Who’s Who: Sheikh Osama bin Abdullah Khayyat, imam at Makkah Grand Mosque
Updated 17 April 2022
Arab News
Sheikh Dr. Osama bin Abdullah Khayyat has been leading prayers, alternately with other imams, at the Grand Mosque in Makkah since 1998.
Having received his primary education in Makkah, Khayyat also received a bachelor’s degree in Islamic Shariah from the faculty of Shariah and Islamic studies at Umm Al-Qura University.
Some five years later, he was awarded a master’s degree in the same field of study from Umm Al-Qura University. He completed his Islamic studies to obtain a Ph.D. from his alma mater in 1988.
Moreover, he was licensed in Al-Kutub Al-Sittah (the six books of Hadith), containing collections of hadiths of Prophet Muhammad that were compiled by six Sunni Muslim scholars.
In 1979, he was appointed as an assistant teacher in Umm Al-Qura University’s department of Shariah and Islamic studies. Four years later, he became a lecturer in the same department. Six years after that, he was promoted to assistant professor in the department of Qur’an and Sunnah of the university’s faculty of Da’wah and fundamentals of religion, where he was elected head of the department for three consecutive terms.
Around 1990, he was designated as a teacher at the Grand Mosque, where he has since been giving lessons on the Sahihain, the book of Sahih of Al-Bukhari and the book of Sahih Muslim — Sunni Muslims’ most authentic Sunnah books. He also taught Ibn Taymiyyah’s creed book, Al-Aqidah Al-Waasitiyyah; Imam Malik’s Al-Muwatta; Ibn Al-Jaroud’s Al-Muntaqa; and Tafsir Baghawi, a Qur’anic exegesis by Al-Hafiz Al-Baghawi.
In 1993, a royal order named Khayyat a member of the Saudi Shoura Council.
Arafat’s Namirah Mosque equipped with advanced comfort features for pilgrims
The mosque features six 60-meter minarets, three domes, ten main entrances with 64 doors, and a radio room for live satellite broadcasts of the Arafat sermon
Updated 7 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Namirah Mosque, a pivotal religious and historical landmark in Arafat, draws millions of pilgrims for the Dhuhr and Asr prayers on the Day of Arafat.
It spans more than 110,000 sq m and accommodates about 350,000 worshippers.
The mosque features six 60-meter minarets, three domes, ten main entrances with 64 doors, and a radio room for live satellite broadcasts of the Arafat sermon, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
For this Hajj season, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has covered the mosque with 125,000 sq. m of luxurious carpets and initiated extensive development projects.
These measures include installing 19 canopies (reducing the temperature by 10 degrees Celsius), applying reflective paint to the floors, and operating 117 misting fans (reducing the temperature by 9 degrees Celsius).
The ventilation and air-conditioning system has been upgraded with smart controls, renewing the air completely twice an hour.
Health services now include 70 water cooling units, serving up to 140,000 pilgrims an hour.
A comprehensive restoration also included upgrades to thermal and water insulation, flooring, paint, LED lighting, electrical panels and drainage systems.
The mosque also features an advanced audio system, security cameras, and 72 controlled entry and exit gates, all managed by 24/7 operations teams.
In related efforts, Kidana Development Co., the main developer of the holy sites, has implemented support projects around Namirah Mosque.
These include installing 320 canopies and 350 sprinkler columns, and planting more than 290,000 sq m of greenery (exceeding 20,000 trees) to enhance pilgrims’ comfort and spiritual experience.
To minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses during this year’s pilgrimage, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Health has launched an awareness kit in eight languages
Updated 7 min 22 sec ago
Sulafa Alkhunaizi
RIYADH: This year, millions of local and international pilgrims have prepared for Saudi Arabia’s summer weather by packing essentials and staying hydrated to prevent heat exhaustion.
In 2024, approximately 225 pilgrims were treated for heat stress and fatigue at the medical center in Makkah due to heat exhaustion and sunstroke.
To minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses during this year’s pilgrimage, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Health has launched an awareness kit in eight languages.
