Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is expected to begin on May 25 this year in the holy city of Makkah. For many Muslims in the Philippines, where they make up around 10 percent of the country’s predominantly Catholic population of 110 million, the pilgrimage requires years of preparation due to high travel and accommodation costs.

Rasmia Paniorotan, 59, from Marawi, said she had nearly given up hope of performing Hajj after losing her home and business during the 2017 siege that devastated the southern Philippine city.“When ground zero happened, everything was destroyed. We lost everything our home, our business,” Paniorotan said, adding that her daughter had been supporting the family since.

Earlier this year, her daughter surprised her by arranging the pilgrimage for both parents.“One day, she told us to prepare our passports. We asked why, and when she said it was for Hajj, we wondered where we would get the money,” Paniorotan said. “She only said, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.’

She said leaving for Saudi Arabia on Friday was an emotional moment.“I thought we would never be able to go. I lost hope,” she said. “No matter what happens, I am going to Makkah.”According to Zainoden Usudan, head of the pilgrimage bureau at the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, financial readiness remains the biggest barrier for many applicants.

The cost of performing Hajj can reach 350,000 Philippine pesos, or about $5,700, a significant amount for many households, particularly in Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago, where most Filipino Muslims reside.“Some save for years for this once-in-a-lifetime journey,” Usudan said. “Before qualifying for Hajj, you must be physically, mentally and financially prepared.

Among these, financial readiness is the most difficult.”Soraya Marandacan, a school nurse from Marawi, said she spent nearly a decade saving small amounts from her monthly salary and bonuses to fund her pilgrimage.

“I would set aside 5,000 or 10,000 pesos every month until I was able to save enough,” she said.Her plans were delayed by the prolonged illness of her husband, who died in December 2024 after battling colon cancer. Medical expenses, she said, consumed much of her savings.

The General Directorate of Civil Defense said the warning was based on projections from the National Center for Meteorology, which expects moderate to heavy rainfall across regions including Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, Qassim, Hail, Tabuk, the Eastern Province, Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan and Najran.

Authorities said the unstable weather could trigger flash flooding, hailstorms and strong downdrafts capable of generating dust storms that may significantly reduce visibility.In response, Hafar Al-Batin University suspended in-person classes on Monday, shifting to remote learning in its main campus and affiliated colleges in Khafji and Al-Nairyah following meteorological advisories.

The civil defense agency advised residents to remain in safe locations, avoid flood-prone areas and refrain from entering valleys or swimming in affected zones, while monitoring official updates.The warnings follow a series of escalating alerts issued over the weekend, including a red alert for the Madinah region, where forecasters predicted intense rainfall, hail and near-zero visibility conditions.

Weather authorities said the system developed over northern and western regions on Saturday before expanding into central and eastern areas on Sunday, bringing widespread rain and dust-laden winds.

Officials said they continue to monitor the situation closely as adverse weather conditions persist, urging the public to prioritize safety precautions.

The statement, issued from the General Secretariat in Makkah, reaffirmed the MWL’s unwavering stance—shared by the broader Islamic world—against all forms of violence and terrorism. It categorically rejected any justification for such acts and strongly opposed the exploitation of religion or culture to legitimize terrorism.

In its message, the MWL emphasized that terrorism has no place in any faith or tradition, and it should not be associated with any race, religion, or community. “Violent extremism must be condemned unequivocally, regardless of its form or manifestation,” the statement declared.

The timing of the statement was significant, coming shortly after a high-profile meeting between MWL Secretary General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jeddah on Tuesday. The meeting highlighted shared concerns around global terrorism and deepened the dialogue between India and the Islamic world on peacebuilding and counter-extremism efforts.

The MWL’s remarks also referenced a recent joint statement issued during PM Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia, where both nations reinforced their commitment to combat terrorism and its financing. The MWL praised the “pivotal Saudi-Indian cooperation” and called for dismantling the cross-border terror infrastructure and bringing its perpetrators to justice.

