King Abdulaziz's legacy: How did the Kingdom unite its efforts to serve pilgrims?
His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Dr. Abdul Latif Al-Sheikh, emphasized the importance of praying for the founding King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud, who established the foundations of national unity and made serving the pilgrims of the Sacred House of God an honor sought after by all sectors of the state and all citizens. This came during his reception, at his office in Mina, of the heads of committees and ministry officials participating in serving the pilgrims, to congratulate them on the blessed Eid al-Adha.
Al-Sheikh said, “On this blessed day, we must not forget to pray for the unifier of this land, King Abdulaziz – may God have mercy on him – who spread monotheism and justice among the people.” He added, “Today, we find the sons of this land, from south to north and from east to west, all united in serving the pilgrims of the Sacred House of God and implementing the directives of our leaders for this noble task.”.
Historical context: From chaos to security
This reference alludes to the pivotal role played by King Abdulaziz in the history of the Arabian Peninsula. Before the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, the region suffered from political divisions, tribal conflicts, and a lack of security, making the Hajj pilgrimage fraught with danger and challenges. Pilgrim caravans were vulnerable to robbery and looting, and there was no organized infrastructure or services to care for them.
With the unification of the Kingdom under one banner, King Abdulaziz placed the safety and security of pilgrims at the forefront of his priorities. He worked to secure the roads, provide essential services such as water, food, and healthcare, and establish specialized institutions to manage Hajj affairs. This radical transformation made the Hajj a safe and accessible journey, a legacy that has continued and developed under his sons, the kings who succeeded him, culminating in the prosperous era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and his Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman.
The importance of serving pilgrims to the Kingdom and the Islamic world
Serving pilgrims is a cornerstone of the Kingdom's domestic and foreign policy. Domestically, this service strengthens national unity and fosters a sense of pride and responsibility among citizens, as thousands volunteer and personnel from various military and civilian sectors participate in organizing and caring for millions of pilgrims annually. It is a national duty that embodies the values of generosity and giving deeply rooted in Saudi culture.
On both regional and international levels, the Kingdom's success in managing successive Hajj seasons reinforces its position as a leader of the Islamic world and underscores its pioneering role, embodied in the title "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques" held by its monarchs. The ability to host and manage this massive human gathering efficiently and safely sends a powerful message about the Kingdom's organizational and logistical capabilities, earning it the respect and appreciation of Muslims worldwide.