The kit provides guidelines to help pilgrims prevent heat exhaustion. It includes videos, social media posts, and printable materials available in Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Persian, Indonesian, Malay and Turkish.
The kit advises pilgrims to stay hydrated and to use umbrellas to reduce direct sun exposure.
Huda Almubarak, a Saudi physiotherapist who performed Hajj 11 years ago, shared how she prepared herself physically before the pilgrimage by exercising to improve her stamina.
“On a physical level, I exercised to try to improve my stamina. I (also) attended Hajj class, which helps you prepare yourself for the spiritual journey.”
To avoid dehydration, Almubarak drank room temperature water in small amounts throughout the day, maintained a healthy diet, and wore breathable garments.
“I ate a lot of fiber and avoided oily food. I suggest pilgrims wear cotton clothes and proper shoes that have good support for the feet.” For sun protection, she recommended using sunblock, carrying an umbrella, and wearing a hat or cap.
Almubarak emphasized the importance of recognizing symptoms of heat exhaustion, which include headaches, excessive sweating, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, difficulty concentrating, and pale skin.
“There are medical centers all over the place,” she added. “It’s better to check with them if you experience any symptoms or discomfort.”
Thanks to taking these precautionary measures, Almubarak described her Hajj experience as “uniquely spiritual.”
“Hajj made me appreciate all the power and hard work from our government to make it smoother and safer.”
The health awareness kit is available for download at: www.moh.gov.sa/HealthAwareness/Pilgrims_Health/Pages/Hajj.aspx.
Expert shares tips on how to stay healthy during the physically demanding pilgrimage
Common skin ailments can be avoided with some forward planning
Updated 21 min 28 sec ago
Nada Hameed
JEDDAH: The Hajj season is a deeply spiritual journey, but it also brings unique physical challenges — especially under the intense summer heat of Makkah.
Long hours outdoors, large crowds and continuous movement between rituals all place heavy demands on the body, particularly the skin.
For pilgrims, staying mindful of skin care is essential for comfort and preventing common heat-related skin conditions that can disrupt the Hajj experience.
The Saudi Ministry of Health reminds pilgrims each year to take simple yet effective steps to protect their skin from heat and dryness during the Hajj journey.
According to the ministry, common skin problems during the Hajj include dermatitis, skin chafing, sunburn and fungal infections such as ringworm and tinea cruris.
One of the most frequently reported issues during the pilgrimage is skin chafing or intertrigo, especially in areas like the inner thighs, underarms and under the breasts.
This is more common among pilgrims with diabetes or obesity, and is typically caused by friction, heat and sweat buildup.
Sunburn is another common problem, especially for pilgrims not accustomed to intense sunlight. Prolonged exposure without protection can lead to painful redness, swelling or even blisters.
The hot and humid conditions during Hajj create an ideal environment for fungal infections like ringworm, which usually appear as dark, itchy circular patches — especially in areas like the groin or inner thighs.
Dermatologist Dr. Fatimah Sattof told Arab News: “Skincare is especially important during the Hajj season due to pilgrims’ prolonged and direct exposure to the sun, which can lead to excessive dryness, pigmentation and even skin cancer in extreme cases.
“Sun exposure is also a major factor in collagen breakdown, which contributes to thinning skin and early wrinkles. Moisturizing is essential — both by drinking plenty of water and by using protective creams,” she added.
In addition to medical recommendations, Sattof highlighted practical measures that pilgrims can take to safeguard their skin.
“Fragrance-free moisturizers are always preferred, as scented products can increase skin sensitivity,” she said.
“I recommend combining different methods of protection: Chemical sunscreens, physical barriers like umbrellas and masks, and wearing light-colored clothing to reflect the sun’s rays.
“If you feel any burning or sensitivity, try MEBO ointment and avoid sun exposure until symptoms ease.”
She also reminded pilgrims that hydration is key — not just for the body, but for the skin as well. “Drinking enough water is essential, and pilgrims should apply moisturizers during times when the sun isn’t intense. These should be free from perfumes and irritants to prevent allergic reactions,” she said.
