travel

The ultimate test of a compatible relationship is whether you can stand to travel together.

Latest Update of India and Pakistan War
Fighting on Kashmir Frontier Spreads to Jammu: Tensions Escalate Along the LoC May 13, 2023 | Srinagar/Jammu The Kashmir conflict has taken a new turn, as cross border firing and shelling shifts focus towards the Jammu region. This indicates an unsettling shift in the battle along the Line of Control (LoC) India and Pakistan share.
By Arman Sharifabout a year ago in Humans
Hajj Allocation Systems in Muslim Countries: Transparency, Challenges, and Expansion Efforts
Hajj Quota System: How Do Pakistan and Other Muslim Countries Decide Who Will Perform Hajj and Who Will Have to Wait? Every year during the Hajj season, a similar situation arises: thousands of people apply, but only a few are accepted, while many are left waiting. Despite the desire and ability to perform Hajj, not everyone gets the opportunity to fulfill this Islamic duty, as Hajj is conducted under a strict international system known as the 'Quota System.' The Saudi government determines a fixed number of pilgrims for each country, and this is done in collaboration with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) based on the principle of 'one pilgrim for every thousand Muslims' in the population of each country. In many countries, lotteries or draws are held to select eligible applicants. The lottery may be based on factors such as age or how long it has been since someone last performed Hajj. Different countries use various methods for this process. The Situation Before the Quota System: The quota system was officially adopted in 1987. This was not just an administrative decision, but a necessary measure in response to the growing Muslim population worldwide and the increasing number of people wishing to perform Hajj. The aim was clear: to prevent overcrowding and reduce the risk of stampedes and other incidents. Additionally, it allowed for the management of Hajj within the infrastructure available during the pilgrimage period. But how was Hajj organized before the quota system, and what events led to the need for determining the number of pilgrims? Ahmad Al-Halabi, an expert in Hajj and Umrah affairs, explained in an interview with BBC Arabic that in the past, anyone who could afford to perform Hajj could do so. He said, "There was no fixed number for pilgrims coming to Makkah every year, but due to the increasing numbers and the limited capacity to carry out the sacred rituals, it became necessary to organize the number of pilgrims." He further mentioned, "If we look at the years before the decision to limit the number of pilgrims, we find that there was a need to restrict the number to 1 million because the area of Mina is less than eight square kilometers, and only 61% of that area, or just under five square kilometers, is usable. The remaining areas of Mina are difficult to access, and pilgrims are advised to stay away from those areas." As the pressure on the holy sites increased in the 1970s, the government began efforts to control the crowds, but these were not enough to prevent the disasters that followed. On July 2, 1990, one of the most horrific disasters in modern Hajj history occurred. A stampede broke out in the 550-meter-long pedestrian tunnel connecting Makkah to Mina, known as Al-Mu'aisim. As pilgrims were heading to perform the "Jamarat" ritual of stoning the devil, a safety barrier above a bridge collapsed, causing many people to fall. The exit was blocked, and thousands were trapped inside. With rising temperatures, the ventilation system failed, turning the tunnel into a deadly trap. As a result, 1,426 pilgrims died, most of whom were from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Al-Halabi believes that this incident exposed flaws in crowd management. He says, "Accidents often happen in the Jamarat area, and this is due to the lack of awareness by Hajj offices in these countries." He added that after this event, the practice of dividing pilgrims into groups to perform the Jamarat ritual was introduced. The Role of Politics in Hajj Management: Since then, the quota system has become an essential part of Hajj management and ensuring the safety of millions of people. While the quota system is theoretically based on a simple principle of equality, the reality is much more complex, as politics and emergency situations often influence Hajj management. In 2015, following a stampede near Jamarat, there was significant diplomatic tension between Tehran and Riyadh, leading to the complete absence of Iranian pilgrims in 2016. In 2017, the Hajj season began amidst the Gulf crisis and the severing of relations between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Although Riyadh declared that Qatar's quota was secure, the absence of Qatar's official mission and travel restrictions made it difficult for Qatari pilgrims, resulting in a significant decrease in their numbers. Similarly, in 2020 and 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic caused an exceptional situation, and for the first time in centuries, foreign pilgrims were not allowed to perform Hajj, with only a limited number of domestic pilgrims permitted. Internal political crises in various countries also affect Hajj arrangements. For example, in Syria in 2012, after relations between Riyadh and Damascus were severed, the Hajj institution