Headquartered in Makkah, the MWL is one of the most prominent Islamic non-governmental organizations, with a global presence aimed at promoting peace, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian outreach. Under the leadership of Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, the MWL has taken a progressive stance against extremism, earning international respect for its efforts to build bridges across faiths and cultures.

India’s connection with the MWL has grown in recent years, especially under Prime Minister Modi’s outreach to the Muslim world. Dr. Al-Issa’s public condemnation of terrorism reflects a growing strategic alignment between India and key Islamic institutions in promoting global peace and fighting radical ideologies.

During the meeting, the two leaders engaged in discussions on various topics of mutual interest, with a particular focus on the implementation of the Muslim World League’s initiatives in Ethiopia. This meeting signifies the growing cooperation and collaboration between the two prominent Islamic organizations.

One significant outcome of the meeting was the presentation of engineering plans for the Najashi Mosque. The Muslim World League had previously announced its intention to establish the mosque in Ethiopia, and now, Al-Issa personally received the plans for the mosque’s construction. The Najashi Mosque is expected to become a symbol of Islamic heritage and a center for spiritual and educational activities in Ethiopia.

The Muslim World League plays a crucial role in promoting Islamic values, fostering dialogue, and strengthening relationships among Muslim communities worldwide. Its initiatives encompass various domains, including education, interfaith dialogue, and social welfare. By expanding its activities in Ethiopia, the league aims to support the country’s Muslim population and contribute to the development of the Islamic infrastructure.

Ethiopia, a country with a rich cultural heritage and a significant Muslim population, welcomes the Muslim World League’s efforts to establish the Najashi Mosque. The mosque’s construction will not only fulfill the religious needs of Ethiopian Muslims but also serve as a platform for promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding.

The meeting between Al-Issa and Sheikh Haji Ibrahim highlights the importance of international cooperation among Islamic organizations. By exchanging ideas and working together, they strive to enhance the well-being of Muslims and promote the values of peace, tolerance, and unity.

The Muslim World League’s commitment to establishing the Najashi Mosque in Ethiopia demonstrates its dedication to supporting Islamic communities worldwide. This initiative is expected to contribute to the cultural and religious diversity of Ethiopia while strengthening the bonds between Muslims in different parts of the world.

As the plans for the Najashi Mosque move forward, the Muslim World League and the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council will continue to collaborate closely. Their joint efforts aim to create a vibrant Islamic center that will serve as a symbol of unity, spirituality, and knowledge within Ethiopia.

The meeting between Al-Issa and Sheikh Haji Ibrahim marks a significant step forward in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the Muslim World League and Ethiopia. It sets the stage for further collaboration in the future, as both organizations work together to advance their common goals and promote the values of Islam.

The establishment of the Najashi Mosque in Ethiopia will undoubtedly contribute to the religious and cultural landscape of the country, while also strengthening the ties between Ethiopia and the Muslim World League. It is a testament to the league’s commitment to nurturing the global Muslim community and promoting peace and harmony worldwide.

Sheikh Maher Al Muaiqly, renowned for his captivating recitations of the Quran, was in the midst of prayers when he abruptly paused and appeared to experience discomfort. He was immediately assisted by fellow worshippers and taken to receive medical attention. The specific details of his condition have not been disclosed, but reports indicate that it was a sudden health issue.

In a display of solidarity and unity, Sheikh Sudais, the former Imam of the Grand Mosque and President of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, took charge and seamlessly continued leading the prayers.

News of Sheikh Maher Al Muaiqly’s sudden illness quickly spread across various media platforms and social media networks. Influential figures, including prominent Emirati social media influencer Hassan Sajwani, expressed their concern and well-wishes for Sheikh Maher’s swift recovery.

Sajwani took to X platform to post a heartfelt message, saying, “Wishing Sheikh Maher Al Muaiqly a speedy recovery and good health. Hope he is fine”. The post garnered significant attention from followers and fellow well-wishers, who echoed the sentiment of praying for Sheikh Maher’s well-being.

The incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of even the most respected and revered figures, highlighting the importance of health and well-being for all individuals.

