Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques arrive in Medina after Hajj
Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Hajj, Umrah, and Visit Program, representing 104 countries worldwide, have arrived in Madinah after completing their Hajj rituals in Makkah and the holy sites with ease and tranquility. Their arrival is part of a comprehensive system of services provided by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, which oversees the implementation of this annual royal program.
A rich cultural program in the city of the Prophet
The Ministry has prepared a rich cultural and religious program for the guests during their stay in Madinah. The program aims to introduce them to the most prominent Islamic and historical landmarks in the city. The itinerary includes visits to the Prophet's Mosque for prayer and to pay their respects to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his two companions (may God be pleased with them), as well as a visit to the Rawdah Al-Sharifah (the area between the Prophet's grave and his pulpit). The program also includes a visit to Quba Mosque, the first mosque built in Islam, and Mount Uhud, which holds great historical significance in the Prophet's life. In addition, the delegations will visit the King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Quran to learn about the Kingdom's extensive efforts in serving the Holy Quran, and several archaeological museums that narrate the rich history of Madinah.
Historical background and importance of the program
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation is one of the most prominent initiatives reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s care for Islam and Muslims worldwide. Established during the reign of King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (may God have mercy on him) in 1417 AH, the program has continued and developed under subsequent kings, culminating in the prosperous era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The program annually hosts thousands of Muslims from various continents, particularly prominent Islamic figures, academic elites, and families of martyrs and those injured in service to Islam from several countries, enabling them to perform Hajj at the Kingdom’s expense, in recognition of their service to Islam or in solidarity with their circumstances.
The international and local impact of the initiative
The program carries significant strategic dimensions at both the local and international levels. Internationally, it serves as an effective tool for religious and cultural diplomacy, strengthening the bonds of Islamic brotherhood and embodying the values of solidarity and unity among Muslims. The guests return to their countries as ambassadors of peace, carrying with them a positive image of the Kingdom's efforts to serve the Two Holy Mosques and facilitate the performance of Hajj rituals for millions of pilgrims. Locally, the program highlights the Kingdom's leading role as the heart of the Islamic world and reflects its unwavering commitment to serving the guests of God, a cornerstone of its policies and future vision.
At the conclusion of their spiritual journey, the guests expressed their profound gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince – may God protect them – for their generous hospitality, which enabled them to perform the fifth pillar of Islam. They also commended the significant efforts of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in implementing the program and providing the highest quality services, which contributed to their comfort and the performance of their rituals in a safe and spiritually enriching environment.
