A human chain of scouts rescues a female pilgrim in the circumambulation area of the Grand Mosque in Mecca
In a heartwarming and heroic act embodying the spirit of giving and dedication to serving the pilgrims, Saudi scouts volunteering at the Grand Mosque in Mecca successfully saved the life of a female pilgrim who suddenly fainted and collapsed amidst the crowds of worshippers in the circumambulation area. With remarkable speed, the scouts formed a tight human chain around her, creating a protective shield that shielded her from the potential danger of being trampled in the densely populated area.
The incident began when scout leaders Ismail Watra and Abdulaziz Al-Zahrani, while performing their organizational duties, noticed a pilgrim suddenly collapse. They immediately issued decisive instructions to their scout unit to surround the area, which was accomplished within seconds. This swift and organized intervention not only protected the pilgrim but also crucially paved the way for the Saudi Red Crescent Authority and Civil Defense teams to reach her and provide necessary first aid without any obstacles.
The historical context of the role of scouts in serving pilgrims
The role of the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association in serving pilgrims is an integral part of the history of Hajj and Umrah seasons in the Kingdom. For decades, thousands of young male and female volunteers have participated in the public service camps organized by the Association in Mecca, Medina, and the Holy Sites. These volunteers receive intensive training in first aid, crowd management, guiding lost pilgrims, and handling emergencies, making them effective and supportive partners to government, security, and health authorities. This volunteer work reflects the deeply rooted Islamic and national values of Saudi youth and represents one of the noblest forms of community service.
The importance and impact of the incident
Locally, this incident highlights the high level of coordination among the various sectors operating within the Grand Mosque in Mecca, reflecting the success of the operational plans for managing emergencies during peak times. It also reinforces confidence in the ability of young Saudi volunteers to shoulder responsibility and handle challenging situations professionally. Internationally, such humanitarian stories convey a positive image of the efforts exerted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims arriving from all corners of the earth. It is a message of reassurance to the Muslim world that their lives and rituals are in safe hands, and that the service provided to them transcends mere organization to encompass profound human compassion. One pilgrim succinctly captured the scene, addressing the scout leader: “You are creating security,” to which the leader affirmed that their mission is to provide unseen support to the pilgrims, seeking only God’s pleasure.
