Launching Islamic awareness programs during Hajj for the 1447 AH season
In a move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing commitment to providing the best services to pilgrims, His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, who also serves as the General Supervisor of the General Secretariat, inaugurated the Islamic awareness programs for Hajj , Umrah, and visitation for the year 1447 AH. This inauguration took place on Monday, the 10th of Dhu al-Qi'dah 1447 AH, at the Ministry's headquarters, as part of a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at providing the highest quality religious outreach and guidance programs for pilgrims. The event was attended by a number of undersecretaries and directors of relevant departments to ensure the integration of efforts.
Deep historical roots in serving the pilgrims of the Two Holy Mosques
Since the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its wise leadership has placed serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors at the forefront of its absolute priorities. This exceptional care has not been limited to massive urban expansions and providing a comprehensive security and safety system, but has extended to include spiritual and guidance aspects. The guidance and counseling efforts are a natural extension of this rich historical legacy, as the mechanisms of operation have evolved over the decades from simple study circles in the corridors of the Grand Mosque to a fully integrated institutional system that utilizes the latest digital technologies and artificial intelligence to ensure that the correct and moderate message reaches every pilgrim in their native language. This reflects the continuous development in crowd management and meeting their religious needs with ease and convenience.
A comprehensive package of Islamic awareness programs for Hajj
This year, the General Secretariat's work is embodied in the implementation of a comprehensive package of outreach programs, including delivering religious lessons and sermons, and answering questions from pilgrims. These efforts are distributed across strategic locations, including mosques in the vicinity of the Kaaba, the Arafat Kaaba, the Thawr Kaaba, and hotel prayer rooms in the central area surrounding the Grand Mosque. To enhance effective communication, a toll-free number (8002451000) has been activated, operating 24/7 to receive inquiries in multiple international languages. The Ministry has also made available a video call service via iPads, enabling pilgrims to communicate directly with muftis and preachers to obtain accurate religious rulings in various languages.
Figures and statistics reflect the magnitude of the field achievement
To ensure the success of this ambitious plan, 1,822 preachers and 120 qualified translators are participating in its implementation. The General Secretariat aims to conduct over 160,000 outreach programs in mosques and prayer halls in Mecca and Medina, as well as at entry points, designated prayer areas, and pilgrim cities. The operational plan also anticipates receiving over 600,000 calls via toll-free telephone and video conferencing services. On the technical and print side, more than 10 million awareness messages will be broadcast via digital screens at work sites, and approximately 300,000 informational brochures will be distributed in various international languages to ensure comprehensive coverage of all pilgrims' informational needs.
The regional and international impact of the Kingdom's pioneering efforts
The impact of these tremendous efforts is not limited to the local level within the Holy Sites, but extends to leave a clear regional and international mark. Locally, these programs contribute to organizing crowd movement and preventing stampedes by educating pilgrims about the rulings on permissible exceptions and the timings for stoning and circumambulating the Kaaba. Regionally and internationally, the return of millions of pilgrims to their homelands imbued with a correct and moderate understanding of Islam directly contributes to spreading a culture of tolerance and moderation and rejecting extremism in their societies. This integrated system of services affirms to the entire world the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leadership and its exceptional ability to manage the largest annual human gathering with efficiency and competence, thus reinforcing its position as the beating heart of the Islamic world and a key reference point in spreading peace and tranquility among the peoples of the earth.
