Source : IINA / 10 Dec 2013

Work has begun on the demolition of old structures, built during the first Saudi expansion, and the old Haram, so as to facilitate the expansion of the Grand Mosque as part of the King Abdullah Grand Mosque Expansion Project, it was announced on Sunday.

Source : Arab news / 3 Dec 2013

Domestic Haj service companies have urged the Haj Ministry to adopt a series of measures for improving services to domestic pilgrims, including renovation of Mina tents and the early allocation of tents.

“The early handover of tents to companies will help reduce expenses,” said Fadhl bin Mohammed Al-Jahoury, a member of the Coordination Council. The companies urged the ministry to set out a new mechanism to distribute tents, as well as the newly constructed residential towers in Mina.

By Rashid Hassan / 26 Oct 2013

By Muhammad Fathi / 22 Oct 2013

After finishing the rituals of Hajj, with all of its spirituality, devotion, sincerity, sacrifice and dedication, the question is: Should all of these awe-inspiring feelings be restricted to the few days of Hajj?

We should always think of Hajj as a journey intended to guide us on how to lead our larger journey of life. It is the model after which Muslims should pattern their lives. This connection between Hajj and life is very important; after all, both of them are journeys that need special preparation and should have special goals.

Source : OnIslam & Newspapers / 19 Oct 2013

Accepting Islam months ago, a once anti-Islam activist who produced a derogatory film wrongly portraying Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said he has found peace and tranquility while performing hajj this year.

“I found myself among these faithful hearts,”Arnoud Van Doorn, a former member of Wilders’ Freedom Party, was quoted by Saudi Gazette on Friday, October 18.

By Khalid Abubaker / 14 Oct 2013

Amid growing economic woes and ever-increasing financial problems, the number of Malawi Muslims travelling for hajj has been declining in recent years, putting their dream to perform lifetime journey to Makkah on hold.

“I have been trying over the past years to raise money towards the fulfillment of this obligation, but it has been a painful experience,” Ahmed Bakali, in his late 70’s, told OnIslam.net

Source : Ali-Gomaa.com / 7 Oct 2013

Pilgrims performing hajj or 'umrah must do the following:

1- Pay charity in abundance and refrain from harming others.

2- Select righteous company such as those who are willing to do good. It was said, "Choose the companion before choosing the route." Verily, God the Almighty is the Greatest and best Companion.