Latest news with #MinistryofAwqafandReligiousAffairs
Observer
3 days ago
- General
- Observer
‘Basaer' religious initiative launched to empower women
The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, represented by the Women's Education and Guidance Department, has launched Basaer, a religious initiative aimed at deepening the understanding and appreciation of the Holy Quran. The event was held under the auspices of Her Highness Sayyidah Dr Rawnaq bint Turki al Said. The initiative targets over 200 women from various governmental and private institutions in Muscat Governorate, including Quran teachers, religious guides and female employees. Basaer seeks to instil love and reverence for the Holy Quran, promoting its values and teachings as a guiding light for both personal and community life. 'This initiative carries profound spiritual significance that Omani women need in their life journey,' said Her Highness Sayyidah Dr Rawnaq. 'It represents a path to a happy and fulfilling life today and in the future, rooted in the teachings of the Holy Quran.' She urged women to actively engage in such initiatives, noting that they offer invaluable opportunities to acquire religious knowledge and insight. The opening day featured a keynote address by Shamsa al Rahbi, Director of the Women's Education and Guidance Department, who highlighted the importance of adhering to the principles and teachings of true Islam, as revealed in the Holy Quran. She emphasised that true happiness and goodness in this life are found through obedience to divine guidance. The programme also included two working papers: 'The Message of Man in This Life, and the Role of the Holy Quran in Bringing Happiness to Humanity', presented by Dr Thuraya al Barashdi, and 'Real-Life Experiences of Individuals and Families Who Benefited from the Holy Quran', presented by Shamsa al Rahbi. At the conclusion of the day's proceedings, Her Highness Sayyidah Dr Rawnaq honoured the participating institutions and the speakers for their contributions to the initiative. - ONA
Observer
09-06-2025
- Observer
Omani pilgrims lauds flawless Haj
Pilgrims from Oman will return on Thursday after the successful completion of the final rituals of Haj 1446, according to the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. Before leaving the holy land, the pilgrims would do another 'Tawaf ' around the Holy Kaaba and hold special prayers for the suffering Palestinians. Tawaf is the ritual of circumambulation of Mecca, in which the pilgrims offer prayers to the Almighty. Pilgrims will be able to complete it according to the dates of their return home. This year, Oman sent 14,000 pilgrims to the holy city comprising 13,530 Omanis and 470 expats. "Our pilgrims who used the ministry portal for the same, will return in batches from Thursday after the final rituals," said a spokesperson from the ministry. He further said that the beautiful moments of love and brotherhood that several millions of believers from different parts of the world spent in the holy land for six days, regardless of their nationality or language, are an example to the world. The pilgrims, led by Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, and Head of the Omani Haj Mission, reached well before the actual rituals so that they could carry out the step-by-step procedures of Haj 1446. Following successful departure of pilgrims, entry restrictions to Mecca will be lifted from Wednesday. Umrah permits for foreigners will be issued from June 14. However, those within Saudi Arabia will be allowed from the 11th. Oman Haj Mission lauded Saudi Arabia for the flawless implementation of Haj. The Omani pilgrims have lauded the Saudi authorities, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah and its partners for immaculate organising of the Haj and for excellent crowd management. According to statistics, over 1.4 million international pilgrims representing more than 130 countries arrived at the holy sites this week and were transported safely and efficiently via over 20,000 buses and the Mashair Train network. 'This is one of the largest coordinated people-movements on Earth. Pilgrims were able to fulfil their rites in peace and without crowding — on their own schedule," he said. Saudi Arabia's mastery of crowd management is the result of decades of experience hosting the world's largest recurring religious gathering. Every Haj season builds on the last, with extensive simulations, audits, and post-event analysis feeding into a dynamic system of continuous improvement. The Kingdom's ability to harmonise massive movement with minimal disruption is not only a logistical achievement — it's a spiritual service. 'Everything felt so calm and organised,' said Fatima Ahmed, a first-time pilgrim. 'I was nervous before arriving in Saudi, but the way we were guided made it feel like the journey was being carried out for us.' The Kingdom's Haj operation is now studied globally as a model for managing mass gatherings — religious or otherwise. With its seamless fusion of technology, infrastructure, cultural empathy, and governance, the Kingdom has shown the world how to manage crowds with care, precision, and purpose.
Observer
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Omani Mission attends reception for heads of Haj delegations
MECCA: The Omani Haj Mission on Saturday participated in the annual reception hosted, on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), for the heads of Haj missions and delegations and pilgrim affairs offices who performed Haj this year. The Sultanate of Oman was represented by Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, Under-secretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs and Head of the Omani Haj Mission. Al Rashdi conveyed the greetings and appreciation of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman to the Saudi leadership for their efforts in organizing the pilgrimage. He praised the distinguished organization and quality facilities provided by the Saudi authorities during the Hajj season which contributed to a seamless performance of the rituals. — ONA
Observer
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Main moon sighting committee meets today
The main committee for sighting the crescent moon of the month of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH will meet at the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs on Tuesday. The meeting will be held under the auspices of Dr Mohammed bin Said al Maamari, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. The ministry requested citizens and residents to look out for the crescent moon, report to field teams in their respective governorates or directly contact moon-sighting sub-committees operating in the offices of walis.
Observer
26-05-2025
- General
- Observer
Eid Al Adha likely on June 6
The main committee for sighting the crescent moon of the month of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH will meet at the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs on Tuesday. Lunar experts and religious scholars will gather to observe the crescent moon, which will be visible for at least 20 to 29 minutes with the naked eye. Yousef bin Hamad al Rahbi, Director of the Astronomical Affairs Department at the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, emphasised that astronomical calculations are crucial but must be confirmed by actual crescent moon sighting. The department highlighted the importance of crescent moon sighting in Islam, as it determines significant religious days such as the start and end of Ramadhan, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, sacred months like Muharram and Dhul Hijjah. Eid Al Adha will begin on the tenth day of the month, following the day of Arafah on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. Abdulwahab al Busaidy, an astronomer and member of Oman Astronomical Society, explained that the crescent moon will be visible at 07:02 in the morning, with the sun setting at 06:37 in Muscat. The crescent moon will set at 07:24, giving a 36-minute window for moon observation. "Accordingly, the crescent moon will be above the horizon by 8 degrees. In light of all this, we presume that the first day of the Dhul Hijjah will be Wednesday and the first day of Eid Al Adha will be on Friday June 6 for Oman and neighbouring countries as well," Al Busaidy said.