was entrusted to the Syrian National Coalition, creating a political and religious dispute regarding the agency responsible for facilitating Hajj for Syrians. Likewise, in Libya, the division between two rival governments led to confusion regarding the consolidation of pilgrim lists and the division of quotas between the country's east and west. Every Country Has Complete Freedom to Arrange Their Pilgrims: Once Saudi Arabia determines the quota for pilgrims from each country, the responsibility for implementing it lies with the governments and local authorities of those countries. These countries and authorities are free to adopt their methods for selecting pilgrims. Ahmad Al-Halabi explains that every country has the complete freedom to organize their list of pilgrims, as long as they follow Saudi Arabia's guidelines. He says, "Each country has its own system, and they are free to decide which pilgrims are eligible for this year's Hajj. The selection is made only from those who meet the eligibility criteria." "No one can obtain a Hajj visa unless they meet all the required conditions. The most important of these conditions include affiliation with regulatory bodies like Hajj offices and having accommodation arranged in specific locations in Makkah and Madinah." However, once the list is drawn, it becomes crucial to decide who will be given the opportunity to perform Hajj. Since the number of applicants exceeds the quota set by the Saudi government, most countries rely on the lottery system to select pilgrims. The method used to implement this system varies in each country, but the goal remains the same: to ensure fairness in providing the opportunity to pilgrims. Some examples provided by Al-Halabi include Turkey, where pilgrims register on the Religious Affairs Presidency's website, and if their name is selected in the lottery, they proceed with the paperwork. Those whose names are not drawn are included in the next year's lottery. A similar system has been in place in Egypt for some time. According to him, the approval to perform Hajj is no longer just a financial or logistical matter, but in more populous countries, people have to wait for years due to the high demand.
By Ikram Ullahabout a year ago in Humans
Train to busan
June 16, 2026 – 9:07 AM Location: Daejeon Station, South Korea The morning train from Daejeon to Busan was late. Hana paced the platform with her younger brother, Min-jun, nervously checking the time. She was 27, sharp-eyed and alert; Min-jun, barely 10, clutched her hand tightly. Their parents had gone missing two days ago when the outbreak began in Seoul. Now, all they had left was a backpack, a fading phone signal, and each other.
By Haris Khanabout a year ago in Humans
The Many Faces of Bad Drivers
In this article I want to describe many types of bad drivers. Of course, this is not comprehensive, and I have videos on my YouTube channel.
By Ferrari Kingabout a year ago in Humans
The Art of Happiness
In a quiet village nestled at the edge of the mountains, there lived an old man named Rahim. He was a painter, but not one whose name echoed in galleries or whose works fetched high prices. His art was simple—landscapes of the valley, portraits of villagers, scenes from the marketplace. What made Rahim known far and wide wasn’t the value of his paintings, but the serenity in his eyes and the warmth in his smile. People said he was the happiest man they had ever met. He lived alone In a small mud-brick cottage, surrounded by a garden of wildflowers. His clothes were worn, his meals were modest, yet he never seemed to want for more. Strangers often visited just to talk to him, to ask the question they all wondered: What’s your secret, Rahim? But Rahim would only smile and say, “Happiness isn’t a secret. It’s an art.” One summer, a young man from the city arrived. His name was Ali. Tall, well-dressed, and clearly used to a life of comfort, Ali looked out of place among the simple houses and slow pace of the village. His eyes were tired, and his shoulders carried invisible weight. He found Rahim painting beneath a tree near the village spring. “You’re Rahim, aren’t you?” he asked, slightly out of breath. Rahim looked up and nodded. “I’ve heard about you. They say you’re the happiest man in the region.” Rahim chuckled lightly. “I don’t know about that. But I try not to be unhappy.” Ali sat beside him. “I came from the city looking for peace. My life feels… hollow. I have a good job, money, friends, even followers online. But none of it makes me feel alive. Someone told me you could teach me something I’ve been missing—something about the art of happiness.” Rahim dipped his brush in paint and replied, “Then stay a few days. Not to learn, but to observe. Watch the world without rushing. Speak kindly. Walk slowly. And perhaps—paint.” Ali stayed. The first day, he followed Rahim to the village well. Rahim greeted every person he met by name, often asking about their children, their crops, their health. His presence was calm, and he never seemed in a hurry. Later, Rahim invited Ali to his home. It was small, neat, and filled with art—dozens of canvases stacked against the walls, each telling stories of ordinary moments. “Why paint such simple things?” Ali asked. “Don’t you want to paint something grand? Important?” Rahim smiled. “The simple things are what matter most. A mother’s smile. A child’s laughter. A quiet morning. Happiness