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has assured the public that Sheikh Maher Al Muaiqly is receiving appropriate medical care, and they remain hopeful for his swift recovery. The prayers and support from worshippers and well-wishers around the world continue to pour in, reflecting the profound impact Sheikh Maher has had on the lives of Muslims worldwide.

As the news unfolds, the global Muslim community remains united in their prayers for Sheikh Maher Al Muaiqly’s health and recovery, while commending Sheikh Sudais for his exceptional leadership during this unforeseen event. The incident serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the Muslim community, and their unwavering devotion to their faith and its leaders.

On Saturday, August 6, the ministry posted a warning on X (formerly Twitter) encouraging people to follow the rules and guidelines for a secure Umrah during the summer.

The following areas should not be used for sleeping or sitting

• Hallways and prayer spaces
• Roadways for emergency vehicles
• Wheelchair-accessible routes for people with impairments
  

The ministry also provided advice on how to do Umrah in the summer.

“Keep in mind that the summer sun might be harsh. You can still have a fulfilling and comfortable Umrah trip with the right planning and measures, the ministry advised.

Here are some suggestions for making Umrah throughout the summer.

• Consult a physician
• Pick days with a mild climate.
• When you arrive, rest and wear appropriate attire.
• Remain hydrated
• Get breaks
• Use shading

In addition to adhering to Umrah etiquette, which is characterised by excellent manners with everyone and a desire for cooperation, the ministry also emphasised the necessity for pilgrims to do what the organisers and workers have instructed.

• Maintain civil behaviour towards all.
• Along the way, be aware of cooperation and control.
• Follow the staff’s and organisers’ instructions and guidelines to the letter.

The ministry introduced the new Umrah season for nationals and residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, including the monarchy, on July 12.

For the Umrah season, the ministry said on July 19 that it will begin accepting pilgrims from outside the country through ports accessible by air, land, and sea.

Millions of Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia to do the Umrah pilgrimage because they are unable to conduct the annual haj or afford to do so.

In order to improve the experience of pilgrims in terms of administration, lodging, dining, transportation, and hotel reservations, the agreement focuses on adopting quality measures.

According to the Pilgrim Experience Program 2030’s objectives, it also strives to aid those who provide services during Hajj and Umrah.

The program’s main goals are to preserve the Two Holy Mosques, prepare tourist and cultural destinations, and offer the best services to pilgrims prior to, during, and following their visits to Makkah, Madinah, and other sacred locations.

According the official source, social distancing measures in the Two Grand Mosques of Mecca and Medina are suspended, while wearing of face masks are mandatory inside these facilities.

Social distancing measures in all open and closed places, activities, and events are also suspended.

Face masks are no longer required in all open areas, however, they will continue to be mandatory in closed places.

The arriving passengers in the Kingdom are no longer needed to present the PCR tests and Rapid Antigen Test. Moreover, these passengers are no longer requested to go through institutional and home quarantine to combat the pandemic.

However, passengers arriving on visit visas are requested to have medical insurance to cover the expenses of treatment in case of Coronavirus infection.

Direct flights are allowed to operate from Saudi Arabia to the following countries and vice-versa: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Malawi, Mauritius, Zambia, Madagascar, Angola, Seychelles, Comoros, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan.

Implementation of the national immunization plan is stressed, which includes taking the booster shot, and also the procedures are applied to verify the health status through the “Tawakkalna” application to access the facilities, activities, events, boarding planes, and the public transportation.

Saudi Arabia achieved success in combating the pandemic, under its leadership, and through the implementation of effective national efforts from all sides, including free vaccination programs and the high rates of immunization.

Engineer Adnan Al-Saqqaf, CEO of the company that manages Hajj and Umrah lounges at the Jeddah airport, said that the airport has set up a mechanism to take care precautionary measures to contain the spread of coronavirus, which will be according to the Kingdom’s approved protocol.

“We have put in place all preventive arrangements with regard to keeping physical distance between pilgrims inside the terminals as well as at the counters. The workers are at the highest levels of readiness, despite the fact not many pilgrims are expected to arrive in first batches during the third phase. However, the number of permitted pilgrims will increase in a phased manner over the period of time,” Engineer Saqqaf said.

