Jeddah University volunteers: Great volunteer efforts in serving the guests of God
In a heartwarming display of love and dedication, the true meaning of giving is embodied in the faces of hundreds of young men and women, with volunteers from Jeddah University as shining examples in their service to the pilgrims. These heroes chose to forgo their leisure time for long hours of tireless fieldwork, believing that the greatest reward lies in a sincere prayer offered by a pilgrim weary from travel and comforted by the warm welcome. In the reception areas and crowd management centers, their role extended beyond mere organizational tasks; they lived an exceptional spiritual and humanitarian experience, shaped by the smiles, prayers, and tears of joy they witnessed in the eyes of the pilgrims from the moment they arrived in the Holy Land.
The Kingdom has a distinguished history in caring for pilgrims
Throughout history, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been associated with the honor of serving the Two Holy Mosques and caring for their visitors, a historical legacy passed down from generation to generation. Serving pilgrims has never been merely an organizational duty, but rather a deeply rooted religious and humanitarian mission within Saudi culture. Volunteer efforts during Hajj are an extension of this rich history, with the wise leadership dedicating significant attention to harnessing all available human and material resources to ensure the comfort of pilgrims. In this context, the importance of engaging university students to reinforce these deeply rooted values is paramount, reflecting the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to providing the best possible services to the guests of God and facilitating the performance of their rituals with ease and tranquility.
Reports have noted the pride and sense of accomplishment felt by participants in the “Aknaf Al-Haramain” initiative, a pioneering program launched by Jeddah University to serve pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors. This initiative aims to provide year-round logistical and organizational support through a professional team comprised of students, faculty members, administrators, and security personnel. These integrated efforts paint a vivid picture reflecting the cultural and civilizational values of the Kingdom's citizens in serving the Two Holy Mosques.
The impact of Jeddah University volunteers locally and internationally
The impact of Jeddah University volunteers extends far beyond the geographical boundaries of the holy sites, creating a widespread positive effect at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally, this work contributes to shaping the character of young people and building their leadership skills, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aspires to reach one million volunteers. Internationally, pilgrims returning home carry with them unforgettable memories of the Kingdom's hospitality and warm welcome, enhancing its soft power and showcasing its positive image as a beacon of Islam and peace. This experience builds bridges of human and cultural connection among the peoples of the Islamic world.
A shining example of the values of generosity and responsibility
These scenes reflect the high level of community awareness and sense of responsibility possessed by the Kingdom's young men and women. In this regard, volunteer Mohammed Al-Otaibi expressed his feelings, saying that his experience serving the pilgrims was beyond words. He explained that the team's tasks begin with receiving and welcoming the pilgrims, activating their "Nusk" cards, and then guiding them to their designated locations with ease and organization. Al-Otaibi added that the greatest feeling the volunteers experience is that God has chosen them to serve the guests of the Most Merciful, emphasizing that the prayers they hear give them an indescribable feeling. He added, "When you see a pilgrim smiling and praying for you from the bottom of their heart, you feel that the whole world is worthless compared to that prayer.".
For his part, university student Saleh Ahmed Saleh affirmed that his participation was a source of great pride for him and his family, noting that the culture of serving pilgrims is deeply rooted in Saudi society. He explained that his father was his biggest supporter, guiding him and teaching him the importance of patience and a cheerful demeanor, emphasizing that a smile and kind words have a profound impact on the pilgrims. Saleh added that volunteer work builds character and instills in individuals the values of responsibility and compassion.
On another front, student Noha Al-Ghamdi from the College of Business at Jeddah University expressed her immense joy at participating, emphasizing that this work is a great honor. She explained that the volunteers experience moving moments daily, especially when welcoming pilgrims arriving after long journeys, as the warm reception quickly dispels their fatigue. She noted the team's participation in welcoming pilgrims through the "Welcome, Pilgrim" initiative and preparing "Labbayk" bags containing essential items for pilgrims and copies of the Quran in various languages. This dedication extends to providing support and assistance within the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, with the ultimate reward for every volunteer being the sight of peace and gratitude on the faces of the pilgrims.
