229,000 women benefit from the women's affairs programs at the Grand Mosque
In a move reflecting the great care and attention the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia gives to female visitors to the Two Holy Mosques, the General Presidency for Religious Affairs announced an exceptional achievement: more than 229,000 women benefited from the women's affairs programs at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina during the month of Dhu al-Qi'dah. These ongoing efforts aim to provide a comprehensive system of religious and educational services that enrich the spiritual experience of Muslim women and facilitate the performance of their rituals with complete peace and ease.
The historical development of services for female pilgrims to the Sacred House of God
Over the decades, the services provided at the Two Holy Mosques have undergone a radical transformation. Historically, efforts focused primarily on crowd management and providing basic services to worshippers and pilgrims. With the continuous expansion of the Grand Mosque during the prosperous Saudi era, the urgent need arose to establish independent departments dedicated to women's affairs. This care has evolved from simply organizing women's prayer areas to the creation of specialized agencies offering educational, guidance, and counseling programs led by highly qualified female professionals. This historic shift reflects the wise leadership's vision of empowering Saudi women and involving them in the honor of serving the guests of God, making the Grand Mosque in Mecca a global model for providing comprehensive care.
Details of the women's affairs programs at the Grand Mosque and contact information for beneficiaries
Official statistics released by the Presidency of Religious Affairs indicate that the total number of women benefiting from the women's affairs programs at the Grand Mosque has exceeded 229,000. These figures are distributed across various enrichment, educational, and volunteer tracks, reflecting the comprehensiveness of the services and their suitability to meet all the needs of women within the precincts of the Grand Mosque.
The awareness and guidance programs recorded the highest number of beneficiaries, with over 202,000 women participating, confirming their keenness to deepen their understanding of Islam and learn correct Islamic rulings. Simultaneously, Quranic study circles witnessed a significant turnout, benefiting over 21,000 women, followed by the registration of more than 2,450 volunteers within the women's volunteer work program, highlighting the spirit of initiative and generosity among Muslim women.
Questions and scientific lessons service
The efforts were not limited to general guidance but extended to specialized religious rulings (fatwas). The service providing answers to women's questions served 825 women, in addition to over 2,000 women attending structured religious lessons. The Women's Affairs Department continues to implement these programs according to a sound scientific methodology that contributes to spreading the values of moderation and balance.
The local and international impact of women's empowerment in the Two Holy Mosques
The profound importance of these programs extends far beyond the geographical boundaries of the Grand Mosque. Locally, these achievements align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes empowering women and enhancing their role in serving society, particularly in the sector of serving pilgrims, a key pillar of the Vision.
On both regional and international levels, providing diverse religious content in multiple languages and using modern educational methods contributes to conveying the universal message of the Two Holy Mosques. Connecting female pilgrims from all corners of the earth with this moderate and enlightening message has a significant positive impact on their communities upon their return, making the Grand Mosque a beacon of cultural and religious enlightenment that promotes sound Islamic understanding and counters extremism by spreading the tolerance and moderation of Islam throughout the world.
