Madinah: Hi-tech City of Prophet

Source: IslamOnline.net & News Agencies

AL-MADINAH AL-MUNAWWARAH — Saudi Arabia is pouring billions of dollars into the holy city of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, the cradle of Islam and the burial place of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him), to turn the city into a high-tech bastion.

"Madinah was the springboard for Islamic civilization," Tahir Mohammed Bawazir, chairman of Knowledge Economic City Developers Company Ltd, told Agence France-Presse (AFP).

The Saudi government has launched a mega-project to turn the holy city into a high-tech bastion.

The 25 billion-Riyal project aims to establish an economically viable catalyst for knowledge-based industries in Madinah and create an alternative central business district with better facilities and infrastructure.

The project also aims to create a tourist destination supported by the unique theme park, world-class hospitality establishments and outstanding retail offer.

"In our case we call them Economic Cities because they have more ingredients," said Amr al-Dabbagh, governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA).

"They are places where people can work, enjoy life and make money."

The holy city of Madinah lies in the central Hijaz, 447 kilometers north of the holy city of Makkah.

Sited on a fertile oasis, the city is 625 meters (2,050 feet) above sea level and is bounded on three sides by hills which form part of the Hijaz mountain range.

The highest of these hills, Mount Uhud, rises more than 2,000 meters above the oasis.

Madinah was the cradle of Islam after Prophet Muhammad immigrated along with the first followers of Islam from Makkah to Madinah – which means "city" in Arabic – in 622 AD to escape persecution.

The city is home to the Prophet's tomb.

"This is the place where it all started. So there is history," said Bawazir.

Hub

Saudi Arabia hopes the KEC project will turn the holy city into a magnet for Muslim scientists and companies wanting to do business and bolstering development on all fronts.

"It's an attractive proposition for people to live here," said Bawazir.

But there are also question marks over the real aim of these artificial cities emerging from the Saudi sands, and also over their long-term viability.

"They are into buildings. They are into real estate. Real estate is something they do well," one Asian professor teaching in a Saudi university said about the promoters of KEC and the other so-called "economic cities."

The construction drive coincides with an unprecedented economic boom generating colossal oil revenues for Saudi Arabia, the world's top crude exporter.

The kingdom earned 194 billion dollars in oil income in 2007 and it is estimated that combined revenues for 2008 and 2009 will amount to 700 billion dollars because of the skyrocketing cost of crude.

But the head of the state-run SAGIA insisted that the projects "are all developed by the private sector."

"Our role is to iron out any obstacles and ensure that the environment is pro-business," Dabbagh said.

Dabbagh said that SAGIA is also conducting feasibility studies on two other projects "to see if they are commercially viable."

By the year 2020, new cities that have mushroomed from the Saudi desert could be home to 4.8 million inhabitants and generate 1.2 million jobs.

Employment is a high political and economic priority for Saudi Arabia, where half of the total population of around 23 million is under 18.

Expatriates make up more than a quarter of Saudi Arabia's total population, according to official figures published in September 2004.

Masjid Al Nabawi - Saudi Arabia

Masjid Al Nabawi
Madinah
Saudi Arabia


Masjid Al Nabawi (The Mosque of the Prophet) in Medina, is the second holiest mosque in Islam. It is the final resting place of Prophet Muhammad. Masjid al-Haram in Mecca is the holiest mosque; the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem) is the third holiest in Islam.

The original mosque was built by Prophet Muhammad. Subsequent Islamic rulers greatly expanded and decorated it. The most important feature of the site is the green dome over the center of the mosque, where the tomb of Prophet Muhammad is located. Constructed in 1817 and painted green in 1839, it is known as the Dome of the Prophet. The edifice was originally Prophet Muhammad's house; he settled there after his Hijra (emigration) to Medina, later building a mosque on the grounds. He himself shared in the heavy work of construction. The original mosque was an open-air building. The basic plan of the building has been adopted in the building of other mosques throughout the world.

