As part of the ongoing efforts to support students of Maktoum Centers for the Holy Quran and its affiliated memorization centers, as well as to assist new Muslims of Dubai, and in line with Dubai's Social Agenda 33, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai announced the organization of an Umrah trip for distinguished students of the memorization centers and new Muslims from December 15 to 21. The aim of the trip is to encourage Quran students and promote the spirit of Islamic brotherhood among new Muslims from diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds, fulfilling their wish to visit the Holy Kaaba in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Habtoor, Director of the Hajj and Umrah Affairs Office at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, revealed that the number of confirmed new Muslim participants in this initiative has reached 13 new Muslims from various nationalities, in addition to 45 students from Maktoum Centers for the Holy Quran. Al-Habtoor emphasized that, to ensure the success of the initiative and achieve its intended goals, IACAD will send 8 administrators to teach the students and participating new Muslims how to properly perform the Umrah rituals, and to provide the logistical and emotional support they may need during their first trip to Mecca.
The Religious Guidance and Counseling Department and the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Islamic Culture organized a series of awareness lectures for the participants to inform them about the significance of Umrah, its etiquette, and how to perform its rituals. A set of informational and educational brochures in various languages was also distributed to provide participants with all the necessary information during the trip.
Jasim Mohammed Al-Khazraji, Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Islamic Culture, confirmed that the trip will include, in addition to performing the Umrah rituals, visits to the sacred sites of Mount Arafat and Mina, as well as the Cave of Hira and the Cave of Thawr. He also mentioned that the participants will visit the Prophet’s Mosque, Quba Mosque, and Mount Uhud in Medina, and the trip leaders will explain the historical and religious significance of these places.
Al-Khazraji further added that the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Islamic Culture had organized the first periodic Umrah trips for new Muslims in March 2010. He clarified that this initiative is part of a comprehensive program for supporting new Muslims, which is organized by the center with direct support from the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai. This program includes organizing lectures, lessons, workshops, social and psychological meetings, as well as various recreational tours and trips.