There is a curious phenomenon that Bani Saud have monetized Hajj, an important Islamic obligation, while complaining about Islamic Iran’s monetization ofthe Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway, for the benefit of the Ummah.
There are differences between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Their approach to political, economic and strategic issues manifest themselves at the practical level. The Saudis use their position in the OIC to project power; the Emiratis want to claim stability to attract finance.
In this series of articles, ICIT director Zafar Bangash offers his personal reflections on Hajj. These are not related to the performance of the manasik of Hajj but the Bani Saud’s mismanagement of this vital Islamic obligation.
At every step of the way in performing Hajj, Bani Saud incompetence is the greatest impediment. Despite their decades-long illegal occupation of the Haramayn, they do not seem to have learned anything. Perhaps, they do not care.
If a mishap happens—and this is a common occurrence during Hajj—the Bani Saud’s default reaction is to close the roads around the area. They do not tell bus drivers where to go, they simply cannot go forward. It creates unnecessary problems and adds to endless confusion.
Struggling for hotel accommodation in Makkah and then being checked out of it a full 15 hours before our departure from Jeddah was a deliberate fraud. The Saudi operators wanted to save an day’s hotel costs without caring for our comfort or well-being even though we had paid the full cost.
Hajj is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam. There is, however, a fundamental difference between what the Qur’an ordains how it should be performed and what the Bani Saud occupiers insist pilgrims must do: indulge in rituals. Muslims must resist this corruption of Hajj.
True to their disruptive nature, the Bani Saud again caused unnecessary confusion be claiming to have “sighted” the Ramadan moon on the evening of February 17. There was no moon to sight; their claim was an utter lie.
How far will the Saudi-Qatari high speed train project go? While the 785 km track will be built, will it realize the economic and passenger potential that is touted? Neither their trade nor their populations give cause for much optimism.
What was Trump’s reason for extending such a lavish welcome to the Saudi de fact ruler, Mohammad bin Salman? Saudi recognition of Israel and a trillion dollars of Saudi money into the US economy were the primary reasons.
Pakistanis are fond of reading too much into minor issues. The Pakistan-Saudi defence accord is one example. Many commentators are claiming that Pakistan has become the “regional security hegemon” and will now confront zionist Israel. This has little bearing on reality.
The Bani Sa‘ud have turned Hajj into a money-making racket. This is contrary to Allah’s teachings in the noble Qur’an. Why do Muslims allow such deviations from divine commands? Saudi agents are also involved in the gouging of innocent Muslims.
In their second eruption, almost 100 years after their first unsuccessful attempt at grabbing power in the Arabian Peninsula, the Bani Saud became British agents to undermine the Turks and grabbed power. Today they serve zio-imperialist interests and do so with pride.
What prompted the Saudi king to send a letter to the Rahbar, Imam Seyyed Ali Khamenei? Since the Islamic revolution, the Saudi regime has shown extreme hostility to the Islamic Republic of Iran, joining the enemies of Islam and Muslims. We provide some clues.
While most Muslims have wisened up to the criminal nature of the Banu Saud who have betrayed the Palestinians siding with the zionist war criminals, there are still some Muslims who harbour illusions about their real role. We expose their origin and role.
The Bani Saud have moved from hardcore Wahhabi-ism to vulgarity and a wholesale assault on Islamic practices. Their latest restrictions were to not allow iftars in mosques during Ramadan. Their previous restrictions have included limiting four loud-speakers at each mosque for adhan.
Saudi and Emirati rulers are overjoyed with Trump’s return to power. They believe happy days are here again but their euphoria may be misplaced. Trump is nobody’s friend. Besides, he is a narcissist, greedy and completely unpredictable.
If the zionists and western media outlets vilify resistance leaders, it is expected because they are the enemies of Muslims. But what about the Saudi media outlets; which side are they on? Their vile propaganda against the leaders of resistance exposes their true nature.
Most rulers live in fear of their people because they oppress them. Rulers venture out only under heavy security. The Saudi de facto ruler, Mohammad bin Salman says he fears for his life because of normalizing relations with the zionist entity. Simple solution: don’t normalize!
Far from being the spiritual journey and fulfilment of a life-long desire to perform Hajj, for many pilgrims this year’s pilgrimage turned out to be a deadly experience. Thousands of pilgrims died because of Saudi incompetence and callousness.