Masjid Al Haram - Saudi Arabia

Masjid Al Haram
Makkah
Saudi Arabia


Al-Masjid al-Ḥarām ("The Sacred Mosque"), is the largest mosque in the world. Located in the city of Mecca, it surrounds the Kaaba, the place which Muslims turn towards while offering daily prayer and is considered to be the holiest place on earth by Muslims. The mosque is also commonly known as the Haram or Haram Sharif. The current structure covers an area of 356,800 square meters including the outdoor and indoor praying spaces and can accommodate up to 4 million worshippers during the Hajj period.

New expansion can hold 250,000 more worshipers at Haram Mosque

Makkah – Dhul Hijjah 29, 1428/ January 07, 2008 – The planned expansion projects in the northern and northwestern courtyards of the Haram Mosque in Makkah will increase the capacity of these courtyards to at least 250,000 worshipers and the total capacity of the holy mosque to 750,000. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz has approved a plan for the expansion of the Haram Mosque’s northern and northwestern courtyards, Prince Miteb, minister of municipal and rural affairs, announced on Saturday. The project also includes construction of pedestrian tunnels and a service station. The royal approval covers expropriation of real estate on the northern and northwestern sides of the mosque, covering an area of 300 square meters.

About 2.5 million faithful converge on Arafat

Arafat – Dhul Hijja 09, 1428/ December 18, 2007– Nearly 2.5 million pilgrims converged on Mount Arafat, marking the climax of this year's Haj pilgrimage. A white sea of faithful surged to Arafat as dawn broke on the second day of the annual event. Waves of men in seamless white robes and women in head scarves and long dresses joined voices in a crescendo chanting “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik” (Here I am O God, answering your call). They performed Dhuhr and Asr prayers jointly in shortened form at the Namira Mosque, its surroundings and vast plains of Arafat following the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) more than 14 centuries ago. Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Asheikh has led prayers at Namira Mosque. Delivering the Arafat sermon, he called upon the mankind to hold fast to the principles underlying the basic tenet of God's oneness, saying that it is the first obligatory duty of every human being toward his God. He urged the pilgrims as well as the Muslims worldwide to obey the commands of God and follow the Tradition of the Prophet in all walks of their life. He also called on the faithful to follow the moderate teachings of Islam and shun violence and extremism.After the prayers, the pilgrims started standing at Arafat, the most important ritual of Haj. They are all deeply involved in invocations, supplications, and chants of praises to Allah and His magnanimity in making it possible for them to come to the holy land for the performance of the Haj. The pilgrims stood in prayer, seeking God’s forgiveness and blessings. They will cleanse themselves of their sins by admitting them before God in order to return to their homes and native places like newborn babies as stated by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is among the dignitaries performing Haj this year. Ahmadinejad arrived to perform Haj as a guest of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. The king has invited 1,000 foreign dignitaries to perform Haj this year as his guests. Earlier, the movement of pilgrims has been taken place in an orderly, smooth and excellent manner as planned by the concerned authorities, and the weather is also helpful, since it is mildly cool. The security and traffic men were deployed along the roads and streets to facilitate smooth flow of pilgrims and to prevent all forms of traffic jam.Makkah Governor Prince Khalid al-Faisal, who is also chairman of the Central Haj Committee, followed up the ascendance of the pilgrims to the Mount of Arafat. He said in a statement that the ascendance of the pilgrims to Arafat was completed, adding that all pilgrims felt comfortable and stable in an atmosphere of strong faith and security. The governor noted that the Saudi government has exerted intensive efforts to enable the pilgrims perform their rituals in comfort and ease. Prince Khalid attributed the success of the ascendance of the pilgrims to Arafat to the grace of Allah Almighty and to the efforts exerted by the concerned authorities to ensure the success of the ascendance plan. "The people in this country are recruited for the service of the pilgrims since their arrival until their departure after performing Hajj rituals," he added.

