The story of Khaldoun Al-Saadi in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program
On a quiet night in a modest home in Syria, Haj Khaldoun Al-Saadi, who had come from Finland, held his ailing father's hand, helping him to his feet, accompanying him to the bathroom, and preparing his daily medication. As his father, his voice weary and filled with love and supplication, repeated, "May God be pleased with you, may God be pleased with you," Khaldoun had no idea that these simple words, emanating from the heart of a loving father, were opening the doors to the greatest journey any Muslim could dream of: being chosen as one of the guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
A spiritual journey within the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation, implemented and supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is one of the most prominent pioneering Islamic initiatives. Historically, this program was launched to embody the Kingdom's noble mission of serving Islam and Muslims, hosting thousands of pilgrims annually from various continents and covering all their expenses. Hajj Khaldoun Al-Saadi, of Syrian origin, came to Syria solely to check on his ailing father after years of absence, leaving behind his life and work in Finland to spend his days by his father's side, caring for him personally. Khaldoun says, "I missed my father terribly, and when I saw his condition, I couldn't leave him. I helped him with everything, even the simplest details of his day, and whenever I helped him, he prayed for me from the bottom of his heart."
Overwhelming joy and a swift response to prayer
Khaldoun continues recounting the moment that changed his life: “Just two days after arriving in Syria, I received a message from the Saudi embassy in Finland, but the internet was very weak, so I went out searching for a signal so I could access my email.” Khaldoun experienced moments of anticipation and anxiety as he tried to download the message, before the phrase that stopped him in his tracks appeared: “Congratulations on your visa as a guest of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.” He describes that moment: “I felt like the world had stopped… I got goosebumps all over, and my eyes filled with tears. I couldn’t believe I was going to be a guest of God, that God had chosen me for this blessed journey.” Even his mother didn’t believe the news at first and kept asking him to reread the message until she was sure herself. The initial shock then turned into overwhelming joy that swept through the entire family. Khaldoun believes that what happened was not a coincidence, but rather the fruit of a sincere prayer from a grieving father.
The regional and international impact of the Kingdom's efforts in serving pilgrims
The importance of hosting pilgrims extends far beyond the individual, encompassing a wide-ranging regional and international impact. Through these initiatives, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity among the peoples of the world. Providing comprehensive care for the pilgrims of the Holy House of God reflects the Kingdom's soft power and its high operational efficiency in crowd management and ensuring security and safety. This impact resonates in all the countries of origin of the pilgrims, who return home as ambassadors conveying a positive image of the continuous development of the Holy Sites and the advanced logistical services that the Saudi government dedicates to the comfort of the guests of God.
Comprehensive services and exceptional care for the guests of God
Regarding his journey, Khaldoun expressed his profound admiration for the comprehensive services provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that every detail of the trip was exceptional. He said, “From the moment we were received until we arrived at the Holy Sites, we felt immense care and attention given to every pilgrim. The accommodation, transportation, organization, and healthcare services were beyond description, and everything was arranged with comfort and peace of mind.” He added that this was not merely hospitality, but a profound human and spiritual experience that makes the pilgrim feel valued and respected, as if among family. In closing, Khaldoun offered prayers for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, in appreciation of their care for the guests of God and their service to Islam and Muslims, asking God to perpetuate security and glory for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to reward its leadership abundantly for the care and attention they provide to the pilgrims.
