Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques head to Medina after completing Hajj
Having completed their Hajj rituals in a spiritually uplifting atmosphere of tranquility and peace, the guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Hajj, Umrah, and Visit Program, overseen by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, departed Makkah this morning for Madinah. This next stop on their spiritual journey will allow them to continue their experience by visiting the Prophet's Mosque, praying there, and offering their greetings to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his two companions (may God be pleased with them).
Background and history of the Royal Hosting Program
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation is a generous annual royal initiative reflecting the Saudi leadership's commitment to serving Islam and Muslims worldwide. Launched decades ago, the program hosts thousands of Muslims from around the globe, particularly prominent Islamic figures, scholars, and academics, as well as families of martyrs and those injured in service from countries such as Palestine, Yemen, and Sudan. The program aims to strengthen Islamic brotherhood, provide an opportunity for those unable to perform the fifth pillar of Islam, and give them firsthand insight into the Kingdom's immense efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors.
The importance and impact of visiting Medina
Visiting Medina after Hajj holds immense symbolic and spiritual significance for Muslims. After performing the pilgrimage in Mecca, the birthplace of revelation and the Mother of Cities, pilgrims yearn to visit the city of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the starting point of the Islamic call and the center of the first Islamic state. While not a pillar of Hajj, this visit is an integral part of the complete spiritual journey. Internationally, these guests, representing 104 countries this year, return to their homelands as ambassadors of peace, carrying with them indelible memories of their spiritual experience and the exceptional hospitality and meticulous organization they encountered, thus contributing to enhancing the Kingdom's positive image and its leading role in the Islamic world.
A comprehensive cultural program awaits guests
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has prepared a rich cultural and enriching program for the guests during their stay in Madinah. In addition to praying at the Prophet's Mosque and visiting the Rawdah al-Sharifah (the area between the Prophet's grave and his pulpit), the program includes field trips to several prominent historical and Islamic landmarks, such as Quba Mosque, the first mosque built in Islam, and the King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Quran, the world's largest printing press for the Quran and its translations. The program also includes visits to important historical sites, such as the site of the Battle of Uhud and the cemetery of its martyrs, to learn about significant chapters of the Prophet's life.
Appreciation and gratitude for the Kingdom's efforts
The guests expressed their immense joy at completing the Hajj rituals with ease and comfort, praising the comprehensive system of services and facilities provided by the Kingdom's government. They extended their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect them, for this generous hospitality and the exceptional care they received since their arrival in the Kingdom, affirming that these efforts embody the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to serving the pilgrims and ensuring their comfort and safety.
