Arafat sermon translated into 50 international languages | Saudi Arabia News
The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques announced an exceptional initiative this year: the broadcast of the Arafat sermon in 50 languages, covering all continents. This pioneering initiative aims to ensure that the sermon's profound message reaches diverse peoples and ethnicities in their native tongues, effectively enriching the religious experience of pilgrims and visitors. The included languages encompass 25 Asian languages, 12 European languages, and 13 African languages, reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to making religious discourse accessible to the widest possible audience of Muslims worldwide.
The historical context of the Arafat sermon translation project
Reaching this large number of languages was not a sudden occurrence, but rather the culmination of a long journey of development and dedication. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' project for simultaneous interpretation of the Arafat Day sermon and the sermons of the Two Holy Mosques began with a limited number of languages, starting with five main languages. It then gradually expanded in subsequent years to include 10 languages, then 14, and finally 20 in recent years. Today, the Kingdom has taken a significant leap forward by reaching 50 languages, highlighting the wise leadership's commitment to developing the services provided to pilgrims. This historical progression reflects the Kingdom's response to the increasing number of pilgrims and the diversity of their cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and underscores its pioneering role in harnessing technology to serve Islam and Muslims.
Global dimensions and expected impact locally and internationally
This step is of paramount importance and has a profound impact that extends across local, regional, and international levels. Locally, this initiative contributes to crowd management by guiding pilgrims in their own languages, thus reducing congestion and facilitating the performance of rituals with peace of mind. Regionally and internationally, broadcasting the sermon in such linguistic diversity strengthens intercultural communication and disseminates Islam's tolerant message of peace, moderation, and balance. This annual event also represents a golden opportunity to counter extremist rhetoric and promote the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among the world's diverse peoples, reflecting the leading religious and political position of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a global Islamic authority that constantly strives to unify the Muslim world and serve humanity.
The latest modern technologies in service of the pilgrims
On the engineering and technical side, the Authority completed the operational and technical arrangements for the project to the highest international standards. This included thorough verification of the broadcasting systems and updated software, as well as the preparation of soundproof booths for interpreters and simultaneous interpretation offices, to ensure high-quality audio and video broadcasts. The Authority went further, enhancing access to translation services by expanding the use of QR codes to facilitate access to text and audio translation via smartphones. These codes were distributed on-site via screens in facilities, buses, and hotels for pilgrims in Mecca and the Holy Sites.
Integrating media efforts and aligning them with Vision 2030
In addition to live broadcasts via government digital platforms, international media outlets are being targeted in coordination with the Ministry of Media to ensure the widest possible coverage. All of this stems from the generous care bestowed by the wise leadership – may God support them – upon the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, and the harnessing of the latest digital technologies and artificial intelligence in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. This ambitious vision aims for the continuous improvement of services provided to pilgrims, facilitating their spiritual journey, and promoting the Kingdom’s message of moderation to the entire world, in all its languages and cultures.