“Luckily, all necessary skincare items — sunblock, moisturizers and protective clothing — are readily available in Saudi Arabia at the nearest pharmacy. There’s no need to overpack. A good sunscreen and a gentle moisturizer are more than enough.”
Dermatologist Dr. Fatimah Sattof
To prevent skin chafing:
Keep irritated areas clean and dry.
Ensure proper ventilation and wear breathable clothing.
Wash daily and dry well, especially after rituals.
Use protective ointments or powders before walking.
To treat sunburn:
Stay in shaded or indoor areas as much as possible.
Take cool showers to relieve discomfort.
Apply fragrance-free moisturizers, ideally with aloe vera or soy.
Use pain relievers if needed and increase your water intake to stay hydrated.
Avoid popping blisters; they serve as natural protection during healing.
To prevent fungal infections:
Practice strict personal hygiene.
Dry the body thoroughly after each shower.
Use clean, dry underwear and avoid sharing towels or garments.
Last year’s Hajj season witnessed unprecedented temperatures in Makkah, ranging between 46 and 51 degrees Celsius, leading to more than 2,760 cases of heatstroke in a single day.
Hussein Al-Qahtani, spokesperson for the National Center for Meteorology, said that forecasts indicate this year’s Hajj will also be marked by extremely high temperatures, potentially exceeding 49 degrees Celsius.
Sattof highlighted the importance of sun protection: The 2025 Hajj season will be the last to fall during summer for the next 16 years, due to the gradual shift in the Islamic lunar calendar.
From 2026 onward, Hajj will move into the cooler months, gradually transitioning from spring to winter — offering future pilgrims some relief from extreme heat conditions.
Some pilgrims arrive early to take advantage of the relatively cool morning
Authorities have mobilized more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials
Updated 27 min 51 sec ago
Mohammed Alkinani and Rahaf Jambi
MOUNT ARAFAT: As the sun reached its zenith over Mount Arafat, pilgrims from all corners of the world were joined and immersed in prayer and reflection on the most sacred day of Hajj. The weather was sweltering, with temperatures soaring to 41 Celsius, yet the spirit of the day was palpable.
Authorities had prepared for the heat, installing weather sprays along the roads leading to Arafat and expanding shaded areas by 50,000 sq m to shield pilgrims from the sun. Despite the challenges, the atmosphere was one of unity and reverence.
Rehman, a pilgrim from Indonesia, stood in awe as he reflected on his experience: “I am Rehman from Indonesia, this year I am very happy.” His joy was infectious, a reminder of the blessings that came with this journey. “No Hajj without permission — this is very good for everyone this year.”
Standing nearby was Marwa Al-Said from Egypt, her eyes glistening with emotion. “The feeling that you’re standing in the very place where the Prophet, peace be upon him, once stood, and the feeling that you’re entering a place where God is telling you, ‘your sins are forgiven,’ it’s truly overwhelming. We genuinely believe in Allah, and we are confident that, God willing, we will return with our sins forgiven. It’s a majestic scene. These crowds give you goosebumps.”
She expressed her gratitude for the safety and organization this year: “I sincerely thank everyone involved in maintaining security. We feel completely safe. Honestly, it’s just safety, safety, safety. I swear by God, it really is.”
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Nazim Khalifa, an Indian pilgrim based in the US, shared his heartfelt anticipation: “This is a very important day for me. I was looking forward to this day as our Prophet, peace be upon him, says, ‘Hajj is Arafat.’ I never did Umrah before. Never did Hajj. I always wanted to be here. You know, there are a lot of struggles in my life, and I want to ask for forgiveness, everything that I can to enter Heaven and have an easy life here and in the Hereafter.”
He continued: “Definitely, financially there were a lot of struggles. The Nusuk process was overwhelming. But thank God, I said, ‘Here I am, O Allah, Allah accepted, and here we are today.’
“I definitely want to be closer to Allah, glorified and exalted is He, and that’s one of the reasons why I’m here today. I hope it changes my life forever. This is a test for us today. For all the pilgrims that are here. We’re going to be standing here, the sun’s going to be over our heads; it’s going to be a test for what the Day of Judgment will be like. I hope this changes everyone’s view and everyone changes. And I pray for everyone that everyone’s Hajj is accepted.”
