Details of the launch of the project to translate the Arafat sermon into 35 international languages
In a pioneering step reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to serving Islam and Muslims, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques announced the readiness of its online platform dedicated to translating the Arafat sermon into 35 international languages. This initiative is part of the comprehensive enrichment plan for the Hajj season, aiming to convey the profound message of the Arafat sermon to all Muslims worldwide, regardless of their language or culture, thus facilitating their understanding of the religious principles and spiritual guidance of this blessed day.
The historical development of the Arafat sermon translation project
Broadcasting the sermon from the pulpit of Namira Mosque in Arafat to the world was not a spontaneous event, but rather the culmination of a long history of the wise leadership's meticulous care for the Two Holy Mosques and the holy sites. In past decades, the Arafat Day sermon was limited to those present at the site, but with the advent of radio and television, it evolved to be broadcast to millions of Muslims. With rapid technological advancements, the urgent need to overcome the language barrier became apparent, leading the Kingdom to launch an ambitious project for simultaneous interpretation. The project began with a limited number of languages, gradually expanding year after year until it reached 35 languages today, representing a qualitative leap in the history of religious services provided to pilgrims and Muslims worldwide.
Global and local dimensions of conveying the message of the Two Holy Mosques
This exceptional project has profound effects that transcend the boundaries of time and place. Locally, it directly enriches the experience of pilgrims in the holy sites, allowing them to listen to the sermon in their native languages via their smartphones, thus deepening its spiritual and faith-based impact. Regionally and internationally, broadcasting the sermon with translation enhances the Kingdom's soft power and its leadership in the Islamic world. It also plays a pivotal role in disseminating the values of moderation and tolerance, highlighting the magnanimity of Islam, correcting misconceptions, and building bridges of cultural understanding with diverse peoples, ensuring that Islam's message of tolerance reaches the farthest corners of the earth.
Harnessing modern technology to serve those seeking knowledge
The Presidency of Religious Affairs explained that the digital platform dedicated to translation utilizes the latest technologies to ensure high-quality, uninterrupted live streaming. This digital transformation reflects the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to align with its vision of harnessing technology to serve pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah. The platform allows Muslims worldwide to easily follow the sermon and benefit from its religious and guidance-oriented content.
In closing its announcement, the Presidency called on all Muslims and pilgrims to take advantage of this noble service, noting that the legitimate translation platform is available to everyone via the official electronic link dedicated to this purpose: the Arafat Sermon Translation Platform, so that this link may be a global window through which the message of peace and mercy will shine from the pure plains of Arafat to the whole world.
