Yesterday on December 26th Muslim Board of Uzbekistan received Sheykh Salikh Salim Bahvayniy, the managing director of “al-Hidoya” company. The guest was welcomed by Ortikbek Yusupov, the Chairman of Committee on religious affairs under Cabinet Ministers of Uzbekistan and Usmankhan Alimov, Muftiy, Chairman of Muslim Board of Uzbekistan.
In his speech Usmankhan Alimov commented that with partnership of “al-Hidoya” company haj and umrah visits have been continuing successfully. However, it was suggested to improve the quality of services in hotels, transportation, meals, providing additional spaces in Mina and Musdalifa, creating more favorable conditions for the coordinating group of organizers, chefs and medical staff for the next year.
During the talks Ortikbek Yusupov underlined to book new hotels in Madina, to pay attention to organize general dining hall, to allocate separate room for organizers.
In his turn Sheyh Salih Salim Bahvaniy noted that serving to pilgrims was a great honor for him and his company, as a result Sheyh Salih stressed that his company serving pilgrims as for their family. Also, he noted to take into account all the comments and improve them in the coming pilgrimage. Sheyh also expressed his gratitude for the partnership.
At the end of the meeting agreement on “Umra-2018” was signed. According to the document 8500 pilgrims in spring season and 1500 pilgrims in Ramadan season will perform umrah. “Umra-2018” campaign is going to start on February 1st, 2018.
Press Service,
Muslim Board of Uzbekistan



Jinnah Antarctic Research Station, operational since 1991, emerges as likely site of inaugural salah in Antarctica amid Pakistan’s polar scientific missions.
The Jinnah Antarctic Station, Pakistan’s permanent research facility established in 1991, is recognized as the first confirmed location where Islamic prayers (salah) were performed on the Antarctic continent.
Situated in the East Antarctic region, the station has served as a scientific and logistical base for decades.

Operated by Pakistan’s National Institute of Oceanography, the station conducts year-round studies in glaciology, marine biology, and climate science.
Since its inauguration, Muslim members of winter-over teams have maintained prayer routines within designated spaces at the base, despite extreme cold, months-long darkness, and isolation.
While informal worship likely occurred earlier during transient expeditions, documented communal prayers began with the station’s continuous operation.

A small musallah (prayer area) was established inside the main living module, oriented toward Mecca using calculated qibla directions specific to the Antarctic region.
Antarctic Treaty protocols respect all forms of religious observance across research stations. The Government of Pakistan confirmed the station remains active today, with ongoing research and religious accommodation for personnel.
The station is named for Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan.