Latest news with #AlSudais


Arab News
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Taif governor receives Two Holy Mosques chief
TAIF: Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud, the governor of Taif, on Thursday received Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. Prince Saud welcomed the attendees and praised the efforts exerted to serve visitors to the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque according to the directives of the Kingdom's leadership.


Gulf Insider
30-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Shortens Friday Sermons And Prayers During Hajj Amid Extreme Heat
Friday sermons and prayers will be shortened during the 2025 Hajj season in Mecca and Medina to help alleviate the effects of extreme summer heat, according to directives issued by Sheikh Abdulrahman Al Sudais, President of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. The decision is intended to ease physical strain on pilgrims and worshippers, particularly the elderly and those gathered in densely populated areas such as the Mataf (the circumambulation area around the Holy Kaaba), the upper floors, and the open courtyards. It also includes reducing the interval between the call to prayer and the start of the sermon, to further minimise exposure to intense heat. Sheikh Al Sudais stated that the measure reflects the presidency's responsibility to ensure a safe, comfortable, and spiritually uplifting environment for worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques, in line with the leadership's directives and commitment to the well-being of pilgrims. He emphasised that the move aligns with Islamic principles that prioritise the alleviation of hardship, particularly under challenging circumstances such as extreme weather, and considers the arrival of millions of pilgrims from around the world. In his address, Sheikh Al Sudais called on all visitors and pilgrims to diligently fulfil their religious obligations, including prayer, zakat, fasting, and the rites of Hajj. He also urged Muslims to embrace compassion, kindness, and generosity, especially during this sacred time, noting that such values reflect the noble character and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He concluded by encouraging pilgrims to seize the spiritual opportunities of Hajj, drawing benefit for both this life and the hereafter. Source Gulf News


Asharq Al-Awsat
28-05-2025
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Al-Sudais Orders Shorter Friday Sermons During Hajj amid Extreme Heat
President of Religious Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais ordered on Tuesday that Friday sermons and prayers be shortened during this year's Hajj due to intense heat in Makkah and Madinah. The decision aims to ease hardship on pilgrims and worshippers, especially the elderly and those in crowded areas such as the mataf (circumambulation area), upper levels, and courtyards. It also includes reducing the waiting time between the call to prayer and the start of the sermon. Al-Sudais said the directive reflects the presidency's responsibility to provide a safe and reverent worship environment at the Two Holy Mosques, in line with the leadership's directives. The move considers the arrival of millions of pilgrims and applies Islamic principles that prioritize relief from hardship and the protection of worshippers' well-being in extreme conditions, he stressed.


Arab Times
10-05-2025
- Arab Times
Kingdom unveils largest Hajj operational plan to date to elevate pilgrim experience
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 10: Saudi Arabia has officially launched its most extensive operational plan to date for the Hajj pilgrimage season of 1446 AH (2025), underscoring its commitment to enhancing the experience of millions of pilgrims who visit Islam's holiest sites each year. The plan, unveiled by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Holy Mosque and the Prophet's Holy Mosque, features 120 initiatives and 10 smart tracks designed to enrich the digital experience of worshipers. Additionally, over 2,000 trained Saudi staff have been deployed to support the anticipated influx of pilgrims. A key component of the plan is the enhancement of seven specialized enrichment tracks aimed at communicating the moderate message of Hajj to the world in multiple languages. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to provide a distinguished pilgrimage experience through digital transformation and artificial intelligence. In his address during the launch, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al Sudais, President of Religious Affairs, emphasized that Saudi Arabia has mobilized all resources to serve the visitors of the Two Holy Mosques. He highlighted the Kingdom's focus on providing a distinguished pilgrimage experience through digital transformation and artificial intelligence. Dr. Al Sudais noted that the 1446 AH Hajj operational plan centers on digital and smart transformation, including communication with visitors in various languages. He further stated that the moderate message of the Hajj will be showcased through interactive, multilingual digital platforms, reflecting the objectives of Sharia and promoting balanced Islamic values. The plan is built around three main pillars: honoring the sanctity of time by affirming the spiritual significance and global message of Hajj; enhancing the sacred status of the holy sites; and glorifying the holiness of the place. A key objective is to disseminate the guidance of the Two Holy Mosques globally by offering a deeply spiritual experience rooted in quality, excellence, and innovation. This is to be delivered within a structured, institutional framework that supports the message of moderation and communicates its impact in multiple languages around the world.


Sharjah 24
30-03-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Hundreds of thousands attend Eid prayers at Grand Mosque, Makkah
Eid joy and unity in the sermon In his sermon, Sheikh Al Sudais emphasised the importance of joy and unity on Eid, advising Muslims to rejoice and celebrate the occasion. He reminded them that Eid is a time for happiness, not sorrow, and urged them to spread cheer, comfort, and respect among families and communities. Prophet Muhammad's example of joyful Eid celebrations The Imam also cited examples from the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to reinforce the importance of celebrating Eid with happiness. He recalled the story of how the Prophet allowed two slave girls to sing and play tambourines on Eid, showing that joy and celebration are part of the tradition. Eid as a day of generosity and brotherhood The Imam encouraged worshippers to be generous, not just with their families, but also with their neighbors, and to purify their hearts from any ill feelings such as hatred, envy, or malice. He emphasised the importance of maintaining family ties and visiting one another on Eid, highlighting that the day should be one of connection, compassion, and forgiveness. The significance of Zakat Al Fitr Sheikh Al Sudais highlighted the importance of Zakat Al Fitr, explaining that it was prescribed to purify fasting Muslims and to provide for the poor. He explained that it is a means of gratitude for the blessings of Allah and encouraged everyone to give with good intentions. The power of Eid greetings in strengthening bonds The Imam also spoke about the significance of Eid greetings, which help strengthen affection and foster unity. He urged Muslims to greet each other with 'May Allah accept from us and from you,' following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Remaining committed to acts of obedience post-Ramadan Sheikh Al Sudais advised Muslims to continue their acts of worship and obedience even after Ramadan, stressing that success and prosperity come through diligence, trust in Allah, and persistence. He encouraged them to maintain their commitment to worship, including fasting the six days of Shawwal after Ramadan, which is equivalent to fasting a whole year. Encouragement for modesty and hijab for women The Imam urged women to continue adhering to the values of modesty, including the practice of hijab, and to maintain chastity and righteousness. He highlighted the importance of women in supporting their families and raising children with strong faith and determination to face life's challenges. Prayers for security and safety Finally, Sheikh Al Sudais prayed for the continued security, peace, and safety of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as for the well-being of all Muslims around the world. He expressed gratitude for the blessings of safety and security bestowed upon the land of the Two Holy Mosques and wished everyone a blessed and joyful Eid.