“There will be a separation between entrances and exits of pilgrims and other areas, and all these facilities will be ready to receive pilgrims from next week,” the Engineer added.

A workshop held at the airport on Sunday discussed necessary preparations for the success of the Hajj and Umrah seasons for the current. Meanwhile, the airport emergency committee has started holding meetings since Tuesday to discuss emergency plans and update them in accordance with international standards.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has completed preparations to receive foreign pilgrims after the successful and smooth resumption of the pilgrimage for citizens and expatriates inside the Kingdom.

It’s reported that, there are more than 700 Umrah companies in total and they are completing the process to receive foreign pilgrims.

So far, approximately 120,000 pilgrims have performed Umrah during the current second phase of the gradual resumption of the Umrah service since October 18.

Muslim Brotherhood news agencies including MiddleEastEye have wrongly accused Makkah Imam Shaykh Abdurrahman Sudais of speaking about Saudi Arabia’s normalization with Israel, in the grand mosque of Makkah during Friday’s sermon, based on “interpreted by some” statement. But a simple fact-checking process will fail this sinister propaganda.

Propaganda

The report is crafted to stir hatred among gullible Muslims against the Makkah Imam, as the content of the report and the headlines are poles apart.

Headlines states, “Mecca sermon raises questions on possible Saudi normalization with Israel”, while the content states that, “a sermon by Abdulrahman al-Sudais, the Imam of the Grand Mosque of Mecca, has caused a stir on social media after it was INTERPRETED BY SOME as a prelude to Saudi normalization with Israel”.

The report does not quote any official statement or any official translation, nor does it quote any video of the sermon with verified English translation. It deceptively mentions, “interpreted by some”. 

The question remains here who are these “some”? Where do these “some” live? How did these “some” interpret the sermon as prelude to Saudi Arabia’s normalization with Israel? Are these “some” a single person or many people?

In short, the report is based on a clear-cut lie and the ulterior motive is apparent, which is to ignite the sentiments of Muslims that the Islam’s holiest place Makkah has become the hub of Middle-East politics.

Reality

On Friday, a Saudi activist Abdullah Mohammed al-Harbi posted Makkah Imam’s pictures of the sermon and mentioned in Arabic that, “His Excellency Sheikh Prof. Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais in the Friday Sermon said: ‘The issue of Palestine and the captive Al-Aqsa Mosque is our first Islamic issue that must not be forgotten in the new conflicts’”.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister Farhan bin Faisal on Wednesday declared that Kingdom’s support for Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people remains unchanged despite the approval to use Saudi airspace for flights flying to and from United Arab Emirates.

On August 21, Saudi Arabia’s former intelligence chief Prince Turki bin Faisal Al-Saud said that, “Saudi Arabia’s price for normalising relations with Israel is the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital”.

The 2002 Arab Peace Initiative was proposed by the late Saudi King Abdullah Al-Saud to the state of Israel. According to the API, Arab countries will normalize ties with Israel in return Israel should withdraw its forces and settlements from all territories including the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, which were captured in the 1967 Middle East war. Moreover, East Jerusalem should be Palestine’s capital.

Conclusion

UAE’s decision to normalize ties with Israel is to stop the future annexation of Palestinian territories, while Saudi Arabia is firm with API-2002 which deals with claiming Palestine to what it was pre-June 1967. Both the brotherly countries have their agendas as clear as a day. 

However, the Brotherhood’s propaganda with their constant attacks against Saudi Arabia and their Imams and leaders, has sinister motives. It is to hell-bent to create rifts between the Muslims across the globe and the Arab leaders which will eventually create confusion and chaos, so that Iran, Turkey and Qatar can sow the seeds of hatred to play their regional political games.

Zahack Tanvir is a Computer Engineer based in Saudi Arabia. He holds Diploma in Journalism from London School of Journalism. He regularly writes for MilliChronicle on socio-political issues. He tweets under @ZahackTanvir.