Kingdom's General Mufti addresses Muslims on the advent of Hajj

Riyadh, 12 Dec 07

Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh, General Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Chairman of Senior Ulema Commission and Religious Research Department, advised the pilgrims to avail themselves of the Hajj season to augment their loyal practices to Almighty Allah and increase whatever pleases Him and refrain from whatever outrages Him so that their Hajj turns to be a complete success.
In an address to all Muslims on the occasion of Hajj of this year, the General Mufti cited a number of verses from the holy Quran and sayings of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) explaining the holiness of Makkah and Kaaba (the house of God).
In both Makkah and Madinah, it is prohibited to kill any soul, cut any plant or hunt any animal, the Mufti said, citing Prophet Mohammed's instructions.
Then he explained the significance of prayers in the Makkah-based Grand Mosque and Madinah-based Prophet's Mosque. One prayer in the prophet's mosque equals 1,000 prayers outside, except in the Grand mosque, the Prophet was quoted as saying, and adding that a prayer in the grand mosque exceeds one in my mosque by 100 points.
The Mufti illustrated the sanctuary of Makkah as a direction for Muslims, dead or alive. Muslims turn to Makkah whenever they perform prayers from everywhere in the world or while calling or appealing for God to help them. Muslims also turn the heads of their dead towards the direction of Kaaba before burying them, the Mufti said.
The Mufti quoted the Prophet as telling his companions that Makkah was the loveliest land for him and that he swore that if he were not driven out of it by his then foes, he would never have left it.
Al Al-Sheikh explained that Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. Qualifying conditions for a Muslim to perform Hajj are being wise, adult, free and physically and financial able to do it. In addition, women should have legal companions with them, he said.
He stated that a pilgrim who plans to go to Hajj ought to repent to God so as to pave the way for forgiveness.
Dressing the Ihram (white untailored two-piece dress) from a certain point before entering the Hajj sacred area is the practical translation of this will and the start of the journey to Allah, the Mufti said. He then narrated the stations of the journey and its major developments to Makkah until heading back home. Tawaf Al-Godoom or greeting circumambulation around Kaaba is the beginning of the journey of worshipping. This is followed by a preparatory night stay in Mina before ascending to Arafat. This was named Al-Tarwiyah day after the Prophet's filling his tanks and bowels with water in preparation for a journey to the valley of Arafat. They assemble and shorten their Dhuhr (noon) and Asr (afternoon) prayers. On top, at and around Arafat mount, pilgrims should stay the day worshipping and appealing for forgiveness. This is the peak of Hajj which ends by sunset, when Muslims move back to Muzdalifah to stay the night. There, they perform the missed Maghrib (sunset) and late Isha (evening) prayers together. Isha prayers is shorted to half while Maghrib remains three bows. At dawn, they head back to Mina valley to stay the next two to three nights. As soon as they reach Mina, pilgrims throw the stones at the Great Devil with seven tiny stones they collected from Muzdalifah valley. Then they go downtown Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Ifadha, the major circumambulation before turning back to Mina to complete the two to three stay. The second day in Mina is the day to stone the three devils successively. The ritual is repeated the next day. If a pilgrim plans to end his stay in Mina due to personal circumstances at home, he ought to quit before sunset. Otherwise, he should stay the night there. The next day, he throws the devils for the third time and quits for Makkah. There, pilgrims perform Tawaf Al-Wada'a whenever they decide to leave, bidding the holy city farewell.
The Mufti quoted holy verses of Quran warning against committing acts that mar the security, safety and comfort of other pilgrims and the holy calm city.
Al Al-Sheikh said Almighty Allah has fortunately granted the rule of this sacred place to wise and good rulers who realize the greatness of Allah, his house and sanctuaries. The rulers of this land have put all the wealth and capabilities of this country under the disposal of the two holy Harams.
He pointed to the regulations and rules enacted by the leaders of this country to safeguard the general interest of pilgrims and enable them to perform their rituals in comfort and ease.
The Mufti urged all pilgrims for cooperation to comply with these regulations and make the Hajj a success.
He wished all pilgrims a good Hajj season and an acceptable one to Allah.
Also he wished the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques success in running the affairs of Hajj and thanked them on behalf of all pilgrims and their relatives and families at home for the strenuous efforts they exert, the developmental projects they implement and the unprecedented services they provide for pilgrims and Umrah (minor Hajj) performers.

