Hajj minister praises men who helped lost pilgrim/node/2528791/saudi-arabia
Hajj minister praises men who helped lost pilgrim
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah underscored the importance of the Nusuk Card, which also grants pilgrims access to all holy sites and facilitates their Hajj journey with various services. (SPA/File)
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Hajj minister praised a group of kind-hearted individuals for aiding a distressed pilgrim in Makkah.
A group of men were seen assisting the pilgrim who had become lost and ended up on a highway in the holy city. The men, depicted in a viral video, then drove the pilgrim back to his residence.
Pilgrims are issued an ID card, known as the Nusuk Card, which allows others to assist them if they get lost or separated from their group. The men were observed scanning the barcode on his name tag to find his residence information.
During the drive back to his residence, he attempted to express his gratitude by offering them money, but they declined.
The man in the video mentioned that this was the second time he had encountered such a situation, with the first involving an Indian pilgrim. The clip concluded with the thankful pilgrim entering his residence.
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah underscored the importance of the Nusuk Card, which also grants pilgrims access to all holy sites and facilitates their Hajj journey with various services.
The card must be carried throughout the entire Hajj period, from arrival and within the holy sites until departure, according to the ministry.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, mandating every adult Muslim to undertake the journey to the holy Islamic sites in Makkah at least once in their lifetime, provided they are financially and physically able.
MAKKAH: Volunteers in Makkah devote themselves every year to serving pilgrims during the holy month of Ramadan.
Among them are doctors, university professors, teachers, students, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, all driven by a shared commitment to providing comfort, care, and reassurance to the pilgrims.
The volunteers display unwavering dedication and generosity, preparing for their tasks well in advance of the holy month.
This service is a heartfelt act of devotion to them, a profound expression of love for serving the guests of God, and a noble mission that embodies the essence of human and Islamic values. They see it as a path to faith and charity in the holiest place on Earth.
Numerous charitable organizations and volunteers begin their efforts early in Makkah’s central area and the corridors of the Grand Mosque, where touching humanitarian moments unfold, showcasing an exceptional model of generosity and dedication.
Mohammed Al-Yousfi, a student at Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, shared with Arab News his experience as a young volunteer.
He said that serving Zamzam water to pilgrims was “a profound expression of devotion and a deeply rewarding experience that enables pilgrims to perform their worship with ease.”
He added: “Every volunteer considers it an honor to serve, recognizing the lasting impact that their efforts leave on the hearts of pilgrims.”
Saudi men offer pilgrims Zamzam water upon their arrival in the holy city of Mecca on August 7, 2019, ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. (AFP)
Maha Al-Sharif, leader of the volunteer team Ruoh Makkah (Spirit of Makkah), described volunteering in Makkah as both an honor and a deeply rewarding experience.
She said: “Volunteers work with a unified vision and shared purpose — to serve the guests of God — rooted in the humanitarian principles of volunteerism and the pursuit of social good.”
She highlighted the profound sense of fulfillment and joy that comes from this noble mission, which includes welcoming pilgrims, guiding them, offering Zamzam water, and distributing gifts.
She added: “Volunteers from all walks of life — including doctors, engineers, and healthcare professionals — selflessly dedicate their time, setting aside their professional roles to earn the honor of serving the guests of God.”
She said that many volunteers are fluent in languages such as Urdu, English, Turkish, and French, allowing them to engage with pilgrims, understand their needs, and provide personalized assistance.
Al-Sharif added: “Volunteer work deepens the sense of belonging to society, nurtures humanitarian values, and cultivates an atmosphere of participation and tolerance.
“It also instills in young people a profound appreciation for service, reinforcing the importance of contributing to nation-building while honoring and assisting visitors.”
Ehsan Hawsawi, a volunteer with the Lajlk Ya Watan (For You, My Homeland) team, stressed that volunteer work reflects the highest ideals of generosity and solidarity, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
She noted the importance of embracing innovation and diversity in volunteer efforts, expanding their scope to encompass religious, cultural, social, health, and tourism-related initiatives.