In light of past challenges, Saudi authorities took significant measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Increased shaded zones and more than 400 cooling units were deployed to help keep pilgrims cool. Thousands of additional medics stood ready for any heat-related illnesses.
New pathways to Arafat featured cooled walkways, while misting stations provided welcome relief. AI and drones assisted in managing the large crowds effectively, and health trackers monitored pilgrims’ well-being.
The Ministry of Health had issued warnings against direct sun exposure, urging pilgrims to use umbrellas while traveling between the holy sites. These efforts were in place to protect the health and safety of those seeking to perform their rituals in peace. The health system intensified its focus on enhancing healthcare services, deploying specialized medical teams for immediate care and amplifying awareness messages to ensure a safe and healthy Hajj season.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs also played a vital role, deploying teams and resources to enhance awareness among pilgrims. Awareness booths and digital screens offered guidance and answered inquiries in various languages. More than 200,000 brochures covering Hajj rulings were distributed, and more than 15 million text messages were sent to provide real-time guidance throughout the Hajj season.
These collective efforts aimed to ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling experience for all pilgrims during this momentous occasion, a testament to their devotion and faith.
CAIRO: The Egyptian Hajj Road is recognized by historians and travelers as one of the most important pilgrimage and trade arteries connecting the Islamic world to the Arabian Peninsula.
Used by pilgrims since the dawn of Islam, this route transcends mere religious significance, embodying a rich cultural, civilizational, and archaeological legacy, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
Its importance has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, which is a precursor to the World Heritage List.
Saudi Arabia made its submission in 2015, in which it outlined the route linking Egypt to Makkah and Madinah.
Map showing land and sea routes of the Hajj in the early 20th century. (Courtesy of AramcoWorld)
The document states that the route “benefited pilgrims coming from Egypt, Sudan, Central Africa, Morocco, Andalusia and Sicily, as they meet in Egypt, then travel through Sinai to Aqaba then march across two trails.”
The road starts from the town of Haqel on the Gulf of Aqaba and ends in Makkah.
Several Muslim rulers over the centuries established structures on the road including pools, canals, wells, barricades, bridges, castles, forts and mosques, the document stated.
And “on the road near the camps are numerous Islamic inscriptions and commemorative writings, engraved by pilgrims as they passed through the road.”
It also noted that rulers and wealthy patrons built caravanserais, supplied water and provided protection along these roads to Makkah and Madinah to ease the pilgrims’ journey.
“Individual Muslims, in the name of charity, helped others to make the journey,” it added.
Historians have divided the ancient Egyptian Hajj Road into four chronological periods.
The first period from about the year 1150 featured both overland and coastal routes to the Arabian Peninsula.
The second from 1042 to 1268 had the North Sinai passageway ended and pilgrims opting for sea travel from Egypt to Jeddah.
The third from 1269 to 1884 had pilgrims reverting to using the coastal overland route.
The fourth period, from 1884 to contemporary times, marked the discontinuation of the overland route, replaced first by sea travel from Suez, and subsequently by air travel to Jeddah.
Used by pilgrims since the dawn of Islam, this route transcends mere religious significance, embodying a rich cultural, civilizational, and archaeological legacy. (SPA)
The route’s importance for pilgrims from Africa and the Maghreb is particularly notable.
Caravans from Moroccan cities including Marrakech, Fez and Sale, sometimes including pilgrims from Senegal, would travel either by land along the Mediterranean or by sea.
These caravans would then converge with pilgrims from Algeria, Tunisia and Libya, passing through cities including Mahdia, Sfax, Sousse, Tripoli, Barqa and Tobruk.
They would then cross Egyptian land, often along the coast, to reach Alexandria and Rashid.
From there, pilgrims would take Nile boats to Cairo, joining the Egyptian Hajj caravan at modern-day Al-Baraka. The combined caravans would then continue by land to Suez.
From Suez, pilgrims either continued the land route through Sinai and along the Red Sea to Jeddah, or sailed across the Red Sea to Jeddah, then proceeded by land to Madinah and Makkah.
