06-28-23 The Hajj, a look at Saudi Arabia's services to pilgrims and the meaning in Islam S3E9

And welcome to our radio show today. It is June 28, 2023 and this is Season 3 Episode 9 of The Ray Hanania Radio Show

Eid Mubarak ... a blessed Holiday ... to our Muslim friends during this important holiday week ... The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims. Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all ... it began Monday evening June 26 and ends Saturday July 1

I am going to explore the experience of the Hajj to Mecca in Saudi Arabia and the important role that the Kingdom pays in accommodating more than 2 million worshippers this week

In segment 1, we'll talk with Lama Al Hamawi a reporter with Arab News on the mechanics and experience of the Hajj that is now taking place in Saudi Arabia and explore the massive operation that is required to accommodate and provide food, water, assistance and places to stay during the week long religious event.

And in segment II we'll speak with Imam Mohamad Bashar Arafat, the founder and president of Civilizations Exchange and Cooperation Foundation (CECF) which provides religious & cultural training, consultation and support to the Youth Exchange Studies (YES) for students from more than 70 countries in a program co-sponsored by the U.S. State Department. Imam Arafat will talk about the Hajj, it's meaning and also look at how the Muslim community has grown and achieved greater acceptance from Americans.