Abeer Fakira, leader of the Hur Makkah volunteer team, affirmed that generosity and giving continue to thrive. She spoke about how human beings are inherently social and flourish within communities built on cooperation and shared kindness.
She said: “Volunteer work at the Grand Mosque is an example of generosity and community service, reflecting the profound humanitarian values deeply embedded in Saudi society.”
As all these efforts demonstrate, male and female volunteers continue to embody the spirit of dedication and selflessness, carrying a message of love and peace to visitors.
Cumin has health benefits but seek medical advice first
Saudi Food and Drug Authority urges cautious ingestion
Possible complications for diabetics, pregnant women
Updated 12 min 50 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Cumin offers notable health benefits and nutrition, including aiding digestion and relieving flatulence, but medical advice should be sought for its use, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority said on Thursday.
Cumin, particularly the Cuminum cyminum species, is an aromatic spice used as a seasoning for food, has its oil extracted for perfumes, and is also a popular traditional medicine.
But the SFDA has emphasized that herbs, like any substance with therapeutic effects, should be used with caution.
“Medical consultation is essential, as certain herbs may interact with medications or affect nutrient absorption,” the authority said in an advisory carried by the Saudi Press Agency.
The SFDA has recommended a daily intake of 1.5 to 3 grams of cumin, noting that one teaspoon is equivalent to 5 grams.
Cumin may interact with blood thinners and diabetes medications, potentially mimicking their effects and leading to complications, it said.
Medical advice is particularly recommended for individuals with blood clotting disorders or diabetes, as well as pregnant and lactating women, the SFDA said.
It warned that cumin may induce uterine contractions, increasing the risk of premature birth, and could also affect hormonal balances during pregnancy.
Cumin may also cause acid reflux or diarrhea and could influence milk production in breastfeeding mothers, potentially leading to colic or diarrhea in infants, the advisory warned.
It further recommended discontinuing cumin consumption at least two weeks before any surgical procedure, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.
Saudi Arabia condemns attacks by ‘outlaw groups’ in Syria
Updated 07 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has condemned the targeting of security forces and crimes by “outlaw groups” in Syria, a foreign ministry said early Friday.
“The Kingdom affirms its support for the Syrian government in its efforts to maintain security and stability and preserve civil peace,” the statement concluded.
Syrian forces were clashing with gunmen loyal to an Assad-era special forces commander in Latakia on Thursday, the province’s security director said, after authorities reportedly launched helicopter strikes.
The fighting killed 48 people on Thursday, a war monitor said.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the clashes in the coastal town of Jableh and adjacent villages were “the most violent attacks against the new authorities since Assad was toppled” in December.
Pro-Assad fighters killed 16 security personnel while 28 fighters “loyal” to ousted President Bashar Assad and four civilians were also killed, it said.
The fighting struck in the Mediterranean coastal province of Latakia, the heartland of the ousted president’s Alawite minority who were considered bastions of support during his rule.
Saudi FM participates in GCC-Jordan ministerial meeting
Updated 07 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan participated on Thursday in the seventh GCC-Jordan joint ministerial meeting of foreign ministers in Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency said.
The meeting discussed regional issues including the Palestinian cause and the efforts made to achieve regional security and stability.
It also tackled ways of boosting GCC-Jordanian relations and supporting partnerships.
The meeting was headed by Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya.
Saudi-Moroccan foreign ministers co-chair 14th session of joint committee in Makkah
Updated 07 March 2025
SPA
MAKKAH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita co-chaired in Makkah the 14th session of the Saudi-Moroccan Joint Committee.
The event was attended by senior officials from ministries, government agencies and private-sector institutions from both sides.
The convening of the meeting reaffirms the strong ties between the two countries and aims to boost cooperation in all areas of common interest.
Both sides appreciated the efforts of the entities involved in the committee’s work to meet the aspirations of both leaderships. They also emphasized their commitment to strengthening cooperation across various fields to further elevate their strong relations.
