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August will mark a special time for Muslims all over the world as this is related to the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, known as hajj.

That being said, movement is expected among pilgrims in the region and from the rest of the world. However, with the on-going tension happening in the Middle East, involving key countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, even religious practices such as the annual pilgrimage to Mecca are being affected as early as now.

Saudi Arabia Introduces Special Website for Qatari Hajj Pilgrims — Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Saudi Launches New Website for Qatari Hajj Pilgrims

In preparation for the hajj, Saudi Arabia has set up a special website to facilitate Qatari Hajj pilgrims this year – after Qatari authorities have reportedly blocked electronic links, hindering their citizens from applying for Hajj, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.

As per the instruction by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, the ministry of Haj and Umrah has completed all necessary arrangements to serve Qataris intending to perform Hajj this year, through a special website to enable them to register their data and choose the service that suits their needs.

In line with this, ministry authorities called on Qatari authorities to stop blocking electronic or online links, and, instead cooperate with Saudi Arabia to enable their citizens to perform Haj comfortably, as part of their commitment to the faith.

Furthermore, Qatari pilgrims can now book Umrah packages upon their arrival in Saudi Arabia, and will not to have to do so while in Qatar or online.

Qatari pilgrims will be able to do this at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport which is the main port of entry for most of them.

The decision to open new avenues for Qatari pilgrims to perform Hajj this year, reflects the Kingdom’s openness to welcome Qatari nationals to perform pilgrimages to the Kingdom, even as there’s a diplomatic rift between the two nations.

In Islam, Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all able-bodied Muslims are required to perform it at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage is seen as a chance to wipe clean past sins and start anew. Many seek to deepen their faith through the Hajj, with women taking on the Islamic hair covering known as “hijab” upon returning from this journey.

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As Muslims all over the world are currently celebrating the holy month of Ramadan through prayers, fasting, and participating in charitable events across the city, it pays to take note of the upcoming holidays that are set to take place after this month.

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In Muslim countries such as Kuwait, Ramadan represents a time of solemn prayers and long fasts. It also gives Muslims time to be in thoughtful reflection of the teachings of the Q’uran. In short, Ramadan represents a time of penance and sacrifice, but in the Islamic calendar, not all events are as pensive and somber, as following the Ramadan is a time of celebration, also known as Eid, which represents such a time similar to the New Year of other nationalities.

What You Need to Know About Eid in Kuwait

But since the dates for the actual holidays in the Islamic calendar are based on lunar sightings and movements, Muslims and residents do away with waiting for official announcements made by relevant authorities in their host countries.

However, as Ramadan was marked on May 5 in Kuwait, it will last until June 4, which will then mark the beginning of the Eid or Eid Al-Fitr in the country.

What is Eid?

Following a whole month of religious prayer and fasting, Eid represents a time for Muslims all over the world to go without fasting, which also equates to lavish revelry and celebrations across the country.

Eid, as an important calendar date, also marks the beginning of the month of Shawwal, which is opened with a great feast to officially end the period of fasting observed during Ramadan.

As a public holiday in Muslim countries such as Kuwait, residents exchange greetings such as “Eid Mubarak,” which translates to “blessed celebration” during Eid Al-Fitr. For the citizens and residents, whether Muslim or not, this friendly greeting serves as a sign of unity and friendship, so it’s important to pick on this short phrase as a sign of respect and warm reception towards others in public.

What can you expect during Eid?

During this time, most Muslims would wake up early in the morning to offer prayers inside mosques. Many people then celebrate this time by shopping for beautiful clothing and joining public festivities and celebrations. Also, it’s customary for friends and family members to exchange gifts and greeting cards.

Aside from Eid Al-Fitr, Muslims also celebrate Eid Al-Adha, which officially begins a month after the former. This date falls in the middle of the twelfth and last month in the Islamic calendar.

The holiday was based on the event when Allah showed himself to Ibrahim in a dream and instructed him to offer up Ishmael, his son, as a sacrifice, and a way to prove his faith. The story is similar to Abaraham and Isaac’s in the Christian religion.

Furthermore, during this time, practicing Muslims sacrifice animals as part of their tradition with some variations in handling and practices, based on their country’s laws.

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