Free telephone service for fatwas in 10 languages for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims
In a significant step aimed at facilitating the performance of rituals and removing obstacles for pilgrims, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Secretariat for Islamic Awareness in Hajj, Umrah and Visitation, announced the activation of a free telephone service dedicated to answering religious inquiries. This advanced service is staffed by a select group of the Ministry's preachers, in addition to an automated response system, and is part of the second phase of the Islamic awareness plan for the current Umrah season of 1447 AH.
Technology in service of pilgrims and Vision 2030
This launch comes within the framework of the Kingdom's general direction towards digital transformation and the use of modern technologies to serve pilgrims to the Two Holy Mosques, clearly aligned with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Through these initiatives, the Ministry seeks to provide an accessible and enriching religious experience for pilgrims and visitors, as accurate religious guidance is a fundamental pillar of their journey. The use of advanced technology in responding to religious inquiries reflects the commitment of the relevant authorities to reach the widest possible segment of beneficiaries with accuracy and speed.
Service details and available languages
The ministry explained that the toll-free telephone service (8002451000) offers callers a wide range of options, with the second phase of the automated response system providing immediate answers in ten major international languages to ensure effective communication with diverse nationalities. These languages include:
- Arabic
- English
- French
- Urdu
- Indonesian
- Filipino
- Hausa
- Bengali
- Indian
- And other vital languages.
The service was not limited to automated responses only, but also included 24/7 remote direct call reception with the participation of qualified preachers, with the direct call service being intensified during peak religious seasons such as the holy month of Ramadan and the Hajj season, to ensure the capacity to accommodate the high volume of questioners.
The importance of the service and its impact on the pilgrim's experience
This service is of paramount importance given the great cultural and linguistic diversity of visitors to the Holy Mosque. By providing religiously sound answers in multiple languages, the Ministry helps remove the language barrier that some pilgrims may face when seeking answers related to their rituals. These outreach efforts aim to educate pilgrims on how to perform the rituals according to the guidance of the Holy Quran and the purified Sunnah of the Prophet, avoiding extremism or common errors.
Through this system, the Ministry also seeks to highlight the ease and tolerance of Islam in worship and transactions, and to solidify the principles of moderation and balance. This comes in implementation of the directives of the wise leadership, which has dedicated all human and material resources to serving the pilgrims and enabling them to perform their rituals with ease, comfort, and peace of mind.
