements in services to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims arriving in Makkah from all over the globe. This commitment was evident during the most recent Hajj season, which was marked by the absence of epidemics or fatalities due to accidents. This success was attributed to the full readiness of medical teams and the introduction of advanced technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones, used for the first time to monitor pilgrims around the clock. There is no doubt that the movement of two million people within a limited space may lead to challenges and casualties. However, thanks to early organization and meticulous planning, this year's Hajj season passed without any notable incidents. Pilgrims were able to perform all rituals, including circumambulating the Ka'aba, standing on Mount Arafat, and spending the night in Mina and Muzdalifah, with ease and smoothness. The development of the Two Holy Mosques has been a major concern for every king of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since its founding. It is well known that the people of Makkah, and indeed most Saudis, eagerly await the Hajj season as an opportunity to serve the visitors of the Sacred House, offering support through food, shelter, and other forms of assistance. For the exceptional success of this year's Hajj, which was free from major incidents, the government of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and his Crown Prince, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, deserves heartfelt gratitude. Their leadership delivered an unprecedented level of excellence in ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of pilgrims.
Arab Times
10-06-2025
- Arab Times
Kuwait Airways ensures comfort and smooth procedures for returning pilgrims
KUWAIT CITY, June 10: Kuwait Airways Corporation (KAC) on Monday received the first group of pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia after performing the Hajj pilgrimage, with all necessary measures in place to guarantee comfort and efficiency during their arrival at Kuwait International Airport. Abdulmohsen Al-Faqan, Chairman of KAC's Board of Directors, affirmed the national carrier's commitment to providing a smooth and convenient travel experience for returning pilgrims. Speaking during the reception of flights arriving at Terminal 4 (T4) from Jeddah, Medina, and Taif, Al-Faqan emphasized the airline's efforts to ensure seamless procedures upon arrival. He praised the collaborative efforts between Kuwait Airways and several key agencies, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Ministries of Interior and Health, and the General Administration of Customs. Al-Faqan credited the success of this year's Hajj season to thorough preparation and coordinated planning among all stakeholders involved. Highlighting the airline's structured approach, Al-Faqan noted that KAC annually forms a dedicated Hajj and Umrah committee drawn from its core departments to monitor and facilitate the pilgrimage season. This committee ensures the smooth operation of flights and provides comprehensive support to pilgrims throughout their journey. Al-Faqan also extended his appreciation to the Kuwaiti leadership for the support extended to pilgrims and congratulated Saudi Arabia on the successful and secure organization of the Hajj season. Meanwhile, DGCA Chairman Sheikh Eng. Humoud Mubarak Humoud Al-Sabah conducted an inspection tour at Kuwait International Airport to oversee the arrival process of returning pilgrims. Accompanied by Acting Interior Ministry Undersecretary Major General Ali Al-Adwani, Sheikh Humoud underscored the DGCA's dedication to offering high-quality services in cooperation with other government bodies. He highlighted the importance of coordination between administrative and security agencies to ensure an orderly and dignified return for all pilgrims. Sheikh Humoud lauded the performance of airport teams and the atmosphere of organization witnessed during the reception process.