The Islamic Jurisprudence Council decided on various issues in Makkah

MAKKAH, 9 November 2007 — The Islamic Jurisprudence Council banned the use of the verses of the Holy Qur’an as ringtones for mobile phones because it impinges on the sacred character of the Muslim Holy Book, the Saudi Press Agency reported yesterday.
“It is demeaning and degrading to the verses of the Holy Book to stop abruptly at the middle of a recitation or neglecting the recitation, as happens when they are used as ringtones in mobile phones. On the other hand, recording the verses from the Holy Qur’an in phone sets with the intention of recitation and listening is a virtuous act,” the scholars attending the council said in a statement.
During the six-day meeting of the council in Makkah, which began Nov. 3 under the chairmanship of Grand Mufti Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh, 70 Muslim dignitaries and scholars tackled a number of important issues. On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal opened the first session of the council.
The council decided that Muslims are permitted to determine the sex of a fetus provided it was a medical necessity, such as when ascertaining diseases that are suspected to affect boys and not girls, and vice versa. The council said three doctors would be required to confirm the medical necessity of the procedure.
The council also approved damaging an ovary that could lead to a disabled child, but said that trying to control the sex of a child was strictly prohibited.
The council also encouraged Muslims in the West to participate in elections in non-Muslim countries and play an effective political role, especially if elections brought about public good or prevented social evils.
It said this was the only way for Muslims abroad to secure their rights.
It also encouraged Muslims in the West to integrate into Western societies but cautioned them against adopting any Western habits that are contrary to the principles of Islam.
Those who presented papers included Sheikh Muhammad ibn Abdullah Al-Subeyel, imam of the Grand Mosque. In the concluding session yesterday, the Islamic Jurisprudence Council emphasized that dialogue with non-Muslims supported by well-prepared media programs are essential in confronting anti-Islamic campaigns.
The council called on Pakistanis and Palestinians to stand united in solving their problems.
Islamic scholars from various parts of the world, who attended the conference, also called for the upholding of Islamic unity and adherence to the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah (Tradition of the Prophet), while tackling issues affecting Muslim countries such as Iraq, Somalia and Afghanistan.

Muslim clerics ban Koranic ringtones

RIYADH (AFP) — A Saudi-based Muslim clerics' organization has banned the use of Koranic verses as mobile phone ringtones after a six-day meeting in the holy city of Mecca, a statement said on Thursday.
"It is forbidden to use verses of the Koran as mobile telephone ringtones because any such use would damage the Koran by their abrupt interruption of the psalm verses or by sounding in inappropriate places," said the fatwa, or religious edict, issued by the Islamic Jurisprudence Council.
Around 70 Muslim clerics attended the meeting in Mecca chaired by Saudi Arabia's grand mufti, Sheikh Abdelaziz Al-Sheikh, and held under the auspices of the Muslim World League.
The Saudi-owned daily Al-Hayat reported that there had been "a turbulent debate" at the meeting on the ringtone issue.
In recent years many clerics, especially from Egypt, have denounced the use of Koranic verses in mobile telephony, believing it to be a frivolity that impinges on the sacred character of the Muslim holy book.
Advertising for downloading verses from the Koran has also come under fire.

King Fahd Holy Quran Printing Complex produces more than 206 million publications

Riyadh, 19 September 07 --Up to the end of Jumad-al-thani, 1428, Madinah-based King Fahd Holy Quran Printing Complex, established in 1405, produced more than 206 million publications. A report released by the complex said the complex had produced 136,145,533 copies of the Holy Quran, 2,520,875 cassettes, 27,597,387 copies of the translation of the Holy Quran in addition 220,000 copies of the books of Sunnah (Prophet's teachings) and the Prophet's biography as well as 5,045,000 copies of other religious books. The project of the complex was implemented on an area of 250,000 square meter. The productive capacity of the complex amounts to about ten million copies per year, but this number can be increased to 30 million copies. The complex produces translations of the meanings of the Holy Quran in 47 languages, including 24 Asian languages, 11 European languages and 12 African languages. These languages include Albanian, Indonesian, Urdu, Turkish, Somalian, Chinese, French, English, Spanish, Korean, Persian, Greek, Vietnamese, Portuguese, and Swedish. In line with the directives of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz the pilgrims are provided with copies of the publications issued by the complex every year when they start to leave the Kingdom after performing Hajj rituals.