Sheikh Saud Al Shuraim

Sheikh Saud Al Shuraim was born in the city of Riyadh in the year 1966. He memorized the Quran by the end of his High School. He did Masters from Imam Muhammad bin Saud University in Riyadh in 1992. He then did his doctorate (PHD) from Umm Al Qurra University in Makkah.

In 1992 he was appointed as Imam to Lead Taraweeh Prayers in Masjid Al Haram and since he has been leading permanently.

He became a professor in Comparative Religion at Umm Al Qurra University in 2009

In one of the Arabic Interviews he was asked about "what is the secret behind your success?". He answered that his Mother's prayer and the support of his wife was the reason for his continuous
success.

Recitation by Sheikh Shuraim:

Last Updated:15th April 2018

Isra and Miraj (The Night Journey)

Isra and Mi'raj were the Night Journeys believed to be undertaken by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on 27th Rajab (before Migration).

Isra:

The First Part of the Journey is known as Isra, during which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) traveled from Masjid Al Haram, Makkah to Masjid Al Aqsa, Jerusalem.

The Quran speaks of this journey in Surah Al Isra:

"Glory to Him Who carried His servant by night from Masjid Al Haram to Masjid Al Aqsa, whose precincts We have blessed, to show him of Our wonders! He it is Who is All-Hearing, All-Seeing" (17:1)

Various Traditions narrate the details of the journey: The Archangel Jibrael (AS) descended to Prophet (PBUH) who was asleep in the Hateem (structure by the Kabah). It is believed that Jibrael (AS) opened the chest of The Prophet and washed his heart in a bowl of wisdom, knowledge and faith. 

The Prophet (PBUH) the traveled to Masjid Al Aqsa on Buraaq in the same night in a split of a second. This Part of Journey is known as Isra.

Miraj:

The second part of the night journey is known as M'iraj. Various Traditions relate that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended the Heavens on Buraaq (Heavenly horse) and that is where Allah ordained the five daily prayers to the Prophet (PBUH) by speaking to Him directly.

It is believed that after returning to Masjid Al Aqsa, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led all the Prophets (AS) in Salah. 

Significance:

The Night of Isra and Miraj hold a very significance in a Muslim's life. It teaches us Muslims the immense Love that Allah has for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) which in turn increases the love for  the Prophet by the Muslims. This Night also marks the beginning of the five obligatory prayers.

Muslims today celebrate this night in different ways, in the Middle East Muslims spend the day the remembering the Night, telling stories to children. Imams speak and explain the Night to believers . However in South and East Asia people stay awake making supplications and performing voluntary Prayers and fast the 27th of Rajab.

Last Updated: 11th April 2018

Istisqa Salah (Rain Seeking Prayers) to be led in the Haramain

On the Directives of The Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Istisqa Salah (Rain Sekking Prayers) will be led all over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 18th December 2017

Sheikh Abdul Rehman Al Sudais and Sheikh Abdul Bari Al Thubaity are expected to lead and deliver the Istisqa Salah and Khutbah in Masjid Al Haram and Masjid Al Nabawi respectively.

Istisqa Salah originates from the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS), there many narrations of Him leading Salah during the times of drought.

Istisqa Salah consists of  Two Rakahs with 6 takbirs in each Rakahs (7 in first including starting Takbir), it is Sunnah to read Surah Aala and Surah Ghaushiya in the Salah. After the Salah the Imam delivers a short Sermon, after which it is Sunnah to Invert the Cloak or Shemagh and then make Dua

Zamzam Well Renovation Project

MAKKAH: The General President of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais announced the start of the Zamzam well processing project.
He pointed to the importance of this project in terms of Zamzam water, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The water of Zamzam is (good) for whatever it is intended.”
Al-Sudais praised the state’s interest in Zamzam water since its establishment by King Abdul Aziz. He dedicated the Zamzam well to benefit Muslims, and his sons have followed his steps and are exerting more efforts to serve this blessed well.

The project consists of two sections. The first section includes the construction of the five-service bridges to Zamzam from the eastern side, with a total width of eight meters and a length of 120 meters.
The second section is to complete the final phase of sterilization and handling of the environment surrounding Zamzam well, that includes remains of concrete and iron vaults of the old Grand Mosque, to reduce the proportion of harmful substances in Zamzam water as much as possible.
It also includes the development of a special quality of sterile gravel with a high permeability of water, allowing better flow of Zamzam water.
The scheduled time period for the project is seven months, and the work is expected to be completed before Ramadan.

Originally appeared on Arab News

Ramadan 1438 Crescent Not Spotted

The Royal Court has announced that the Moon has NOT been Sighted in Saudi Arabia today, hence 1st Ramadan 1438 will begin on 27th May 2017,

Taraweeh Prayers will begin in the Haramain after Isha Salah tomorrow (26th May), InshaAllah

On behalf of the Haramain Sharifain Team, we wish you a very blessed Ramadan, Remember our Team in your Prayers

Ramadan Crescent to be searched today

People in the Middle East and around the world where today the date is 29th Shaban 1438, will search for the Crescent and when spotted will be mark the beginning of Ramadan.

Due to advancement of technology, it is expected for the crescent not to be visible today, however Muslim Majority country rely on the practice of spotting the moon by the eye.

The Royal court of Saudi Arabia, asks for Shahdahs (Testimony) of people around the country if they have spotted the crescent, if you do spot it report it to the nearest court before 7:45 AST

Sheikh Talib to Visit Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Sheikh Saleh Al Talib will arrive in Pakistan on 6th April to attend JUI Ijtimah .

The Government of Pakistan will give Head of State Protocol and Security to Imam-i-Kaaba Sheikh Saleh Al Talib on his arrival in Pakistan.

According to private Television channel, Imam-i-Kaaba will lead a delegation of 45 persons, to attend JUI Ijtimah Celebrations starting from 7th April. Saudi Arabia Minister for Religious Affairs will also include in his delegation.  

The Federal Interior Ministry has also received a notification regarding  arrival of delegation.

Imam-i-Kaaba would be taken to destination via Special Helicopter, while three Helipads have already been prepared near the JUI Ijtimah venue..

Originally Published on Online News Pakistan