Arafat sermon translated into 50 languages: Islam's message reaches the world
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is preparing to achieve a new milestone in serving pilgrims, as the General Authority for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has announced a major project to translate this year's Arafat sermon into 50 international languages. This pioneering project aims to convey the tolerant message of Islam and the profound meaning of the sermon to diverse peoples and ethnicities in their native tongues, reflecting the wise leadership's commitment to providing the highest quality services to pilgrims and Muslims worldwide.
Extensive geographical coverage in 50 languages
In a move reflecting the universality of the Islamic message, the fifty languages were distributed to cover the world's continents. The organization allocated 25 languages for Asia, home to the largest Muslim population, 12 for Europe, and 13 for Africa. This linguistic diversity ensures that the meaning of the Arafat Day sermon reaches millions of Muslims worldwide, directly enriching the religious experience of pilgrims, visitors, and those watching on screens across the globe.
The historical context of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' translation project
This achievement did not come about by chance, but is a natural extension and development of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Project for Simultaneous Translation of the Arafat Day Sermon and the Sermons of the Two Holy Mosques. The project began several years ago with a limited number of languages (five initially in 2018) and has gradually expanded year after year thanks to the generous support of the Saudi leadership, reaching 50 languages today. The significance of this event lies in its regional and international impact, as it promotes intercultural dialogue, disseminates the values of tolerance, moderation, and balance that Islam encourages, and counters extremist rhetoric by conveying the true meaning of Islam from the holiest places on earth.
The latest digital technologies in service of pilgrims
On the engineering and technical side, the authority completed all operational arrangements to ensure the success of the broadcast. These preparations included verifying the broadcast systems and updating the software, setting up the soundproof booths for the interpreters, and equipping the simultaneous interpretation offices with the latest audio equipment. All of this was done to guarantee a high-quality broadcast in accordance with the highest international technical and operational standards.
To keep pace with digital transformation, the Authority enhanced access to translation services by expanding the use of QR codes. These codes were widely distributed across facility screens, transportation buses, and pilgrim hotels, making it easy for pilgrims to listen to audio translations or read text translations on their smartphones.
Keeping pace with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030
This remarkable technological and linguistic advancement is a continuation of the generous care bestowed by the wise leadership – may God support them – upon the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors. It also embodies the harnessing of the latest digital technologies and artificial intelligence in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes enhancing services provided to pilgrims, facilitating their performance of rituals, and strengthening the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as the beating heart of the Islamic world and a leader in serving humanity.
In addition, the translated sermon will be broadcast via government digital platforms, and international media will be targeted in coordination with the Ministry of Information, to ensure the widest possible dissemination of this great message on the day of the Greater Hajj.
