HAJJ and UMRA updates

A Note on My Recent Hajj Pilgrimage Experience. Hajj is a pilgrimage (spiritual duty) made to the Kaaba (the house of Allah) in the sacred city of Makkah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the first ten days of the holy month of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month in the Islamic calendar. It is one of the pillars of …

RUZAIK FAROOK COLOMBO –  The first batch of Sri Lankan Hajj pilgrims left for Makkah in the early hours of Tuesday, June 21.The pilgrims were seen off by distinguished guests at the Bandaranaike International Airport here. Ambassador Khaled bin Hamoud Al-Kahtani, attended the send-off ceremony of the first group of Sri Lankan Hajj pilgrims consisting of 68 pilgrims, in the …

In preparation for Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has outlined the updated regulations for anyone violating Hajj regulations. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior announced that individuals found violating Hajj regulations and instructions without a permit from June 2nd to the 20th will face severe penalties. Citizens, residents and visitors caught breaching regulations within Makkah, the vicinity of the Grand Mosque, Hajj …

The Department of Muslim Religious & Cultural Affairs has released the List of Registered Hajj Travel Operators (Agencies) for the Year 2024 (Hijri) Name & Address of the Travel Agency Name & Contact Details of the Leaders    

Advised to pay their deposit of Rs 25,000 in time The All-Ceylon Hajj Tour Operators Association has requested that those who have got the Registration done to perform Hajj 2024 and have got the Reference Number from the Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs, MRCA, on SMS, to pay the non-refundable deposit of Rs. 25,000/-, as early as possible without any …

There is a roaring Hajj business in Sri Lanka. As a friend of mine commented, no business is as good as the religious business. The Hajj committee, whose members are appointed on recommendations of Muslim politicians, in collusion with Hajj agents, operate like a mafia that has converted a religious obligation into a money making enterprise with blessings of the …