lives there.” The next day, they visited the fields. Rahim walked barefoot in the grass, helping an old woman pick herbs. Ali stood aside, unsure of what to do. He had never picked anything in his life except his phone. Rahim handed him a small basket. “Try it. Feel the leaves. Smell the earth. This is life, Ali. And life, if touched gently, gives back joy.” Ali was puzzled, but he tried. As the hours passed, something in him shifted. The sun on his face, the roughness of the leaves, the laughter of the villagers—all felt real in a way nothing had in the city. By the third day, Rahim handed Ali a paintbrush. “I’ve never painted,” Ali protested. “That’s fine,” Rahim said. “It’s not about skill. It’s about seeing.” Ali dipped the brush and began. His lines were crooked, his colors uneven, but he didn’t stop. For the first time in years, his mind was quiet. Each evening, they sat by the fire. Rahim would tell stories—some humorous, some thoughtful. He spoke of loss without bitterness, of mistakes without shame. To Ali, this was strange. Back in the city, people hid their flaws behind filters and silence. “How are you so at peace?” Ali asked one night. Rahim looked at the stars. “Because I don’t fight life. I accept what comes, and I let go of what goes. Happiness isn’t about having the most. It’s about needing less, giving more, and being present.” Ali listened, truly listened. A week turned into ten days. Then two weeks. Ali no longer reached for his phone every hour. He no longer needed noise to feel alive. He helped villagers fix broken fences, watched the clouds drift across the sky, and painted scenes that, though imperfect, felt full of life. One morning, Ali said, “I think I understand now. Happiness is not a destination—it’s a way of being. A way of seeing.” Rahim nodded. “Yes. It’s an art. You don’t master it in a day. You practice it in small strokes, every moment, every choice.” Ali returned to the city, but he wasn’t the same. He left behind his high-paying job and opened a small art studio. Not to become rich, but to teach others what Rahim had taught him—not just how to paint, but how to slow down, how to appreciate, how to feel. And every morning, before the studio opened, Ali would sit quietly with a cup of tea, watching the sunrise, and whisper to himself: “This, too, is the art of happiness.”
By Sajid about a year ago in Humans
The Love Renaissance: What Gen Z's Relationships Reveal About Modern Connection
Are Gen Zers sabotaging the true essence of romance or redefining it? Or they simply might be building something more intentional, resilient, and emotionally intelligent than any generation before. Once upon a time, romance came with rules. Handwritten letters, carefully curated phone calls, and silent nods of the elderly were the foundational stance of old-school love. But now, emojis, dating apps, and Instagram reels document love stories.
By Hridya Sharmaabout a year ago in Humans
City vs. Highway MPG: Which One is Actually Cheaper for Your Wallet?
If you’ve ever glanced at your car’s fuel economy ratings and wondered why city MPG (miles per gallon) is always lower than highway MPG, you’re not alone. This difference isn’t just a technical detail—it can have a real impact on your monthly fuel expenses.
By Jonathan Calosabout a year ago in Humans
Adventurous Vacation or Riff-Off?
I am in a mad end-of-semester grading crunch and haven't been on Vocal much this week, but this is something I couldn't resist sharing as another great example of dry and biting Russian humor.
By Lana V Lynxabout a year ago in Humans
Why Humantay Lake Is the Best Day Trip for Nature Lovers Visiting Cusco
Nestled high in the Peruvian Andes, Humantiy Lake is a breathtaking natural wonder that has become a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Cusco. Known for its stunning turquoise waters, dramatic mountain backdrop, and tranquil atmosphere, Humantay Lake offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers. Whether you're a seasoned trekker, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone who loves being surrounded by pristine landscapes, this day trip from Cusco has everything you need.
By Machu Picchu 360 Experiencesabout a year ago in Humans
The Best Family-Friendly Attractions in Dubai
The Best Family-Friendly Attractions in Dubai Dubai is a grand holiday destination to visit with loved ones and enjoy some soothing family affairs! Guests come to Dubai to engage in the amazing adventure affairs and the coolest hang-outs at the destination. Various family-based landmarks and attractions can be checked out in Dubai, and the top ones are suggested below for the readers.
By Pratiyushabout a year ago in Humans
When You Stop Being Available, Everything Changes — Carl Jung
Have you ever noticed how some people seem to wield an almost supernatural influence over their surroundings without uttering a word?
By Nora Arianaabout a year ago in Humans
Why Celebrities Prefer Premium Desert Safari Experiences in Dubai?
Premium desert safaris are a great way to enjoy a Dubai holiday tour with loved ones! Many celebrities and VIPs come to Dubai to experience the amazing desert safari tour. There are several reasons for VIPs to enjoy the premium desert safari tours in Dubai. Celebrities need privacy along with some luxury resources. Celebrities and VIP guests also get all the top facilities and amenities.
By Sakshi Singhabout a year ago in Humans